Ballantine’s: Six to Watch

Fraser: Defending champion

The European Tour remains in Asia for a third straight week for the fourth staging of the Ballantine’s Championship.

The 2011 version is once again co-sanctioned by the European Tour, Asian Tour and Korea PGA.

However, unlike the three previous events which were all held at Pinx Golf Club, this week’s instalment will be played at Blackstone Resort in Incheon, just south of Seoul.

Blackstone, which was opened in 2009, is hosting a professional tournament for the first time.

The stunning resort has three nine-hole courses – North, East and West – with this week’s event using the layouts of the North and West.

Defending champion is Australia’s Marcus Fraser, who won by four shots 12 months ago in a weather-affected tournament restricted to 54 holes.

So who’s teeing-up on Thursday?

Dustin Johnson: The popular 26-year-old American takes time out from his home tour to test his skills in this co-sanctioned event in Asia.

Soren Kjeldsen: The underrated Dane tied-for-second in China last week, which followed a top-20 finish seven days earlier in Malaysia.

Alexander Noren: The up-and-coming Swede finished fourth in Kuala Lumpur having led for much of the tournament.

Ian Poulter: Has enjoyed recent trips to the Far East which have yielded victories in the opens of Singapore and Hong Open.

Jeev Milkha Singh: Has shown signs of a return to form in recent months – tied-for-10th in China at the weekend.

Lee Westwood: Arrives in Korea on the back of his victory in Indonesia which returned the 38-year-old to top spot in the World Ranking. He has also recently changed his putter following a dismal time on the greens at Augusta National.