Upcoming star Anthony Kim says Tiger Woods' absence from the WGC Bridgestone Invitational will motivate those competing.However, he will not be taking part in the season's third World Golf Championship event due to his recent knee surgery and Kim believes that will be seen by those in the elite 81-strong field as an 'opportunity' to finally get their hands on the trophy.
"Now that Tiger is not playing, it gives us all a little bit more of a chance this year," said the 23-year-old, who has enjoyed two wins on the PGA Tour this year. "I think everybody is trying to seize that opportunity.
"It's a great opportunity for us to make a name for ourselves and stamp our name in the golf world."
Meanwhile, Open champion Padraig Harrington is looking to win his first WGC trophy although he has regularly struggled at Firestone, making the top 15 on just two occasions in nine attempts.
The Dubliner is in no doubt as to which is needed to score well on the par-70 course.
"Every year, it's the same," said the 36-year-old. "It's a real tough, fair challenge. There's nothing really on the golf course that nobody particularly likes.
"It's quite long and it is one of the narrowest courses we play of the year. You've got to really be a straight hitter to do well."
