Eight of the top nine players in the world will line-up when the tournament tees-off on Thursday.

However, the one name missing is Tiger Woods, who has taken the week off before beginning his attempts to add the US Open title to his US Masters crown on 13 June.

"Because of him not playing the field is not as good," Garcia said. "But it can still be a great field. It is just missing one player.

"It's a pity, you always want to play against him and try to beat him. It gets that much sweeter. But, you know, I am going to be playing, so that's what I care about."

The world number five was in fine form in capturing the 2001 Buick Classic at the Westchester Country Club, his second PGA Tour title.

His 21-under par total matched the previous low over the course since it become a par 73 in 1983.

The 22-year-old is a great admirer of the $3.5 million event, where he also lost out in a play-off in 2000.

"It is a demanding golf course, and it probably takes something out of you," Garcia said. "But then you have three days to rest and get back in shape, ready for the Open."

Past winners

"It can wear you out a little because of how tough the course plays, depending also on the weather.

"I like to play tournaments where the winning score usually is between 10-under par and even par.

"Those kind of tournaments are the ones that ask you for your best golf. It is not just like a putting contest."

Also in Harrison for the tournament are Ernie Els - the only player to win it in consecutive seasons - two-time winner Vijay Singh and reigning US Open champion Retief Goosen.

The American challenge is led by world number two Phil Mickelson, and 2001 major winners David Toms and David Duval.