World’s best tussle at WGC-Cadillac

March 5, 2014: Doral is all set to play host to an elite field of 68 at the WGC-Cadillac Championship, which tees off this Thursday. WGC-Cadillac is a $9 million event with no 36-hole cut. Barring withdrawals, it is scheduled to have each of the top 50 players in the Official World Golf Ranking vying for the coveted trophy.

The defending champion Tiger Woods won this title for the seventh time last year – the most of any player in history – but he will only defend this week if he is able to recover from the back spasm that forced his withdrawal midway through the final round of last week’s Honda Classic.

A victory here will ensure World No. 2, Adam Scott,  a chance to overtake Woods for the No. 1 ranking.

While, Henrik Stenson, ranked third in world will headline the European charge in Florida. The Swede is seeking a second WGC title, following his success seven years ago at the WGC-Accenture World Match Play Championship.

Justin Rose will make every effort to be there despite his shoulder injury to relive his only WGC victory in 2012, when he triumphed by a stroke over Bubba Watson.

Rory McIlroy too, will hog the limelight as he looks to recover from losing out in a play-off last week at the Honda Classic on the PGA Tour. The two-time Major Champion has recorded top ten finishes in the past three seasons in Doral, his best being when he finished third behind Rose.

WGC-Accenture World Match Play finalist Victor Dubuisson will garner plenty of attention on his debut at Trump National Doral, as the golfing world waits to see if the Frenchman can replicate the fine form that saw him push Jason Day all the way to a 23rd hole in Tucson.

Eight other European Tour members will be making their debut this week alongside Dubuisson: Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Jonas Blixt, Brendon de Jonge, Jin Jeong, Joost Luiten, Brett Rumford, Peter Uihlein and Dawie Van der Walt.

Race to Dubai leader Thomas Björn will be eyeing to increase his lead with a strong showing in this week’s US $9m event, while two-time WGC-Cadillac Championship winner Ernie Els will also be in the field and looking to build on a fine fourth place finish at the Match Play a fortnight ago.

Set on the outskirts of Miami, the recently-revamped Blue Monster course will pose a fresh test to the 68-strong field, with new bunkering, water hazards and additional tees being added by world-renowned architect Gil Hanse to the now 7,481 yard layout.