Alex Noren believes the EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM is the perfect place to kick off the 2018 season as he makes his debut in the biennial event.
The nine-time European Tour winner is part of the strong 12-man line-up which will represent Team Europe under the guidance of Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjørn at the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club in Malaysia.
Fellow Swede and former European Number One Henrik Stenson heads the team alongside reigning Race to Dubai winner Tommy Fleetwood and five former Ryder Cup players, with Noren excited to be part of the third edition of the competition, which begins on Friday.
"I think it's a super start to the season," the 35 year old said. "I wasn't on the team two years ago and I would have loved to be on the team, and this year, I'm happy to be on it. It feels quite big for me, especially when I haven't played that many (team events) before.
"I played the Royal Trophy (in 2010), and I really liked that. There are really good players on both sides, which makes it a great event. Especially on a year where the Ryder Cup feels so special."
Europe take on USA in Ryder Cup action at Le Golf National later this year, but Noren - who has won five of his nine European Tour victories in the last two seasons - understands that an impressive display over the three-day event in Kuala Lumpur does not guarantee his place in Dane Bjørn's team in September.
"I think Thomas (Bjørn) knows this by playing so many years on Tour, the most important thing is to play well when it matters during The Ryder Cup days.
"If I do a good showing here but don't play as good the rest of the year, it doesn't really matter.
This was a big goal of mine to make this team so I'm delighted that I'm here - Paul Dunne
"I think we are all used to playing under pressure and all you need to do is play good here and during the season and during The Ryder Cup. I think that's the goal for me."
Bernd Weisberger will not be complacent as he returns to the course which saw him win two of his three matches two years ago as Team Europe won the event for the first time.
"I think we could all agree that golf in Asia is growing and the quality of players is growing over here," the Austrian said. "It's definitely a challenge to find a European Team to come over here and play these guys.
"Even though we had a really good win last time, I think we come here with all the respect for all the players facing us and knowing the quality of them."
Ireland's Paul Dunne is another debutant in the team and he wants to extend his successful amateur career in match-play events, which saw him finish on the winning team four times, into the professional ranks.
He said: "This was a big goal of mine to make this team so I'm delighted that I'm here and hopefully we can have a good week. I'm excited to play and hopefully we all play well and make it five international events."
Alex Levy, who is tipped to make his Ryder Cup debut in his homeland, is thrilled to be part of the team-based competition in his first appearance at the event.
"It's my first time I play a team event since I've turned pro," the Frenchman said. "I'm really excited and it's a (good) atmosphere in the team."
