Tiger Woods will be hopeful of enhancing his already impressive record in World Golf Championships (WGC) events when he tees off in the first round of the HSBC Champions tournament in Shanghai tomorrow (November 5th).
However, he has yet to win the event in China, finishing runner-up in both of his starts, and he will hope that now it has become the fourth tournament on the WGC calendar that it will turn around his fortunes.
Woods said: "I've come close here a couple of times. I didn't get it done. Hopefully, this week I can put it together and improve on that finish.
"How this event has grown to where it is now is truly remarkable. This year with the field we have, it's going to be a lot of fun."
The WGC-HSBC Champions event is now the richest in Asia, with the prize pot at Sheshan Golf Club approximately $7 million.
And this has attracted some of golf's star players, with 15 of the top 20 in the world rankings arriving with their golf bags in China.
Among them is world number two Phil Mickelson, who has made great strides with his Callaway Golf Irons in recent months.
The world number two gained some serious momentum by winning the Tour Championship and was one of the US team's star performers when emerging successful in the Presidents Cup.
He won this event two years ago in a rare venture overseas and has revealed that among the reasons for his participation this year is to help to attempt to grow the sport in China.
Mickelson explained: "I think that we would love to help grow the game throughout the world. Our participation helps grow awareness. It can spark interest in youth to get them started.
"If we can get kids interested in the game, I think in 15 to 20 years is when we'll see golf prosper in China."
Another participant who has already improved attitudes towards golf in China is TaylorMade TP Red golf ball user YE Yang.
The Korean became the first Asian to win a golf major this year when holding off Woods to triumph in the PGA Championship, while a number of other players from the continent will be given the chance to mix it with the best in Shanghai.
Meanwhile, a number of European players are set to make an appearance in the tournament as the Race to Dubai standings comes close to reaching its climax.
Current top dog Lee Westwood is joined by his two nearest pursuers in Martin Kaymer, Rory McIlroy and fifth-placed Paul Casey, who like Woods uses Nike Victory Red Forged golf wedges.
The world number four has been off the course of late with a rib injury and knows that a return to winning ways would be difficult against this calibre of opposition if he was playing at his best.
He said: "When you're up against this quality of field and you're not 100 per cent, it's difficult."
TaylorMade golf club player Sergio Garcia returns to Shanghai as the defending champion.
Tiger Woods will be hopeful of enhancing his already impressive record in World Golf Championships (WGC) events when he tees off in the first round of the HSBC Champions tournament in Shanghai tomorrow (November 5th).
