David Horsey is relishing the prospect of playing at new venue Skolkovo Golf Club when he returns to defend his M2M Russian Open crown.
The Englishman tasted victory for the first time in three years after overcoming Damien McGrane on the first hole of a play-off at last year's event at Tseleevo Golf Club.
And Horsey, who claimed his fourth European Tour title at the Made in Denmark last month, is looking forward to teeing off at this year’s host course in Moscow.
He said: “The golf course looks immaculate. I have been speaking to some of the players and it’s in great condition, very scorable.
“It’s a Jack Nicklaus design so it has got wide fairways and undulating greens and I’m looking forward to playing it now in the Pro-Am.
“It is always great to come back and defend a title, even if it is a different golf course.
“Everyone looked after me splendidly well last year and I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in this week.
“It had been a long time coming last year. I had played alright at times - I had a decent season up to that point and the year before too, but I never really competed and contended at the right end of the tournament so it was nice to get that win after three years without one.”
This week’s tournament marks the start of the Ryder Cup Rankings presented by Rolex, but Horsey is staying focused on his own performances rather than thinking about next year’s event at Hazeltine National Golf Course.
“I just want to keep playing well,” he added. “I’m not really thinking about it being the start of the Ryder Cup race at all.
“I just want to turn up every week and try to compete every week, do my own thing and get my preparation done and try to win.”
The 30 year old will get his opening round under way at 08:10 on Thursday, alongside 2013 winner Michael Hoey and Thailand's Prom Meesawat.
