HARD hitters will have all the power at this week's HSBC Women's Champions, according to the world's top golfers.

The US$1.4 million (S$1.73 million) event is being held at the Sentosa Golf Club's Serapong Course for the first time. And many players are struggling to come to terms with the longer fairways and tighter greens than at the tournament's previous home at Tanah Merah Country Club.

American world No. 4 Stacey Lewis said: "It's tricky and makes you think a lot. For sure, it will pull out the best ball strikers. Our caddies will have their work cut out on advising us on the best approaches out there."

But fellow American Michelle Wie cautioned against those who think that whipping out one's driver is the solution. She used her driver only once in practice over the last few days on the 6,035m course, which has hosted the Singapore Open for the past eight years. The 23-year-old added: "There's a lot more course management involved that in other places we play around the world. But that's the fun part about it - it's not just about ripping balls and hoping for the best."

Featuring 38 of the top 40 money-list earners on the Ladies Professional Golf Association, the Women's Champions tees off on Thursday, with the final round on Sunday. The 63-golfer field includes Singapore's Christabel Goh.