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SINGAPORE: Golfers Padraig Harrington and Ernie Els hope to go one better and win the US$5 million Barclay's Singapore Open 2009, the richest golf tournament in Asia.
The duo finished joint second at the 2008 edition behind eventual winner, India's Jeev Milkha Singh.
Harrington and Els came close in 2008 but missed birdie putts on the final hole to give the title to Singh.
Though the defending champion is giving the tournament a miss, the field is still expected to be very competitive.
The event is being co-sanctioned by the European Tour for the first time.
Harrington and Els also have to deal with a tougher Serapong course.
Harrington said: "This year it is a bit tighter off the tees and the rough is a little thicker, especially close to the fairway.
"Last year, the rough was lighter, the course was firmer and the greens were particularly firmer last year. It suits the straighter hitters this year. I would be a guy who will take a few more risks and a few more chances and won't necessarily hit all the fairways and greens. So last year's course was better for me."
Last year though was not better for Australian Adam Scott. He missed the cut and saw a drastic drop in his world ranking this season. Scott was twice winner in 2005 and 2006, and had a third place finish in 2007.
Despite that, the 29-year-old had time to try out the sights and attractions on Sentosa with his girl friend, tennis player Anna Ivanovic.
Earlier in the day, Scott awarded scholarships to two NTU students as part of the Adam Scott Foundation Asia which he launched in Singapore in 2008. - CNA/de
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