The $1.5 million Australian Open gets underway at NSW Golf Club on Thursday with everyone chasing bookies’ favourite Geoff Ogilvy.

World No.13 Ogilvy is the highest-ranked player in the field and the favourite to add a first Stonehaven Cup to his collection.

Conditions are expected to provide a stern test for the field, with the wind notoriously tricky at the links course at La Perouse.

Ogilvy had a great start to 2009 before tailing off midway through the season, but he is back in form and expecting to be near the top of the leaderboard come Sunday.

“If I play like I did the last few weeks, I’m every chance to do well,” Ogilvy said.

“There’s some draw dependency out here. There could be a lopsided draw, which is just the nature of playing next to the ocean.

“The British Open has lopsided draws every year.

“Hit the right shots at the right time and hit a few putts, I’m every chance.”

One of the marquee groups is teeing off early, with Adam Scott, John Daly and James Nitties starting their opening rounds at 7.30am (AEDT).

Aaron Baddeley is chasing his third Open title and first since 2000 and will commence his round alongside Rod Pampling and Marc Leishman.

Ogilvy will tee off at 12.10pm (AEDT) chasing his first national title in a group including Mat Goggin and 2006 champion John Senden.

© AAP 2012

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