Blue Canyon ready to host another thriller

There is a great sense of anticipation as the US$2.44 million Johnnie Walker Classic fast approaches at the Blue Canyon Golf and Country Club in Phuket, March 1-4.

Every year the Classic is a showcase for top quality golf, but whenever it is held in Thailand it seems to produce something extra special.

The event was first held in Thailand at the Blue Canyon in 1994 and attracted a stellar field including Nick Faldo at the peak of his game, Greg Norman, Bernhard Langer, Nick Price, Fred Couples and Ian Woosnam. It was Norman who ultimately triumphed and he was particularly proud of his victory, commenting " the leaderboard looked like the British Open."

Also in the field was a certain young gentleman by the name of Tiger Woods, then just 18 years old and playing as an amateur. Tiger placed 34th and said later he was delighted as it was the first time he had made the cut in a Tour event.

Tiger returned four years later when the Blue Canyon hosted the event again and anyone who witnessed it will never forget the 1998 drama, If ever a tournament lived up to its name it was this one, a real 'classic' which climaxed with a gripping play-off duel between Woods and Ernie Els. It was pure theatre.

To force a play-off in the first place Tiger, who was well down the leaderboard after the third round, had to overcome a staggering eight-shot deficit on the final day. The already large gallery expanded by the minute as Tiger picked up shot after shot in one of the most extraordinary rounds of golf witnessed in Thailand, or anywhere else in the world for that matter.

Tiger finished with a seven-under 65 and then had to sit in the clubhouse for nearly two hours waiting for Els to complete his round. The South African star faded on the back nine and came home in 73 to set up a memorable play-off.

Tiger, who had been expecting Els to complete his victory, rushed to the practice tee to warm up, only to find no golf balls. So he took a couple of practice swings and then raced back to take on Els. The rest is history.

They played the 18th twice in the play-off. The first time Els almost clinched victory with a 15-foot putt that missed by inches. On the second extra hole Tiger needed a 14-footer. He didn't miss and the crowd erupted as Tiger embraced his mother Kultida, a native of Thailand.

Two years later at the Alpine Golf and Sports Club in Bangkok, Tiger did it again, this time in less dramatic circumstance. He was on a hot streak at the time having won three of the four majors and nine other tournaments. It came as no surprise that he ran away with it finishing on 25-under after the four rounds.

In 2004 it was at the Alpine again and Spain's Miguel Angel Jiminez took the honours after an exciting battle with Denmark's Thomas Bjorn who had led for the first three rounds.

While it would be too much to expect a repeat this year of the 1998 thriller, the 2007 Johnnie Walker Classic has attracted some of the world's most exciting golfers and the star-studded field is not likely to let the golfing public down.

Three top ten players will be competing including Ernie Els, currently ranked fifth. Although Els has not won the Classic in Thailand he has been champion twice in Australia _ Queensland in 1997 and Perth in 1999 _ and would definitely like to make it Phuket 2007 to claim a hat-trick. Unlike some of the European stars the 'Big Easy' thrives on the tropical heat. He loves the sun on his back when he's out on the fairway.

Also in Phuket will be Australia's Adam Scott, ranked third in the world and undoubtedly one of the most exciting young golfers. He clearly enjoys playing in this part of the world, winning the Classic in Beijing in 2005 and edging Els in the Barclays Singapore Open last year. He will definitely be one of the favourites to pick up the US$416,000 first prize in Phuket.

Another previous winner of the JW Classic is South Africa's Retief Goosen, one of the most consistent golfers in the world. currently ranked sixth, Goosen won the 2002 Classic in Perth and enjoyed 11 top 10 finishes on the PGA Tour last year.

Other top players heading for Phuket are Ryder Cup stars, Paul Casey from England ranked 14th in the world and Scotland's 18th-ranked Colin Montgomerie. Adding to the Ryder Cup flavour will be two European captains. Ian Woosnam led Europe in last year's victory and won the JW Classic in Singapore back in 1996. Then there's evergreen Sam Torrance who has played more than 700 tournaments on the European Tour and captained Europe's winning Ryder Cup side in 2002.

With the top Thai and Asian stars also competing everything is set for a true 'classic' showdown.

If this year's Johnnie Walker Classic is half as exciting as the previous editions held in Thailand it will be an event to savour.