Heat won't be a problem, says Bubba

Full of confidence after securing his first Major earlier this year, the 34-year-old believes the heat of Thailand won’t cause him problems, “I’m not too worried about the weather. I’m from Florida so this is a bit like the summer, I like it,” he said.

Watson won’t have it all his own way though as a world class field including Major Champions, Ryder Cup heroes and the brightest local stars have all signed up to play Asian Tour’s flagship tournament as they aim to finish their 2012 on a high, and build momentum going into the new year.

 Defending Champion Lee Westwood, who won by seven shots last year, and at one point led his closest challenger by 20, will look for a repeat performance this time round to end the year that is better described as consistent rather than spectacular. Without a title in 2012, the Englishman’s best result came at the BMW Championship in September where he finished second behind Rory McIlroy. Others who neither Watson nor Westwood will want to take lightly include Charl Schwartzel, Hunter Mahan, Darren Clarke, Sergio Garcia, Kevin Na and Simon Dyson.

Thongchai Jaidee and a host of Thailand’s best golfers will also be competing at Thailand Golf Championship this week and they will be eager to keep the coveted title at home and join in the national celebrations for the King, who turns 85 this week. 

Thongchai commented, “It is a special week here in Thailand as not only the best golfers in the world are here, but also it is our King’s birthday on the eve of the tournament. I hope I will be able to end the week as the new champion of Thailand Golf Championship. That will be great for me personally and for my country of Thailand.”