They are the
defending champions and they are playing on home soil, there is a lot on the
line for Team Australia this week at the ISPS HANDA World Cup of Golf.

In 2013 Adam
Scott and Jason Day won the ISPS HANDA World Cup of Golf but it is a new look
Australian team that will tee off at Kingston Heath Golf Club this week with
Marc Leishman replacing Day in the line-up.

"I saw the
World Cup trophy at home just the other week and knowing I was coming here brought
back a lot of good memories," said Scott.

"If we were
able to win in this format, I think it would be a great memory for Marc and I
to share.

"There’s
nothing much better than winning on home soil. 
I’m sure we’ll have lots of support out there this week, so hopefully we
can produce good golf and everyone gets excited coming out there." 

After Day
was forced to withdraw with a back injury Leishman was quick to make his
availability known to Scott.

Delighted to
be selected, this will be Leishman’s first time representing his country as a
Professional.

"I just sort of sent Adam a quick text, if
Jason isn’t able to play, I said I would love to be there," said Leishman.

"I’ve been lucky enough to represent my
country as an amateur but never as a Professional.  To be able to play next to Scotty in what’s
pretty much my hometown on one of my favorite golf courses in the world; that
was a pretty special call to get from Adam."

Scott is equally pleased to be representing
Australia again, "we’re very proud Aussies, we’re a very proud sporting
country.  Marc and I play overseas
99 percent of the year and I feel like I represent Australia every week I
tee it up. 

"Even though I may not be playing for
Australia that week I’m announced on the tee every week from Australia and I certainly
feel proud about that," explained Scott. 

"But this
week being a team event, it’s slightly different.  There aren’t any team events other than this
that we play in representing Australia. 
The Presidents Cup, sure, we represent Australia but the team is the
internationals.  I think this is a unique
opportunity for us."

With Scott
being a member at Kingston Heath and Leishman, from Victoria, having played the
course numerous times the pair is being touted as favourites amongst the 28
teams.

"Marc would
have played here a fair bit growing up, and having won the Aussie Masters here
a few years ago, I certainly feel pretty comfortable around here," said Scott. 

"Maybe a few
members’ bounces this week, wouldn’t go astray. 
But I think we’re in for a good week."

However the
Australian duo isn’t discounting their competition with plenty of talent
amongst the 56 players.

"The
Americans are going to be very strong. 
Obviously Rickie has proved himself over the last few years and Jimmy’s
a major champion so they’re going to be a strong team.  I think the Japanese team of Hideki and Ryo
are going to be really strong," said Leishman, with Scott adding some names
into the mix.

"The Swedish
team.  I think Hideki and Alex Noren are
the two hottest players in the world at the moment and probably can’t be
overlooked.  I think there are a lot of
teams that definitely could surprise people this week," said Scott.

"I think
straightaway of Ireland with Shane and Graeme, they’ve grown up on somewhat
similar style green complexes ‑‑ have a good chance to shoot good scores
this week.

"I think
there’s too many to say that we’re favourites or who our competition is.  There’s so many good players."

Scott and
Leishman will tee off on Thursday playing alongside Team USA; Rickie Fowler and
Jimmy Walker.

"It’s a good pairing.  It will be a fun group, I think.  A lot of people enjoy watching us play with
the American guys," said Scott.

"But it doesn’t really matter who we
play.  I think the important thing for us
is a solid round tomorrow in the tougher format.  That’s what we’ve got to do well."

Team Australia and Team USA will be on course at
Kingston Heath at 12.10pm. The first round tees off at 10.30am with Team India
and Team Malaysia leading out the field at the ISPS HANDA World Cup of Golf.