Marc Warren leads Scots challenge as stellar field tee off in Abu Dhabi

MARC Warren, one of eight Scots in today's Abu Dhabi Golf Championship field, is playing in his first event since the Hong Kong Open in November and feels his game is in good shape for the new season thanks to the time he has spent practising in Florida, where he has an apartment.

"I've been out in Florida since 1 December and the weather has been ideal for golf," said the two-time European Tour winner. "It got down to zero some nights but during the day I was able to be on the golf course or the driving range wearing only a light sweater. Buying a place out there has been a great move."

Warren slipped more than 40 places on last season's European Tour Order of Merit – he finished 97th to miss out on a place in the season-ending Dubai World Championship – but believes the swing changes he's been working on with his coach, Ian Rae, could be about to pay dividends.

"For the last year or so I have been making a lot of changes in my swing," he added. "It took Padraig Harrington a year to come to terms with his changes and look where he is now.

"I've reached a much better level of consistency and I'm striking the ball far better. My game is in really good shape and I feel Abu Dhabi has come at just the right time."

Also in the field are Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie, South African Open champion Richie Ramsay, Paul Lawrie, who has just renewed his sponsorship with the Carrick on Loch Lomond, David Drysdale, Stephen Gallacher, Alastair Forsyth and Gary Orr.

Peter Whiteford is second reserve but looks set to miss out on the chance to follow up a career-best sixth in last week's Joburg Open.

Meanwhile, European No1 Lee Westwood is eager to begin the defence of his Race to Dubai crown and pick up where he left off this week.

The ever consistent Westwood capped off another fine season in November with a brilliant victory at the Dubai World Championship to land a second Harry Vardon Trophy. And after enjoying a Christmas break in Barbados, the world No4 is ready to move on from last year, starting today.

"I don't think I have ever felt more eager for a new season. Although I enjoyed the time off, it was a long six weeks, especially with the snow at home. It makes you feel even keener to get out in the sun and start practising again," said the 36-year-old.

"It was a fantastic year last year, but at some point you have to stick it in a box and move on, but still feed from the confidence I gained from last year

"

Westwood headlines a stellar field which includes eight of the world's top 20, including defending champion Paul Casey,

Rory McIlroy, Henrik Stenson, Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia and last year's runner-up Martin Kaymer.