Former winner Brendan Jones leads a strong Australasian contingent into one of the most prestigious tournaments on the Japan Tour at this week’s Visa Taiheiyo Masters.

Two time US Masters champion Bubba Watson headlines the field but an eight strong Australasian contingent, including 2007 winner Jones, will be looking to outgun the big hitting left hander.

Jones seems the man most likely this week boasting a sterling record in the event in recent years. Aside from his 2007 victory the 13 time Japan Tour winner was second in 2010 and had top-10 finishes in both 2008 and 2011.

The effects of wrist surgery that have disrupted his past two seasons seem to have now passed and while he is yet to find his best form in 2015 has shown glimpses in recent weeks.

A T8 three weeks ago at the ABC Championship was his best finish of the year to date and included a final round 66, his lowest score of the season.

A missed cut last week is likely just a blip and Jones will be keen to return to the Taiheiyo Golf Club this week.

Also playing this week are Adam Bland, Brad Kennedy, Kurt Barnes, Scott Strange, New Zealand’s Michael Hendry and rookies Matt Griffin and Won Joon Lee.

Bland and Kennedy, the two highest ranked Australasians on the 2015 money list, will hope to pull each other along after being paired together for the first two rounds.

While Bland and Michael Hendry have both posted victories this season Kennedy has been the most consistent performer.

The Queenslander has five top-10 finishes for the year and despite a poor opening round last week finished strong and will begin this week with some confidence.