Australian Wade Ormsby says he will "put his best foot forward" this week as he attempts to complete his hat-trick of Hong Kong Open titles, having arrived here riding a wave of emotions after his father Pete passed away just two weeks ago.
Off the back of one the most challenging periods in his life, the 43-year-old is here to try and win the tournament he first won in 2017 and then in 2020, when the tournament was last played at Fanling before the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Played this morning in the pro-am and was really happy with the way I played," said Ormsby, whose father was a huge influence on his career and a well-known figure in Australian golf.
"Obviously I have had a few things going on over the past few weeks, so I am a bit underdone but I want to go out there and play well and win. I will put my best foot forward."
Only three players have claimed the Open on more than two occasions: Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez and Chinese-Taipei's Hsieh Yung-yo, who have both won a record four times, and Australian Peter Thomson, who lifted the trophy three times.
Ormsby is in exalted company with those who have triumphed twice, joining compatriot Greg Norman, Chinese-Taipei legend Lu Liang-huan and Frank Phillips, also from Australia.
"It's always difficult to do it again. I have just got to settle back into it, play it one shot at the time," Ormsby said.
The Australian feels that both his wins here have been very different but equally significant.
"I had been on the European Tour for quite some time but hadn't won before. After 350 odd tournaments on that Tour you're not sure if you are going to win or if your game is good enough," said Ormsby.
"I had already won in Asia, but Europe was the big one for me. So, to win here in 2017 was amazing, very special. And the second one in 2020, I probably played the best golf of my career. I went wire to wire. Every win is very different."
He will tee off today with Miguel Tabuena of the Philippines and Thai Sadom Kaewkanjana.
Home favorite Taichi Kho will play alongside former British Open champion Cameron Smith and former Masters winner Patrick Reed today.
Wade Ormsby will look to add to his two Hong Kong Open victories. ASIAN TOUR
