It was here in Mexico, site of this week’s Worldwide Technology Championship at Mayakoba, that Matt Kuchar cashed a cheque for $1.3 million for winning the tournament but paid local looper David Ortiz, just $5,000.

It was perhaps the most coverage the tournament has ever received though from humble beginnings as an opposite field event it has grown to become a staple on the early season wrap around calendar.

DEFENDING CHAMPION: Norway’s Viktor Hovland made birdie at the 72^nd hole in 2020 to win by a single stroke over American Aaron Wise. It was the former U.S. Amateur winners second PGA Tour title.

COURSE: Nestled amongst mangroves adjoining the Caribbean Sea it’s not difficult to see why the Greg Norman designed El Camaleon Golf Club attracts plenty of rave reviews.

RIGHT: Viktor Hovland claimed his second win on the PGA Tour here in 2020. PHOTO: Hector Vivas/Getty Iages.

The location is spectacular and given the site features several environmentally sensitive areas Norman has done a decent job of creating golf interest.

Designed for resort guest 51 weeks per year the course itself offers little challenge to a field of this calibre though ever present breezes make it far from a pushover.

Two themes emerge when studying reviews of the course: the unusual natural caves that litter the property (including the centre of the 7th fairway) and the unusually short par-3 holes.

The caves, called Cenotes, are a type of sinkhole that forms when the roof of a limestone cave (the predominant ground in the area) collapses.

While Cenotes usually have a pool of water in the bottom the most visible example at El Camaleon, in the centre of the 7th fairway, more resembles a bunker as its entrance forms a natural fairway hazard.

Beyond the sand does indeed lie a bat infested limestone cave complete with a freshwater pool fed by stalactites but it is unlikely a ball will find its way in there.

Normally the opening hole on the course the bunker – known as ‘The Devil’s Mouth’ is out of reach for ordinary golfers at almost 300 metres from the tee but is definitely in play for a PGA Tour field.

At the opposite end of the spectrum are the par-3 holes, notable for the lack of length of three of them.

Of the four one shotters only the 10th requires more than a short iron with the other three weighing in at 106 metres, 138 and 141 metres.

Not surprisingly all but the 180 metre 10th average under their par while the 15th steals the show courtesy of a spectacular setting.

The pros have not found scoring here difficult over the years with the winning total only once exceeding 270 (14-under).

Justin Thomas makes his first start since the CJ Cup three weeks ago, and is the highest ranked player in the field. PHOTO: Christian Petersen/Getty Images.

PRIZEMONEY: US$7,200,000

PLAYERS TO WATCH: The time of year and position on the schedule works against attracting a strong field to Mexico and with Justin Thomas the only world top-10 player that is again the case this year.

However, there is a decent smattering of talent on hand for what is a well-run tournament where the golf usually entertains.

Thomas tees up for the third time here (yet to crack the top10) while World No.13 Brooks Koepka is faring even worse at El Camaleon having not played the weekend in either of his first two visits.

Both Koepka and Thomas tee up for the first time since the CJ Cup three weeks ago and in a tournament where scoring is always hot that may not be the best preparation.

In that class, last week’s runner-up Patrick Reed could be the player to watch.

The 2018 Masters champ stormed home in Bermuda with a brilliant Sunday 65 and with that sort of confidence Reed will always be dangerous.

Also worth some extra attention this week will be Mexico’s Abraham Ancer who, alongside fellow PGA Tour member Carlos Ortiz, is looking to become the first local to win the tournament.

Ancer has played decent golf here in the past with two top-10’s and just one missed cut in six attempts but this is his first visit since winning on the Tour at the WGC event in Memphis in August.

72-HOLE RECORD: 262 (Matt Kuchar, 2018).

PAST AUSSIE WINNERS: No Australian has won the event.

AUSTRALIANS IN THE FIELD: Lucas Herbert and Matt Jones.

TV TIMES*

Round 1: Friday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 7am – 10am)
Round 2: Friday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 7am – 10am) 
Round 3: Saturday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 6am – 9am)
Round 4: Sunday (Fox Sports 505  6am – 9am)

*AEDT, check local guides