Lee Westwood may have slipped out of the world’s top 50 on the back of a disappointing 2015, but the Englishman will be key to Europe’s chances this weekend.

Not only is the 42-year-old one of the most experienced players in team events – he has played nine Ryder Cups – but he is also one of the most successful European players in terms of performance in Asia.

The world No. 51 has nine career wins in south east Asia, dating as far back as the 1997 Malaysian Open. In fact, his last three titles – the 2014 Malaysian Open, the 2014 Thai Golf Championship and 2015 CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters – have all come in demanding hot and humid playing conditions.

So, it did not come as a surprise when captain Darren Clarke chose him as one of his two wild cards.

Westwood, who was paired with Matthew Fitzpatrick in Wednesday’s practice round, said: “I think Darren saw it’s a young team and wanted some experience in there.

“Obviously, when you’re a captain’s pick, you feel a little bit more pressure to perform and validate that pick. But I’ve been a pick for the Ryder Cup a couple of times. I know I’m experienced enough and you just try and go out there and play the game you know you can.

“It’s the same principle as anything else: You try to hit it down the middle, hit it close and then make the putt. That takes care of most forms of golf.”

When asked what the secret is to coping with humid conditions, he quipped: “Obviously, being such a fine-tuned athlete helps!

“You try and drink a lot and stay hydrated, take your electrolytes, things like that. What you do for the first 12 holes sets you up for the way your body reacts over the last six. That’s where people drop shots on a long, hot day.”