Hong Kong professional Derek Fung has played on the Fanling course countless times and his local knowledge made the difference as he fired a brilliant four-under-par 66 at the Hong Kong Open yesterday.
The 35-year-old Fung has been a regular visitor of the tricky Fanling course since he first played there as a 13-year-old.
His 20-year 'home course' experience proved invaluable once more against the touring professionals as he enjoyed another fine opening day.
'I played quite well. I played pretty consistent. This is my home course and I felt pretty comfortable out there. I have been looking forward to this tournament all year. Every year, I get a good opportunity to play where I am more familiar. It's been good,' said Fung, who is joint sixth after his great start.
'Maybe last year I was right around the same spot. I was top 10 on the first day. I finished 25th in the end. I play all right here but there's room for improvement.
'I played on this course more than 20 years ago when I first started golf here. I started when I was 13. I have probably played thousands of rounds but we don't have the opportunity to play the composite course, which is a good course.