Australian Open golf at a glance

Nov 21, 2017 - 11:47 PM LOWDOWN ON GOLF'S AUSTRALIAN OPEN

Where: The Australian GC, Sydney (par 71, 6589m, from Thursday to Sunday)

Defending champion: Jordan Spieth (US)

Prizemoney: $1.25 million

Trophy: Stonehaven Cup

WHO TO WATCH

Jordan Spieth (aged 24): Three majors at his age make the Texan the best player in the world despite his world No.2 ranking behind Dustin Johnson. Great mental game, great short game. Seeking third Australian Open title in four appearances, having won in 2014 and 2016 and tied second in 2015.

Jason Day (30): Former world No.1 is back home for the first time in four years. He's slipped to world No.12 during a winless 18 months but determined to recapture the form that brought eight US tour wins, including a major, in 2015 and early 2016.

Matt Jones (37): Only man to have beaten Spieth in the Australian Open when he won here in 2015. The US tour player is a club member who's played The Australian since age 15 and will welcome wind that blows frequently across the course.

Geoff Ogilvy (40): The 2006 US Open champion went very close last year when battling his swing. He's amassed $US30,359,479 in his US tour career, believes he's found better form after a lean patch and can add to his 2010 Australian Open win in his 21st appearance.

Cameron Smith (24): Only lost out in a three-man playoff to Spieth last year at Royal Sydney. The young Queenslander caught the eye when tied fourth on debut in the 2015 US Open after qualifying. Claimed first US tour title with Jonas Blixt at team event in New Orleans this year.

MOST WINS

7- Gary Player (1958, 62, 63, 65, 69, 70, 74)

6 - Jack Nicklaus (1964, 68, 71, 75, 76, 78)

5 - Greg Norman (1980, 85, 87, 95, 96), Ivo Whitton (amateur, 1912, 13, 26, 29, 31)

MOST TIMES AS HOST VENUE

20 - The Australian

16 - Royal Melbourne

15 - Royal Sydney

9 - Royal Adelaide

Source: AAP