Mexico offers first WGC test

When it comes to World Golf Championships events, Dustin Johnson probably provides the best description.

"They are very important tournaments. They are big tournaments. They bring together the best players in the world," said the 17-time PGA Tour winner and current world No 1.

It is no wonder these factors have driven the long-hitting American superstar to five WGC titles, where he is second after Tiger Woods for most WGC career victories.

Beating the best of the best has pushed Johnson to excel, and the mantra appears to be driving Asia's band of new glory seekers on the WGC frontier.

The region's flagbearers will get a crack against Johnson and the global elite when the first WGC tournament of 2018, the WGC Mexico Championship, takes place at Club de Golf Chapultepec in Mexico City from March 1-4.

Johnson is the defending champion at the $10 million showpiece.

While WGC tournaments have been held with great success for nearly two decades, Japan's Hideki Matsuyama has only burst through the gates recently as Asia's most successful golfer following standout triumphs at the WGC-HSBC Champions in 2016 and the Bridgestone Invitational last year.

At 25, Matsuyama has entrenched himself in the new wave of ultra-talented golfers dominating the global scene alongside perennial stars like Johnson, reigning FedExCup champion Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth and Spanish sensation Jon Rahm.

Beyond Matsuyama, Asia is counting on the likes of China's Li Haotong, 22, Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand and 24-year-old Gavin Green of Malaysia to become worldbeaters. Each has shown glimpses of greatness and the trio will get their chance to underpin their credentials in Mexico, which is not lost on them.

Li, a product of the China Golf Association-HSBC Junior Golf Program and a graduate of PGA Tour Series-China, boosted his credentials two weeks ago when he took down Rory McIlroy in a head-to-head duel to win the Omega Dubai Desert Classic for his second European Tour triumph.

"I'm really excited about the WGC-Mexico Championship. It is always my ambition to play and compete against the best players in the world, so to get into the elite field is a special feeling," said Li, who burst into global prominence with an impressive third place finish at the British Open last July.

"As it is also my first WGC appearance outside of China, I am determined to make it a memorable week. Hopefully I can contend for a win," added Li, now ranked No 32 in the world.

Kiradech, Asia's No 1 in 2013, is likewise keen to lift his game a notch higher, which means improving on his WGC record and ultimately playing his way onto the PGA Tour. In 11 starts, his best is a tie for 18th at the 2016 WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play.

"It is fun to have the opportunity to play in big tournaments. Being the first World Golf Championships event of the year, I will be very motivated to produce a strong performance in Mexico and hopefully I can challenge for the title," said Kiradech, who made a welcome return into the world's top-50 following five top-10 finishes last year.

The writer is a senior director, PGA Tour, based in TPC Kuala Lumpur. He can be reached at chuahcc@pgatourintl.com.my