The focus of the golf world will move Down Under this week for the Australian Open.

If you remember Tiger Woods took a big step in his “process” last year when he finished third in this event that was held prior to the Presidents Cup.  Lefty Greg Chalmers collected the win over a field that included several top international players.

The Australian Open is co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia and the OneAsia Tour.  Even though the total purse is modest by today’s standards it annually draws a stellar field and offers a slew of Official World Golf Ranking points. 

It has been held annually since 1904 and is recognized as a true national open.

The Lakes Golf Club can trace its beginnings back to 1928 and has provided a rich history in Australian golf.  It has hosted many great championships over its rolling sand hills and crowned many great champions over the years.  Peter Senior, Steve Elkington, Curtis Strange, Craig Parry, Aaron Baddeley and Geoff Ogilvy have all won titles at the Lakes Golf Club. 

The field for the 2012 Australian Open is expected to include; Tom Watson, Adam Scott, Geoff Ogilvy, Robert Allenby, Stuart Appleby and Justin Rose.

The Australian Open can be viewed on the Golf Channel Wednesday through Saturday, December 5-8, 8:00 PM-1 AM EST.