Adam Scott and Marc Leishman are hoping to make the most of home advantage when they tee it up for Australia in the ISPS HANDA World Cup of Golf in Melbourne.
Scott is looking to defend the title he won alongside Jason Day in 2013 and both men arrive with European Tour wins under their belts in the 2016 season.
Leishman won the season's first edition of the Nedbank Golf Challenge while Scott was victorious in the WGC-Cadillac Championship as both men, along with World Number One Day, showed that Australian golf is in rude health.
They will tee it up as a team at Kingston Heath Golf Club and Scott is excited to once again be playing for his country in his native Australia.
"I saw the World Cup trophy at home just the other week and knowing I was coming here brought back a lot of good memories," he said. "If we were able to win in this format, I think it would be great memories for Marc and I to share that experience.
"I think there's nothing much better than winning on home soil. I'm sure we'll have lots of support out there this week, so hopefully we can produce good golf and get everyone excited coming out there.
I think this is a unique opportunity for us - Adam Scott
"Obviously we're very proud Aussies, we're a very proud sporting country. Marc and I play overseas 99 per cent of the year and I feel like I represent Australia every week I tee it up. Even though I may not be playing for Australia that week I'm announced on the tee every week from Australia and I certainly feel proud about that.
"But this week being a team event, it's slightly different. There aren't any team events other than this that we play in representing Australia. The Presidents Cup, sure, we represent Australia but the team is the Internationals. I think this is a unique opportunity for us.
"Hopefully we've got a little local knowledge over most of the field."
With Day suffering a back injury, Scott was able to pick his partner for the event that will consist of two rounds of fourballs and two rounds of foursomes. Leishman was the man to get the call and the Victorian was delighted to be invited to play.
"It's great to be home," he said. "I only got to spend about ten days in Australia last year, so really good to be back in Melbourne for the first time in a few years. Obviously excited about this week and playing with Scotty and making the most of this beautiful Melbourne weather.
It's something I've always wanted to do. I've been lucky enough to represent my country as an amateur but never as a professional - Marc Leishman
"I just sort of sent Adam a quick text, 'if Jason isn't able to play, I said I would love to be there'.
"It's something I've always wanted to do. I've been lucky enough to represent my country as an amateur but never as a professional.
"I obviously wasn't able to go to the Olympics this year, which is disappointing, but to be able to play next to Scotty in what's pretty much my hometown on one of my favourite golf courses in the world, that was a pretty special call to get from Adam."
