Mahan and Garcia out to beat the Thai heat

Ryder Cup hero Sergio Garcia and American star Hunter Mahan are two of the big names among a stellar field that will battle it out for the Thailand Golf Championship, a flagship tournament of the Asian Tour.

The penultimate event on this year's Asian Tour schedule takes place at the Amata Spring Country Club from Dec 6-9.

Mahan, a two-time winner on the PGA Tour this year and current world No 20, has never played in Thailand, but a holiday there convinced him to return with his clubs.

"My wife, Kandi, and I went on a vacation to Thailand a couple of years ago. We love to travel and it was definitely one of our favorite trips," he said.

Speaking from his home in Texas, Mahan said he is confident playing in the US will stand him in good stead for the heat of Thailand.

"Playing in intense heat is something I'm used to. We play in tournaments throughout the summer on the PGA Tour where the heat is definitely a factor.

"You just have to prepare for it - make sure you're hydrated and make your practice sessions shorter and more focused."

Fully recovered after recent eye surgery to correct an astigmatism, Spanish superstar Garcia is looking to finish his season on a high.

"It would be great (to win)," he said. "I will play three tournaments towards the end of the year. I had the surgery but everything went very well. I hope I can play good, finish on a high note and get ready for next year."

Garcia finished the 2011 Championship tied for 24th.

(China Daily 10/31/2012 page24)