Newly crowned Australian PGA champion Nathan Holman leads a strong contingent of Australians at the only main Tour Professional event on the international schedule this week, the Asian Tour’s Thailand Golf Championship.

Riding a wave of confidence after his impressive play-off victory at RACV Royal Pines Resort, Holman could surprise in a field that includes two time Masters winner Bubba Watson, Ryder Cup star Sergio Garcia, dual Major champion Martin Kaymer and rising star Matt Fitzpatrick.

Holman’s play on a difficult RACV Royal Pines Resort set-up was nothing short of superb but more impressive was his mental strength, the 24-year-old overcoming a double bogey start to each of the final two days before eventually winning in extra time.

But it’s not just the international challenge Holman will have to overcome this week, some of Australia’s best players are also in the field and with good results at this event.

Marcus Fraser and Scott Hend both finished inside the top-5 behind Lee Westwood last year and both return this week.

Hend is somewhat an unknown quantity having withdrawn with an injury in Vietnam last week but if he takes his place in the field will be dangerous.

Terry Pilkadaris finished in a share of 10th last year and is back in 2015 alongside fellow Asian Tour regulars Kalem Richardson, Marcus Both, Sam Brazel, Scott Barr and Adam Groom.

Also in the field this week are Andrew Dodt, Matthew Giles, Jarrod Freeman, Josh Younger and Antonio Murdaca while amateur Ryan Ruffels earns a start as the runner-up from last year’s Asia Pacific Amateur Championship.