Cameron Smith can't wait to play against an international field led by home favorite Taichi Kho when the Hong Kong Open returns to Fanling starting tomorrow after an absence of almost four years.
The former British Open winner is among the LIV Golf stalwarts set to see action in the 72-hole showpiece which this year is part of the International Series - one of 10 elite-level tournaments sanctioned by the Asian Tour.
Reigning LIV Golf League individual champion Talor Gooch, 2018 US Masters winner Patrick Reed and former US Open champion Graeme McDowell are also in a field of 132 golfers representing 32 countries and territories from Australia to Zimbabwe.
"I'm excited," said Smith, last in town as a rising star in 2014 when the Australian tied for ninth.
"I love the course and I can't wait to get back out there and hopefully get a Hong Kong Open victory under the belt. I love the fact that the International Series has gone to different parts of the world, I have been keeping an eye on it and I think it's great."
Gooch, meanwhile, will be playing on the Hong Kong Golf Club composite course for the first time.
"When I was offered the opportunity to go play in my first Hong Kong Open, I was jumping at it," the American said. "It's just incredible that the same event has been hosted at the same course [since 1959]. That's a testament to the golf course, but also a testament to the community and the club and everyone in Hong Kong that rallies around the tournament."
Kho, coming off a history-making rookie season on the Asian Tour, will be flying the flag for the SAR.
The 22-year-old became the first-ever player from Hong Kong to win an Asian Tour event when he ruled the World City Championship at Fanling in March. He has followed that up with three top-10 finishes and more history with his gold medal at the Asian Games, another first for the city.
Kho is just happy to be at the forefront of the game's development here.
"It's really good to see any Hong Kong player do well," said Kho, who finished tied for second at the Volvo China Open last weekend. "Hong Kong has so much potential. There's definitely momentum growing so I'm really looking forward to seeing what we can achieve."
Fellow Asian Tour pro Matthew Cheung and Terrence Ng will also represent Hong Kong.
Tickets for the tournament are available at Ticketflap. Admission is free for the first two rounds.
Taichi Kho prepares to make a putt while Cameron Smith fields questions from reporters during the buildup to the Hong Kong Open.
