Justin Rose shot an opening 65 at the UBS Hong Kong Open and then declared that he was better equipped to cope with the challenge in Fanling than on his previous unsuccessful visit in 2011.
That event four years ago was Rose's only previous attempt at tackling Hong Kong Golf Club and the World Number Seven was not at his best as he went 74-69 to miss the cut with Rory McIlroy claiming a famous victory.
But his first round effort on Thursday left the Englishman just one shot off the lead held by Andrea Pavan and Lu Wei-chih, and Rose is confident he can do better this time around.
"Well, you obviously come here this week, not really thinking about that (2011)," he said. "I'm just trying to sort of get to grips with the golf course and that's been my focus, really, how do you play this golf course.
I think I probably had a much better idea this time around how to play it than I did last time. I can focus on more positive things now - Justin Rose
"I'm really happy with the start, more happy with how I played today. Really happy with how I swung the club, struck the ball, how patient I played. Good strategy out there and got to grips with the golf course, really, for the first time.
"So all in all, a very good day."
While Rose is in the Far East this week hoping to close the gap on Race to Dubai leader McIlroy, Jeev Milkha Singh is battling it out at the other end of the standings as he fights to save his European Tour card.
The Indian is 140th in the standings and needs to finish third or better this week to keep his playing privileges, with a 65 to match that of Rose a very encouraging start.
The 43 year old has failed to record a top ten on the European Tour so far this season and is happy to be back in the upper echelons of the field.
"I think I needed this kind of start this week and I'm going to give it my hundred per cent like I do every week and hopefully this is my week," he said.
"It is great to be back on the leaderboard and gives me a lot of confidence. I'm glad that I'm putting myself in the right position and hopefully keep going like this from here, and move on to better things.
"Injuries are much better and I'm working hard and my confidence is coming back. I think that's the most important thing. In this game, I think the trust and the confidence comes back, and you start putting the numbers on the board, and then you get comfortable and then you move on from there.
"I'm in that process right now and I'm feeling good."
The other player to go round in 65 on day one was CT Pan and the 23 year old was delighted with his effort after only turning professional in June.
"It was amazing," said the man from Chinese Taipei. "My iron shots were probably the best I've ever had. I've hit to like four, five feet; five, six times. That's how I managed five, six birdies out there.
"Made one bogey, which was unfortunate, but it's all right. I think it's a tough course, so I will for sure make some mistakes out there.
"I just wanted to give myself a good chance to put myself in a good spot.
"I got a sponsor invite this year, so hopefully I can play well so I don't have to rely on an exemption again."
