As well as securing the Kiwi a spot in the Australian PGA Championship and the Australian Open in the coming weeks, he has now taken over No.1 spot on this season’s Order of Merit.
The first 54 holes of strokeplay will decide who advances to the six-hole knockout matchplay contests on the final day. Play began at 7:15 (AEDT) this morning.
Power Horan, who was crowned champion in 2019 in a weather-marred event that saw no matchplay occur, prevailed over fellow Victorian Kyle Michel in the six-hole final.
The innovative format will see 132 players tee it up on the Thursday with the top 50 and ties to make the 36-hole cut. After 54 holes, the top 24 will advance to the final round of matchplay on the Sunday.