The last time a local player won the tournament was in 2005 when Darrell Bourke was victorious in an event cut short due to a huge downpour after the first round.

In a full two-round edition of the event, the drought goes back to 2003 when James Brownlow took the crown.

Since then the title has been at the mercy of Duntryleague ace Robert Payne, who has claimed four of his six wins in that span. Forbes star John Betland has two.

Along the way, Andrew Campbell (Duntryleague), Adam Stephens (Bonnie Doon) and Troy Norris (Cabramatta) have each picked up a win.

“Troy Norris won’t be defending his title this year. The club championships at Cabramatta clash with our Open so he’s unavailable,” Barrett said.

“Robert Payne, you’d have to say, is in the box seat. He’s been winning just about everything this year and just playing outstanding golf.

“I spoke to John Betland a few weeks ago. He wasn’t sure if he was going to be competing or not.

“He’s pretty laidback, but if he plays he’ll be one to watch as always.”

Betland is coming off a demolition job at the Forbes Club Championships, shooting 10-under for the four rounds to finish 13 shots clear of his nearest rival, older brother Steve.

On the local front, regular contender Paul Bright will be unable to play due to illness, while Reece Hodson will be playing his own club championships at The Australian, meaning the Bathurst flag will need to be flown by others.

“Jarryd Bird is playing very good golf at the moment and he’s been in the mix before,” Barrett said.

“Scott Matheson is probably the obvious one. He’s got a lot of talent, as everyone knows, and he’s hitting it pretty well. 

“We really want to see the young guys putting their hand up and taking the visitors on.

“Dylan Thompson is another one that is capable, if he plays his best golf, of going close.”

In addition to the experience of Payne and Betland, last week’s Bathurst Junior Open winner James Conran and Mudgee scratch-marker Andrew Best will be among the favourites.

Despite a lot of recent dry weather, the course is in fine nick, according to Barrett, and he is predicting that it will take a good score to claim victory.

Four-over was enough for Norris to get the prize 12 months ago.

“I would say that something around par would be required,” the professional said.

“The course is looking the best it has in a long time.

“There hasn’t been a lot of rain of late, but the staff have worked extra hard. The forecast is for a little bit of rain late in the days, but I think everyone will be off the course by then.”

As of yesterday afternoon, over 220 players were entered for the tournament – one of the biggest line-ups in recent memory.