Tuesday 21 April 2015 19:00, UK
Former world No 1 Lee Westwood looks to complete a hat-trick of Indonesian Masters titles when he tees off on Thursday.
The Englishman is the star name in the field at Royale Jakarta Golf Club this week, a venue he has won in 2011 and 2012. A three stroke victory over Thongchai Jaidee four years ago moved Westwood back to world No 1, before the now world 33 claimed another success 12 months later.
Westwood has since picked up further titles in Asia with wins last year at Malaysia and Thailand and the 41-year-old keen to continue his fine form in the Far East this week.
“I don’t really know the reason why I do so well here (Asia),” Westwood admitted. “It’s a mystery to me but I’ve always felt comfortable here as the golf courses are very good and I’ve certainly improved over the years.
“I don’t mind the hot conditions very much and I cope with them pretty well. Obviously, I had great success here in 2011 and 2012 and I hope to make it a hat-trick this week.
“I remember winning on the Sunday which was also my birthday and went back to world number one. It was triple joy and definitely a great feeling.
“The conditions will be my toughest opponent. The fact that we will play under such hot and humid conditions on a challenging golf course. So you have to really concentrate on your own game, your level of fitness and try to play as good as you can.”
15-time European Tour winner Thomas Bjorn is also in action this week, with the Dane looking to secure a long-awaited maiden title in Asia.
"It has been one of those things (winning in Asia) that has been slipping away from me over the years,” Bjorn said. “I've come so close on a couple of occasions and eventually I'm sure I'll get over the line.
"Dealing with the weather is part and parcel of what we do. But when you get into such conditions and especially when you come from the northern part of Europe, it can be difficult.”
