What are your memories of last year’s UBS Hong Kong Open?
Great memories of last year’s win at the UBS Hong Kong Open. I had an opportunity to shoot 59 [in the second round] and it was very exciting to come down the stretch with a chance to do it. It was great to have the opportunity and I almost pulled it off – loved the feeling of coming to the end of the round with that kind of opportunity. I was very proud of how I played and I can’t wait to come back to defend as I love playing The Hong Kong Golf Club course – it's very much an 'Old School' layout.
You came into the event very confident, and even told Graeme McDowell beforehand that you’d win. Was this a gut feeling, or were you just playing so well that you thought you’d leave everyone in your wake?
Unlike a lot of players I have an off season at the end of September or early October and last year I was working really hard on my game and my fitness during my break. I came back to the Asian swing [of events] with confidence, feeling fresh and revived and ready to take on everyone. I was having lunch with Graeme and I told the lads that I was going to win that week! Everyone started to laugh but I told them that I just knew I was going to win – I just felt so good and so confident and I did it!
Where does the self-belief come from? Do you do anything to work on confidence?
As a young boy I always had the belief in my ability and this was instilled by my father. Whether it was football, pole vault, anything – I believed if I applied myself and did it to the best of my ability that I could achieve anything. I have always enjoyed being under pressure and to be forced to go out and deliver – I just love pressure and I thrive on it. When I think back to my school reports they always would suggest that when I applied myself I can accomplish anything ... but also the report said that I was easily distracted. That is maybe why my record in match play is better than that of stroke play events. It has highlighted something I have really worked on – staying focused on the shot at hand and I have been working on that in my game to take to stroke play events.
Was there ever any doubt about returning to Hong Kong to defend your title?
Not at all, as I I love playing in Asia and love playing the Hong Kong Golf Club, which is a great test and has stood the test of time. Every year I plan my schedule around playing this Asia swing and this year I am spending a significant amount of time playing in China and Hong Kong. Hong Kong is a vibrant city with a great buzz. Everyone is very happy to host us and show us a great time.
As you say, your match play record is perhaps superior than your stroke play record, with wins at both the WGC Match Play last year and the World Match Play in Spain this year – plus, of course, your stellar Ryder Cup record. You must wish there were more match play events?
Yes I do. I was very proud when I won the World Match Play – an event that has also been won by Seve, Player, Palmer, Nicklaus and other famous champions. I think I was the first Englishman to win both of those events. I thrive in the match play format and just really enjoy the pressure and just seem to do well. I always have done.
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