Indian golfer Gaganjeet Bhullar is relishing his title defence at the Venetian Macau Open starting Thursday, labelling the $800,000 event as one of the biggest on the Asian Tour.
The 25-year-old, currently third on the Order of Merit, will face a stellar field at the spectacular Macau Golf and Country Club which includes four-time Major champion Ernie Els and six former Merit champions, among them countrymen Arjun Atwal, Jyoti Randhawa and Jeev Milkha Singh.
Last year, the powerful Indian completed a commanding wire-to-wire triumph and called the victory as one of the best of his career which includes three other Asian Tour victories.
"Macau is one of my favourite courses in Asia. When I played in the practice round yesterday, it kind of triggered the memories from last year. I remembered what I did on the 72nd hole (which he birdied). It was one of the weeks where I'm not going to forget in my life," said Bhullar Wednesday.
"I'm feeling good and I'm striking the ball good. Just had a bit of ups and downs recently which is part of the game. I'm enjoying myself and I'm in a good frame of mind. Anything is possible."
Bhullar is hoping to play his way into a pairing with crowd-puller Els over the weekend. "That's the goal. He inspires the next generation of Asian players to move onto the next level and make it big. With him around, he's the one to look out for," said the Indian.
"This is my sixth visit to Macau and over the past four to five years, the course has been improving every year. Last year, the greens were running at about 10 on the stimpmeter and this week, it's running around 12 which is one of the fastest on the tour." Bhullar said.
Bhullar recalled last year's triumph with fondness. "Last year, it was a real battle of emotions, especially over the last few holes. After winning here, my outlook and ambitions changed. It gave me the push that I needed in my career. After that win, I'm feeling secure in my life. A lot of good things are happening and I'll try to win this tournament again this year," he said.
The Macau Open will once again be a free entry event for golf fans from around the world to enjoy live world class professional golf in one of the best loved destinations for leisure and business travel in Asia.
Since its inauguration in 1998, the tournament has been graced by the presence of some of the best golfers the world has ever seen, including Lee Westwood, Colin Montgomerie, Nick Faldo, Padraig Harrington, Fred Couples, Ian Woosnam and Mark O'Meara.
