Accuracy will be the key to winning the Australian Open at Victoria this week, according to tournament favourite Robert Allenby.

Allenby will be chasing his second national championship after stumbling over the line at Royal Sydney in 1994.

American Charles Howell III, one of the headline names this week, feels an even par will be a good figure if the wind blows, making the fast greens even quicker.

Howell described the layout as resembling a British Open course while Allenby says it is in perfect shape.

Allenby, who won the Victorian Open here while still an amateur in 1991, said Victoria was short but tricky.

"It is the type of course that needs to be tricky," Allenby said.

"The greens are what makes it really tricky. I think it is set up perfect, if you hit the fairway you can give yourself a good chance of getting close to the flags.

"There are a few flags out there that you can't get at. It will be a good ball striker who wins this tournament."

Allenby is outright favourite this week at 8-1, ahead of fellow Victorian and defending champion Stuart Appleby, Craig Parry and Peter Lonard.

Howell is listed as a 13-1 chance to win with US PGA champion Rich Beem 20-1.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP