Rory McIlroy is aiming to put a series of near-misses behind him by finally landing the UBS Hong Kong Open this week.
World number two eager to land first title in Hong Kong
Rory McIlroy is aiming to put a series of near-misses behind him by finally landing the UBS Hong Kong Open this week.
The Ulsterman has twice finished runner-up at Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling, losing out in a play-off to Lin Wen-tang in 2008 and finishing behind champion Gregory Bourdy of France in 2009.
McIlroy again contended for the title last year before ultimately having to settle for sixth place, but heads in full of confidence this time around after a memorable season.
The 22-year-old collected his maiden major crown at the US Open in June and has since climbed to number two in the world rankings following a series of impressive displays.
He is now looking to cap a fine year by clinching glory in what he confesses is one of the first events he adds to his schedule.
"You know, I've come close a couple of times," McIlroy stated. "I was probably involved, for me, one of the best experiences I've ever had on a golf course here in 2008 in the play-off with Lin Wen-tang.
"Hong Kong is a tournament for me that is one of the first on my schedule every year. I absolutely love this place.
"I've loved it from the moment I got here in 2005 I think when I played the Faldo Series at Fanling and I've come back every year since. It's one of my favourite places in the world, and I'm really going to enjoy myself this week.
Big achievement
"I've played very, very well this year; climbing to number two in the world rankings feels like a big achievement for me, and it would be great to finish off the season well with a good result here.
"I would love to have the chance to win here; it's a tournament that I've wanted to win for the past number of years and haven't quite been able to do it. It's been a great year.
"There's been a few changes on the golf course, off the golf course, and I've enjoyed every minute of it."
McIlroy is one of a host of big European names competing at the event, amongst the others are defending champion Ian Poulter and his compatriot Justin Rose.
Like McIlroy, the duo were in China last week to compete at the World Cup of Golf and joined forces to propel England to a second-placed finish.
However, Rose - who will make his debut at the tournament - insists they have become rivals rather than team-mates once again since arriving in Hong Kong.
"It's actually funny," Rose explained. "Last week he (Poulter) was full of tips for me, being World Cup partners, but this week they seem to have dried up!
"Out here on Tour, any advantage you gain, it's very hard earned and hard fought for. I'm sure he's not going to share his yardage book with me but speaking with these guys a few weeks ago, they did tell me what a fun tournament it is and they were very praising of the place itself."
