DEFENDING CHAMPION: Young gun Nelly Korda denied Jin Young Ko her second consecutive Australian Open title last year, reaching 17-under par on the West Course at The Grange and winning by two shots.

COURSE: The Dr. Alister MacKenzie-designed Royal Adelaide Golf Club is considered the centerpiece of the Adelaide Sandbelt. It has recently been tweaked by renowned American course architect Tom Doak, and will this week play to 6,079 metres (par-73).

PRIZEMONEY: US$1,300,000.

PLAYERS TO WATCH …

Defending champion Nelly Korda played exceptionally at The Grange last year and returns to the City of Churches ranked third in the Women’s World Golf Rankings. The 21-year-old made her first Women’s Australian Open appearance at Royal Adelaide in 2017, sharing 40th place. Korda, three times a winner on the LPGA Tour, successfully defended her Taiwan Swinging Skirts LPGA title last year.

RIGHT: Nelly Korda has returned to Adelaide to defend her Women’s Australian Open title. PHOTO: Brenton Edwards/AFP/Getty Images.

World No.9 Minjee Lee has never finished outside the top-20 from five previous appearances and shared third place at Royal Adelaide in 2017. The Perth product arrives in form, too, finishing T6 at 13th Beach last week. The 23-year-old is looking for her first victory since the LA Open last April.

72-HOLE RECORD: Karrie Webb won her first national Open at Yarra Yarra Golf Club in 2000, shooting 22-under-par, 270.

PAST AUSSIE WINNERS: Karrie Webb (2014, 2008, 2007, 2002 and 2000), Jane Crafter (1997) and Jan Stephenson (1977).

TV TIMES*
Round 1: Thursday (ABC LIVE 3pm – 6pm)
Round 2: Friday (ABC LIVE 3pm – 6pm)
Round 3: Saturday (ABC LIVE 1pm – 6:10pm)
Round 4: Sunday (ABC LIVE 1pm – 6pm)
*AEDT, check local guides