Almost half the 48 contenders across both the men's and women's Australian Open are billeting with locals, which has been building new friendships.

Club president John Stylianou said he learned of some returning entries through other club members because they're in regular contact with players who've visited before.

"One of our internationals, Thomas King, is staying with the same billets because they've kept in contact - they talk to him between games in his matches [across the world], that's how close they've become," Mr Stylianou beamed.

"We've been trying to build the tournament around the player welfare and build on that - it's incredible to see the reputation growing from the experience locals are helping provide for these players."

The acquisition of the Australian Open adds a full 24-woman main draw and Mr Stylianou said the early competition had been incredible with some of the world's top 50-60-ranked players doing battle on the Bega courts.

It's also a melting pot of international players with contingents from Japan, Malaysia, Egypt, Korea, an Englishman, a Canadian and more all making the trip to the Far South Coast to compete as part of Australia's richest squash tournament.

"It's been absolutely unreal so far and the competition is incredibly strong," Mr Stylianou said.

Matches will run each day until the grand final on Sunday with a largely packed gallery already enjoying round one fixtures on Wednesday with round two going ahead on Thursday.

Quarter finals will be held Friday afternoon and semi-finals will run from about 2pm on Saturday for interested fans.

Mr Stylianou said it was incredible to see the quality of squash on court, but also said there was a fantastic opportunity to have exposure with some of the world's best players around Bega.

"There are players in the field who are top 50, top 100 in the world and they're part of squash royalty, but they are incredibly high energy people and they will give you the time of day off the court," he said.

"It's been incredible to see how it all strangely comes together, we have these people from all over the world building almost instantaneous rapport through a shared interest in squash and love of the game.

"It's a camaraderie that transcends borders."

Entry is free at the courts and spectators are welcome to catch the games - while Mr Stylianou said anyone who couldn't get to the courts could still catch some of the competition with live-streamed matches on the Squash Australia Youtube page.

"These players are bringing a lot of energy and it's really inspiring to see," he said.