Faldo knows that if he survives temperatures in the mid-90s and the high humidity, he has little in his power to usurp Woods if the American hits top form.

"In a way he will dictate things," Faldo said of the world number one, who will be attempting to win a fifth successive Major.

"If he comes out in his usual fashion you just do the best you can on every single hole and even then there's not much you can do about it."

Faldo is convinced the conditions could make the difference between winning and losing as players find it hard to concentrate.

"It will cause fatigue and fatigue may force you into a mental mistake," he said.

"But most of the guys today are fit, so they can handle these conditions pretty well and it's a little breezy on the course."

Faldo will experience the afternoon heat on his very first round on Thursday when he tees off alongside David Toms and Tim Herron.