He faces stiff competition for the �79,000 first prize with Zimbabwe's in-form Mark McNulty, South African Retief Goosen and Australian Adam Scott in the 156-strong field.

Wales' Phil Price and English duo Brian Davis and Jamie Spence lead the European challenge.

Faldo failed to make captain Sam Torrance's European team in Brookline in 1999 and is desperate to make a record 12th Ryder Cup appearance.

He is currently lies 22nd in the qualifying table after some solid displays at the end of last season.

But his efforts are being affected by the amount of time he has had to dedicate to his golf design business.

Changing priorities

A sudden boom in business for his golf course design company has meant Faldo has been spending more time off course than on.

"Faldo Design really exploded at the end of last year, we suddenly picked up a lot of jobs.

"I've got a project here in Northern Transvaal which I'll see on Tuesday, then I go to Australia to look at some projects there, back to Perth to play a tournament and then Melbourne to play and then back to California and maybe Mexico.

"Life's changed very quickly and it's true to say the golfing schedule has to fit in with the design (company).

"It's a great opportunity for me right now, forcing me to slow down and create a new golfing schedule because I've got a great opportunity to build this company and make it work.

"It's something I want to make happen, be successful and build great courses.

Tournament-rusty

All of this jet-setting has meant that Faldo has not played golf competitively since the beginning of November.

Despite his limited appearances, he still believes his Ryder Cup dream can be achieved.

"If I still play great in all the big events - that's what I'm gearing myself up for - I still have a chance.

"Once I get back to America I focus totally on golf leading up to the Masters at Augusta.

"Then it's another round the world trip at the end of May and then focused back on the golf.

"I would have liked to play the South African Open next week but I'm contractually committed to the business and have to be there.

"It's going to put a lot of pressure on me because it's very difficult to juggle golf, business and a bit of time to yourself in one year.

"It's all go - it's nice but crazy at the same time."

Bad year

Another player hoping to get some good form under his belt is Anthony Wall who won the title last year in an event shortened to 54 holes by heavy rain.