India, April 22 -- It's 30degC outside, but it feels like 40 degrees. Add intermittent rains and humidity upwards of 65% and you have "an oven" designed to sap every ounce of energy. That's how Karandeep Kochhar described the conditions at Serapong Course in Sentosa Golf Club, where the $2 million Singapore Open returns for its 57th edition (April 23-26).

Having played here once during the Covid years, Kochhar knows overhead conditions will not be the only challenge in his title bid. The 7,411-yard course will test the driving strength of the 144-strong field. With as many as 11 Indians-including veterans Jeev Milkha Singh, SSP Chawrasia, and Gaganjeet Bhullar-in the fray, Kochhar will have fine and familiar company to lean on.

Singapor...