DEFENDING CHAMPIONS: Scotsman David Law defeated Brad Kennedy and Wade Ormsby by one shot in the men’s draw last year, reaching 18-under-par 270. Frenchwoman Celine Boutier hoisted the women’s trophy after besting Sarah Kemp, Su Oh and Charlotte Thomas by two shots. She reached eight-under-par 281 for the week.

COURSES: The Beach and Creek Courses – designed by Tony Cashmore and Nick Faldo – at 13th Beach Golf Links have hosted the Vic Open every year since 2013.

PRIZEMONEY: AU$1,600,000 (men); US$1,100,000 (women).

PLAYERS TO WATCH …

China’s Haotong Li is the highest-ranked men’s player in the field at World No.75 and has won twice previously on the European Tour. The 24-year-old played poorly in Dubai two weeks ago – missing the cut with rounds of 78 and 76 – but bounced back strongly in Saudi Arabia with a share of 21st place. Li is a good ball striker and should find 13th Beach to his liking.

Lucas Herbert recently broke through in Dubai to bag his maiden Tour victory and would love to add his home-state Open to his haul. The Bendigo-born World No.79 shared 27th place in Saudi last week and is currently second in the Race to Dubai. He also tied for 37th place here last year.

Celine Boutier and David Law won the Vic Open last year. PHOTO: Michael Dodge/Getty Images.

West Aussie Hannah Green has come a long way since missing the cut here 12 months ago, winning twice on the LPGA Tour, including her Women’s US PGA Championship victory. The 23-year-old loves playing on home soil, and she will be hell-bent on playing herself into form ahead of next week’s Women’s Australian Open.

Perth product Minjee Lee won this event as an amateur in 2014 and again as a professional in 2018, so she clearly has an affinity for this part of the world. The World No.9 will be making her first competitive appearance of the year this week – and she will be determined to start turning her impressive consistency into more victories.

RECENT AUSSIE WINNERS: Simon Hawkes (2018), Dimi Papadatos (2017) and Richard Green (2015).
Minjee Lee (2018 & 2014) and Stacey Keating (2013).

TV TIMES*
Round 1: Thursday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 3pm – 6pm)
Round 2: Friday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 3pm – 6pm)
Round 3: Saturday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 1:30pm – 7pm)
Round 4: Sunday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 12:30pm – 6pm)
*AEDT, check local guides