The Plantation course at Kapalua will never be mistaken for a classic Australian sand-belt layout, but given the list of winners from previous years Championship SBS, it is easy to make the connection between Oz and the opening of the season rolling.

Geoff Ogilvy victory Sunday was the Australian record at Kapalua with five victories in seven plays three peat Stuart Appleby in 2004. Like Ogilvy, Appleby is a product of the Victorian Institute of Sport and regions famous golf courses.

Note to self: next year to open the season starts and ends with an Australian passport