It was perhaps fitting that Asia's first champion of a major, Yang Yong-eun, should pick the wind as the element that could play a crucial role in deciding the winner of the 51st edition of the UBS Hong Kong Open on Sunday. After all, the South Korean is nicknamed 'Son of the Wind'.
'If it is as windy as it was this afternoon, I feel the course will become trickier and you will also have to be accurate with your short game. I think the wind could become a huge factor this week,' said Yang, who was given the blustery handle in recognition of his windy birthplace - the island of Cheju.
The Hong Kong Open has been won by nine major champions: Peter Thomson, Kel Nagle, Orville Moody, Greg Norman, Ian Woosnam, Bernhard Langer, Tom Watson, Jose Maria Olazabal and the last being Padraig Harrington in 2003.
'I'm confident, but I've been in a bit of a slump since I won the PGA Championship,' Yang said. 'It is a strong field and, while I don't want to pinpoint anybody, there are a few players who are a bit more dangerous than others and who will be a threat.'
Hunting for glory will be marquee names such as England's Lee Westwood, the world number four, Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland, and former British Open champions and American first-timers to Hong Kong Mark O'Meara and Ben Curtis.
Yang can also expect a strong challenge from fellow Asians, led by Thai Thongchai Jaidee, Indian pair Jyoti Randhawa and Jeev Milkha Singh, China number one Liang Wenchong and defending champion Lin Wen-tang from Taiwan.