Henrik Stenson of Sweden will aim to win the Thailand Golf Championship before turning his focus on securing a major title in 2014.
After enjoying an incredible season by becoming the first player to win the US PGA Tour's FedEx Cup and the European Tour's Race to Dubai, Stenson said his goal now would be to lift a first major championship trophy.
"A major championship is obviously the one thing missing on my result roll. I'm going to try my hardest. It's one of the tougher things to achieve. That's why they call it a major championship; they're the biggest events against the strongest fields on some of the toughest courses," said Stenson.
He will headline a star-studded field at the immaculate Amata Spring Country Club on the outskirts of Bangkok from December 12-15 where the other top stars include defending champion Charl Schwartzel of South Africa, who successfully defended his Alfred Dunhill Championship title last weekend on home soil, US Open champion Justin Rose of England, former Masters Tournament winner Bubba Watson and Rickie Fowler of the United States.
Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand, the current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader, Thongchai Jaidee, a three-time Asian Tour number one, Liang Wen-chong of China, India's Gaganjeet Bhullar, winner of the Indonesia Open last week, and Scott Hend of Australia will also feature in the US$1 million Asian Tour event.
Ranked third on the Official World Golf Ranking, Stenson believes there was still room for improvement in his game as he strives to become an even accomplished player.
"It's about continuing to develop my game, trying to become better and hopefully I can prepare well and put myself in good position at any of those Majors going forward, and that's what makes you win golf tournaments; being up there on Sunday afternoon, the more times you can put yourself in contention, the more times you will win," he said.
"That's what I've done so many times this year by playing solid, good golf, and then I managed to win my fair share, as well, as a consequence of that."
Stenson played at the Amata Spring course several years ago and vividly remembers the challenging par three 17th island green which is the signature hole on the course as it boasts the only floating island green in Asia.
"I think one of the key features is the island green. That's one thing that you don't forget easily. As always you've got to drive the ball well and be able to place your iron shots in good positions. It has a good variety, some challenging holes and some easier ones where you can make some fireworks happen hopefully," said Stenson.
Considering his achievements this year, Stenson will be one of the top contenders at the Thailand Golf Championship but he will not take the challenges from the Asian Tour stars lightly.
"I've played a lot in Asia over my career. I've seen the development in certain new places and also in the ones that were kind of up and about in the golf game when I came out on Tour, I played my first year in 2001," the Swede added.
"I think that one of the big markets and one of the big future developments, places in the world, is definitely in Asia. And with golf becoming an Olympic sport, I think that really will help grow the game in Asia and we will see more and more on every tour that we are getting Asian players coming out and making a mark and playing at a competitive and high level, and that's great for the game of golf."
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