Defending champion Michael Long returns alongside 2018 runner-up and Aussie golfing legend Peter Senior as they prepare for three days of competition in New South Wales.

To reclaim his title, however, Long will need to conquer a 100-player field that also features top seniors Peter Fowler, Peter O’Malley, Mike Harwood, Peter Lonard and Andre Bossert of Switzerland.

“I am looking forward to playing Richmond again, it’s always good returning to a venue where you have performed well,” Long said.

“It’d be good to perform here again this week but we’ll see what happens.”

After winning last week’s Lincoln Place NSW Senior Open, back-to-back victories are within reach for PGA Professional Brad Burns who has become a hot favourite to take out the trophy.

Placed second on the Ladbrokes Legends Tour Order of Merit behind Michael Harwood, a win at Richmond Golf Club would mean a significant shift in the standings for Burns.

Senior Professionals will compete for the winner’s share $80,000 prize fund over the next three days with the leading groups expected to finish around 4pm on Saturday.

High temperatures and blustery winds could provide a challenge for the field, however, when the thermostat reaches 35 degrees on Saturday.

Long will be hoping the wind stays down when he hits the fairways on Thursday morning.

“I’m early-late so I don’t think it’s going to matter,” Long said of the conditions.

“Either day you’re going to cop a bit of heat out here so as long as the wind doesn’t blow 40 that’s ok but when it gets hot and windy that’s when the ball does some really weird things.”

Impressed with the condition of the course, Ladbrokes Legends Tour Coordinator Andy Rogers expects low scores to appear on the Australian PGA Seniors Championship scoreboard. 

“The golf course is looking the best I have ever seen it,” Rogers.

“The narrow fairways demand accurate tee shots and with hot weather forecast the players will certainly be tested.”

Richmond Club Operations Manager Craig Hodge was thrilled to welcome the Australian PGA Seniors Championship back to the club in what is a calendar highlight each year.

“The event is great for both the club and the Hawkesbury region,” Hodge said.

“Having some legends of Australian golf play our course plus some 100 players with caddies and partners experience all the region has to offer is wonderful for Hawkesbury.”

The 2019 Australian PGA Seniors Championship begins on Thursday 31 October at Richmond Golf Club with the final round to be played on Saturday 2 November.

Entry is free to the public. Scores from the Ladbrokes Legends Tour event can be found at pga.org.au.