GOLF TOUR NEWS:GRAEME McDOWELL believes he faces a much sterner challenge this year as he sets out to defend his Ballantines Championship title at the Pinx Golf Club on Jeju Island, South Korea.

As well as a stronger field, including the likes of three-time major winner Ernie Els, world number nine Henrik Stenson and Lee Westwood, McDowell believes the change in timing of the €2.1 million tournament will also play a decisive role.

This year’s event is being played a month and a half later than the inaugural event, meaning longer rough and stronger winds.

The winds, in particular, have already had an effect, with flights to and from the island being cancelled, meaning many players have had a day less to practise.

But despite the increased challenges, McDowell, who won last year on 24 under par, is confident of being in the hunt come Sunday.

“Last year was probably easier than this. This time there’s more rough, the winds are blowing stronger, and I expect anyone who hits a score of 24 under will win by a lot of shots,” he said.

“The main differences are it’s obviously a month and a half further on in the year. We’ve got a little bit of growth in the rough. The course is definitely a little bit greener. It certainly feels like it’s playing a little longer.

“But this course fits my eye. It sits up nicely for me, it really does. It’s really going to be a tough weekend if this wind continues to blow, but it’s not something I have so much of a problem with. I like to play in the wind.

“I have good feelings about the place. I know if I play well, I’ll compete. I’ve just got to keep the head down and go for it.”

McDowell heads an Irish contingent in the Ballantines that also features Paul McGinley, Gareth Maybin, Damien McGrane, Peter Lawrie and Jonathan Caldwell.

The €2.1 million tournament has attracted a strong field, with even Fred Couples making a debut appearance.

Els and Stenson are being tipped as the main threats to McDowell’s defence of the title, both of whom are making their first appearance in the event.

South African Els echoed McDowell’s opinions about the challenges ahead but insisted he is also confident of a good performance to make up for missing the cut at the US Masters.

“If you miss the fairway the rough is very, very heavy, as heavy as I’ve seen anywhere I’ve played this year,“ he said.

“And the wind is really blowing. I don’t know how the weather conditions were last year but I cannot see 24 under this year.

“I’m very disappointed again (about the Masters). It’s the third straight year I’ve missed the cut there, although it’s by one shot, it doesn’t matter.

“Now I’m just trying to get my game up and going again. I’ve been really working hard at my whole game, to be honest. I just need to get the results now.”

Meanwhile, McDowell’s playing partner Westwood is anxious to get back on the victory trail at the Championship.

The English player has an impressive 18 European Tour wins to his name but the last of those came in September 2007.

“I haven’t won for over a year now, so I would like to get back to winning,” he said.

“My form’s been good. I played well a couple of weeks ago at the Masters but had a bad finish on the last four holes, and I played well in Houston the week before.

“My game has been good, but I’ve just not been finishing the weeks off. It will be good to get some form together this week and try and win.”

Teenage sensation Noh Seung Yul is looking forward to playing in Korea as well.

The talented 17-year-old won the China Classic, and has had three second places and six other top-10 finishes on the Asian Tour.

Ballantine’s Championship

Course:Pinx GC, Jeju Island, South Korea

Length:7,361 yards. Par: 72.

Prizemoney:€2.1 million, €343,500 for the winner

Field:156.

Defending champion:Graeme McDowell won at the third extra hole after he had tied with Jeev Milkha Singh on 264. Paul McGinley was seven back in third.

Design:To the south of mainland Korea, on its second start on the European Tour, it will be in better condition than last year. The strength of the wind on this island will determine how difficult it plays.

On TV:Sky Sports, all four mornings.

Weather:Cool, overcast and very windy on day one, with a rainy and windy weekend.