Sickness forced Scott to withdraw after an early lead in the Houston Open three weeks ago and he had a disappointing performance in the Masters.

The absences are mainly due to top players still resting after the season's first major and a wait-and-see attitude on the new Las Colinas course which replaced an older and much distained layout.

The players and their caddies only had their first look at the renovated course this week, although early impressions have been positive.

"The holes that were good on this golf course, he didn't mess with, and the holes that needed improvement, like the first hole, are much better," former Nelson champion Ted Purdy said, referring to designer and long time pro D.A. Weibring.

Verplank said: "I think the changes to the course are really good and Byron would be proud."