Papua New Guinea and the Lae Golf Club will this week host 43 Professionals competing for $110,000 in prize money at the Morobe Open.

The tournament will tee off tomorrow with Professionals and amateurs from all over Australia, Korea, Fiji and Papua New Guinea, vying for the coveted Morobe Open title.

Defending Champion Chris Wood claimed one of the richest tournaments on the Ladbrokes Pro-Am Series when he won the Morobe Open last year.

Although Wood had mixed results through the back end of 2017 he will be looking to defend his title and record back-to-back victories in Lae, something which has only been achieved twice before in Morobe Open history.

“The win here last year really put me in a good position and gave me a lot of confidence at the time,” said Wood.

“Unfortunately I didn’t capitalise on the opportunity as much as I would have liked, but I am feeling really good about this week and what 2018 will bring.”

2017 Queensland Ladbrokes Pro-Am Series Order of Merit Winner and 2016 Morobe Open Champion Damien Jordan has returned to the Morobe province looking to secure another win on the pro-am circuit for 2018.

The Tweed Coast Professional is coming off a stellar year in 2017 on the Ladbrokes Pro-Am Series where he won seven times.

“I played really good golf last year which resulted in some great finishes,” said Jordan.

“It was an honour and I was thrilled to win the Queensland Order of Merit for the second year in a row.

“It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to play a four round tournament here in Lae. The course is once again in great condition and I am looking forward to what will be a memorable week.”

Former Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways winner Steven Jefress will make his return to the Morobe province following a five year absence. Jeffress has the experience when it comes to big events and as a past winner here in 2008 he will likely be in contention come the final round on Sunday.

“It’s my first trip to PNG in five years,” said Jeffress.

“It’s great to be back up here in PNG competing again, I hope to play well this week and the next to play myself into some form.”

Queenslander Michael Wright won the Morobe Open back in 2009 and finished a credible second place last year, he will be looking to go one better in 2018.

Western Australian Daniel Fox who recently won the 2018 Coca Cola QLD PGA Championship will be looking to continue his good form here at the Morobe Open.

The next generation of players cannot be discounted as they are waiting for their opportunity to take the title including Dale Brandt-Richards, Brett Rankin, Tim Hart, Matthew Stieger and Anthony Marchesani.

The Morobe Open offers the local Papuans an opportunity to experience professional golf of an international flavour, the tournament is a great promotion for the game of golf and hopes to inspire the next generation of golfing superstars in PNG.

The opening round of the 2018 Morobe Open will tee off tomorrow morning at the Lae Golf Club at 7:45am.