Players will hit the ball an estimated 10 percent to 15 percent farther this week, which means 300 yards drives will be average this week. The thin air and hilly course will have an impact on players hiking the course for four days of play and practice rounds. The International also uses the Stableford scoring system. The Senior Tour will be adding a Stableford event next year, but for now the International is the only time players tee it up in such a format. The Stableford awards two points for a birdie, five for an eagle and eight for a double-eagle.
Players lose one point for a bogey and three for a double-bogey.
Such a system forces players to take chances and go for the points. At a normal tour stop, birdie-bogey is the same as two pars. Here, birdie-bogey is worth one point. There's really no point playing it safe. The International has drawn an impressive field, with most of the top players making the stop.