The Bing Lee Fujitsu General Women’s NSW Open is set to tee off on Friday at Oatlands Golf Club in Sydney.

Players from 17 countries will be competing in the ALPG first major tournament of the season. There are no less than nine Ladies European Tour winners in the field this week, including the likes of Laura Davies, Swede Sophie Gustafson and France’s Gwladys Nocera.

From an Australian perspective, Sarah Kemp has been the form player leading into the event. She has finished in the top 10 of all the Pro-ams, including three runner-up finishes. Kemp, along with the likes of Lindsey Wright, Stacey Keating, Bree Arthur and Rebecca Artis will be some of the local players to keep an eye on.

Another French player, Joanna Klatten is also one to watch, she won the Yamba and Antill Park pro-ams at the beginning of January and finished in the top 15 on the LET Money List in 2013. Last year, the affable player finished in a tie for sixth in the NSW Open.

There are also 25 amateurs in the field, they will be led by current Australian Amateur Champion, WA’s Minjee Lee.

It will be the eighth staging of an event, which has become known for its exciting finishes and unearthing amazing talent. The first Open was won by former member Joanne Mills in a playoff with Sarah Kemp, then England’s Laura Davies took home the time in 2008 at her first attempt.

2009 and 2010 titles were won by the talented Sarah Oh from New South Wales, on both occasions she held off Katherine Kirk (nee Hull). 2011 was certainly one to remember, when the then 13-year-old, Kiwi sensation Lydia Ko almost took home the title, however a birdie on the last by Swede Caroline Hedwall and a three putt from Ko handed the title to Hedwall. It was an amazing finish, particularly when Hedwall was playing in her first professional event.

12 months later Ko made a mends and took home the title and in doing so became the youngest player, male or female to win a professional event. The 14 year old made headlines around the world.

In 2013, it was another captivating event, with Hedwall returning and Ko looking to defend. This time it was Hedwall, who is now a top 30 player in the world, took the honours.

What will happen this week!