The world number one has won five times on the PGA Tour this year including the Masters and the US Open titles.

But the presence of Sergio Garcia, Thomas Bjorn, Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood could bring back some unpleasant memories.

Woods secured just 2� points out of a possible five as the US lost the Ryder Cup to Europe at The Belfry in September.

And his overall record of just six points in three appearances is the sole blemish on a remarkable career.

Strong field

But Woods, who already has $6.9m in prize money this year, will be the clear favourite at the Dunlop event in Miyazaki.

As well as the European Ryder Cup quartet, the strong field also includes defending champion David Duval and Britain's Justin Rose, who has won in Japan already this year.

Another player likely to push Woods is South Korea's Choi Kyung-ju, winner of the PGA Tour's Compaq and Tampa Bay Classics this season.

Japanese challengers include Tsuneyuki Nakajima, who won the Taiheiyo Masters on Sunday, and Toru Taniguchi - currently leading the Japanese money rankings.

Both know the course well and could spring a surprise.