American golf pro Talor Gooch said on Tuesday that he is looking forward to making his debut at the Hong Kong Open next month, given that it is the territory's oldest professional sporting event.
Gooch has already won three times this season on LIV Golf, in Adelaide, Singapore and Andalucia. He said he is hoping to add another title to his name.
"I've always said if I can get the ball, and throw me in the fairway, I like my chances pretty much against anyone. I am always striving to drive the ball better and hit it longer, just like everyone else," he said.
"That's part of why I like what I hear about the [Hong Kong] golf course is, it's not just a bomber's free-for-all. You got to pick and choose your spots around the course. You got to place your ball on the right spot so I'm excited. That's my type of golf."
He added that he is excited to explore Hong Kong for the first time after speaking to his friend and two-time Hong Kong Open winner Wade Ormsby, who will also be competing.
"Wade Ormsby first heard that I was coming, he was telling me all about his past and about how much fun he has that week and what a great course and what a great tournament. When I had the opportunity to get out and get the chance to go play my first one, I was jumping at it so I'm excited to get there and just to see Hong Kong," he said.
Looking at the other players including the SAR's Taichi Kho, who won the World City Championship in March and the Asian Games this month, Gooch said that the game of golf is in such a good place with more young talent emerging in the sport.
"This next generation of kids coming up are so good and it is so cool to see from all around the world. It's a testament to where the game of golf is. It makes me want to work harder. It makes me want to up my game because I know that this next group of kids coming in behind us are so good and so hungry," he said.
The Hong Kong Open will take place from November 9 to 12 at the Hong Kong Golf Club.