China Open title begins with a 1.5 million prize

Former US Open champion Graeme McDowell was also impressed with the condition of the golf course and ready for the test that awaits him and redemption for a possible missed opportunity from his previous participation in the Volvo China Open, where he placed second.

"I had a look around the golf course yesterday and it looks spectacular, it's in great condition and I think the last time I played the Volvo China Open it was in Beijing," said 44-year-old former Ryder Cup player McDowell. "It is great to be back - the golf course looks amazing.

"I've always enjoyed coming to this part of the world. The hotel and the golf course are exceptional and of course playing the next three events (Volvo China Open, Hong Kong Open & Indonesian Masters), I'm here to compete and to win tournaments, and I would like to finish the unfinished business from the last Volvo China Open.

"It seems to be a key driving course. The targets are narrow-ish in places and if you miss them you are in big trouble. The greens seem quite undulating so picking your spots where to land the ball coming into the targets is also going to be key."

Hong Kong's Taichi Kho was the third player in the interview and said he was looking forward to starting play on Thursday and was also keen to add to his maiden Asian Tour victory, which came earlier this year in the World City Championship in Hong Kong.