Graeme McDowell was reminded of Royal Melbourne's subtle dangers when he played nine holes and walked the other nine shortly after arriving from Dubai on Tuesday.
Even though the world No. 12 was reacquainting himself with the Composite course for the first time in nine years, he instantly recalled the cautious approach required by himself and rookie teammate Shane Lowry for the World Cup opening round tomorrow.
"You've really got to respect it. You really have to pay attention to what you're doing out there because the wrong shot on the wrong line and the wrong shape at any given moment can get you in all sorts of trouble,'' McDowell said.
"I feel like it will bring the cream to the top, for sure. The top players will shine and the less experienced players will have a problem with this golf course.
"Shane and I are as good and experienced as anybody this week and, hopefully, we can be playing together late on Sunday afternoon.
"It's just a great track that requires a lot of strategy, a lot of positioning of iron play coming into these fast and firm undulating greens.
"You don't hit many drivers, maybe four or five max out there. Like a links golf course, the wind can change this course within the space of an hour, change the character of holes when the wind switches direction.''
McDowell also believes his decision to play the World Cup of Golf under the Irish flag in Melbourne this week indicates he is likely to make himself available for the same nation when golf marks its return to the Olympics in 2016.
McDowell is entitled to choose between competing for Ireland or Great Britain - which includes athletes from Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales - at the Rio Games.
"It is a very touchy political and religious subject, one that myself and Rory have not really enjoyed answering questions about the last few years because it is very difficult to pick a side because you are going to end up upsetting someone from either side really," McDowell, who teamed up with McIlroy at two previous World Cups, told reporters at Royal Melbourne golf club on Wednesday.
"From my point of view, when the World Cup came back on the schedule and it was coming to Royal Melbourne, I knew that I wanted to be part of this team, we have always represented Ireland when it has come to the World Cup.
"So I believe that me being here and representing Ireland will, you know, with the Olympic regulations, will mean that I am - I will have to play for Ireland when it comes to the Olympics in 2016... if good enough, if eligible, if fit enough."
"Part of me feels relieved to not have to make that decision," added McDowell, who will team up with Ireland's Shane Lowry at Royal Melbourne.
"It certainly did not enter into my reasons to wanting to be here this week. I wanted to be here and play with Shane, around Royal Melbourne, in a golf tournament which I have always loved."
