World Cup of Golf organisers have brought forward opening day tee times with Melbourne set to be lashed by wild weather with rain and strong winds on Thursday.
The forecast is for heavy afternoon rain, with temperatures dipping to single figures as Victoria is hit by a wintry blast.
Winds are also expected to pick up to about 35kmh.
Organisers moved the tee times forward one hour, with the two-man teams from Malaysia and Zimbabwe first off at 7.20am at Metropolitan Golf Club.
The Australian team of Marc Leishman and Cameron Smith are in the last group, teeing off with Americans Kyle Stanley and Matt Kuchar just over three hours later.
Team USA had their first look at the sandbelt course during the pro-am on Wednesday and said it was in superb shape.
Stanley said he wasn't bothered by the forecast.
"It's one of the best golf courses in the world so it's a great venue for this week," he said.
"I know we've got a little weather coming in but I live in Seattle so that's no big deal for me."
Germany's Martin Kaymer stuck to practising on the putting green and said the field were prepared for any conditions.
"The weather forecast is what it is and we all have an umbrella and rain gear so off we go," Kaymer said.
The players will contest a four-ball (best ball) format on Thursday.
Poor weather is also predicted for Friday.
Australian Associated Press
