Georgia has been good to golfer Zach Johnson, who returns to defend his crown this week at TPC Sugarloaf.

All three of Johnson's PGA Tour victories have come in Georgia, including the 2007 Masters.

He followed up his first major title with a victory at this tournament last year, defeating Japan's Ryuji Imada on the first playoff hole.

Johnson also won the $5.5-million event in 2004 and tied for second in 2006.

Stewart Cink is the top-ranked golfer entered. The world number 15 is making his 13th straight appearance.

Cink, who has notched six top-10 finishes this season, makes his home at TPC Sugarloaf so he'll be on home turf this week.

Cink, Johnson and David Toms are the top-ranked Americans trying to continue a trend of US dominance.

Since the tournament's inception in 1967, only three players from outside the United States have won.

The last was South African Retief Goosen in 2002. New Zealand's Bob Charles won in 1967 and Canadian Dave Barr captured the title in 1987.

Goosen is back in the field and looking to jump start his season with three majors still remaining on the schedule.

He tied for 17th at The Masters and is searching for his first victory since the 2005 International.

Also in the field is Australian Greg Norman, who designed the course. He's making his first start in the event since 2004 and his third PGA Tour start of the season.

AFP