The International Series Morocco presented by Visit Morocco returns this week with all three past champions competing – adding a compelling storyline to what is the fourth edition of the event.

Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond, winner of the inaugural edition in 2022, Ben Campbell from New Zealand, who triumphed in 2024, and the defending champion Scott Vincent from Zimbabwe, have all made the trip aiming to become the first to claim the title for a second time.

The event tees-off on Thursday on the Red Course at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, which has hosted all three tournaments, and is the third stop of the season on The International Series and ninth on the Asian Tour.

It is a place that holds particularly special memories for Jazz as his victory here was his first in three years on the Asian Tour, while it remains his only success on The International Series.

“It feels great,” said Jazz. “Coming back to a venue where you’ve won before is always special. It’s a really good tournament, honestly one of the best set-up events of the year, and I’d say this is one of my top three golf courses on The International Series schedule. It’s always nice to come back here and play.”

Jazz Janewattananond after winning in 2022.

The 30-year-old is a seven-time winner on the Asian Tour but has not tasted further success since his win here. He has been knocking on the door though, including at the Singapore Open this year – where he tied for third.

He said: “Singapore was a really good confidence boost. It could have gone my way, and of course it could have been a little better, but overall it showed me that my level is getting better and better again. I just need to keep doing the right things and hopefully I can get over the line soon.”

He faces a formidable field this week, that includes Spain’s Sergio Garcia, American Bubba Watson and Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Travis Smyth from Australia, but welcomes the challenge.

“There are so many great players here that you’re not thinking, ‘I absolutely need to win this week,’” he said. “For me, it’s more about coming here, playing good golf, and hopefully playing well enough to improve my ranking and build momentum again.”

Campbell’s return carries added significance. It was his victory here that first put him on the radar of LIV Golf’s RangeGoats GC, whose captain Watson eventually asked him to join.

“Bubba has asked me about the course and the event a few times before we arrived,” said Campbell [main picture in 2024]. “It’s great to have him here this week, not only for the tournament, but for Moroccan golf and The International Series in general.

“That’s one of the really cool things about The International Series and LIV Golf, getting more LIV players involved in these events. The more top names that come out and play, the more everyone benefits in terms of experience and exposure.

Scott Vincent following his success last year.

“I’m sure a lot of the players here will learn a lot from playing alongside Bubba, and it’s also great having Sergio here this week and a number of other top players. It’s really exciting for the event overall.”

Campbell goes out with Smyth and Mexico’s Abraham Ancer at 12.25pm local time; Jazz will play with Japan’s Yosuke Asaji and Korean Byeonghun An at 12.55pm; while Vincent is with Garcia and Australian Elvis Smylie at 12.45pm.

The International Series is the upper echelon of events on the Asian Tour that provide a pathway to the LIV Golf League.