Melbourne, Dec 5 (IANS): Melbourne will host the golf World Cup for the third straight time in 2018, the organisers announced on Tuesday.

"Golf in the Sandbelt region speaks for itself, and we appreciate the Metropolitan Golf Club opening its doors for this historic team event," said US PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, reports Xinhua news agency.

Denmark are defending their title on November 21-25 after a shock triumph in 2016, while a total of 28 two-man teams will tee off at the Metropolitan club for the 59th World Cup, the only tournament where top golfers compete for their countries and regions outside of the Olympic Games.

The highest-ranked player from each country/region is able to choose his playing partner, which organisers say "maximises the camaraderie and competitive spirit".

It will continue with the same format from 2016, with the first and third days of competition played as four-ball (best ball) format and the second and final days as foursomes (alternate shot) play.