Geoff Ogilvyheads the lengthy list of Australians when he tees off at the 13th Beach Golf Club on Thursday.
ISPS Handa Vic Open was first played in 1957 but will appear on the Race to Dubai for the first time at the 13th Beach Golf Club, where 156 men and 156 women play on the same courses and for equal prize money.
Groups will alternate between men and women on the Beach Course and Creek Course, with all 312 players set to play a round on each course during the first two days. There will be a cut after round two and round three before the final day is played on the Beach Course.
The 2006 US Open Championship winner will be one of the home favourites to watch when he tees off at 13.00 alongside Spain'sJorge Campilloand fellow AustralianMatt Griffinon the Creek Course.
Nicolas Colsaerts, who was part of the victorious European Team at the 2012 Ryder Cup, will start on the Beach Course at 08.00 with AustraliansScott Hendand former winnerSimon Hawkes.
In-form home favouriteJake McLeodand the highest ranked player from last year's Race to Dubai,Ryan Fox, are grouped together with amateurConor Purcellon the Beach Course at 07.20
Honma Hong Kong Open presented by Amundi winner
Aaron Rai
starts on the Creek Course at 12.20 with
Matthew Millar
and
Nick O'Hern
, while three-time European Tour winner
Thomas Aiken
tees off at the same time on the Beach Course with
Jarryd Felton
and amateur
Blake Windred
.
EnglishmanAndrew Johnstonhas an early start alongside rising Australian star Lucas Herbertand Japan'sRyo Ishikawaon the Beach Course at 07.40, while four-time European Tour winnerMatteo Manasserobegins at 13.10 on the Creek Course with Northern Ireland'sMichael Hoeyand AustralianDamien Jordan.
Home favourite and three-time winner on the European Tour,Richard Green, also starts his first round on the Creek Course alongside IrishmanPaul Dunneand amateurDavid Micheluzziat 12.40.
