Returning as the defending champion and playing on his home course at the Bathurst Golf Club, Matheson will rightly hold favouritism for this weekend’s 36-hole event.

However, amongst his rivals for the boys’ crown are four teenagers who boast a wealth of talent in 2013 Masters of the Masters champion Austin Bautista, his Bonnie Doon clubmate Mitchell Gannon, Mitchell Norbis (Concord) and Justin Kim (NSW).

“I think Scott will start as favourite, for sure,” Bathurst Golf Club’s Brad Constable said.

“I think he has been playing in a fair few tournaments lately, and while he has had some mixed results, he has had some good results too.

“It is a big advantage playing on your own course. Obviously it is not a guarantee, but it gives you the inside running. I’d expect Scott to do well, but I guess it just depends who else shows up, like any tournament.

“Down the grades we have [Bathurst] kids like Blake Arthur and Dylan Thompson and those sort of guys and they are capable of popping up in the results.”

This year the Peter O’Malley Junior Masters has attracted a field of 188 golfers, a number which has delighted Constable. He points out it is not only a reflection of the prestige which the event carries, but a boost for the Bathurst community as well.

“From what I have heard from the Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation, who organise this, this is one of the largest events we have in New South Wales,” Constable said.

“Most kids will know who Peter O’Malley is, and even though he’s probably towards the twilight of his career now, he’s still one hell of a golfer. So having his name attached to the event does add prestige.

“To have 188 players each day is really good and actually good for Bathurst, too, as each of those kids will have two parents with them as well who need accommodation.”

While Matheson, who beat 2012 champion Zac Stolz on the second play-off hole last year, will headline the boys’ competition, the girls’ championship also has a strong local hope in Cowra’s Laura Cummings.

She ranks as one of the favourites along with St Michael’s Madeleine Nurdi and Kura Poko from the Cumberland Golf Club.

This year’s event also includes an inter-academy challenge, with each regional academy nominating a team of four players from their ranks.

The best two scratch scores and the best nett result from each team will count towards the overall title, with the Western Region Academy of Sport keen to succeed on their home turf.

After a dry start to 2014, the Bathurst Golf Course is now in good condition after recent rain and should see two days of quality golf.

“It has just transformed in the last five weeks – it’s excellent. So it should be a real treat for the players this weekend,” Constable said. “The fairways are soft and the greens will play fairly quick.”

Play will get underway at 7.28am this morning with the first group on Sunday to tee off at 6.36am.