Joachim B Hansenwill hit the first shot of the 2019 Race to Dubai when the Honma Hong Kong Open presented by Amundi gets under way in Fanling on Thursday morning.
The Dane is back on the European Tour after finishing top of last season's Road to Ras Al Khaimah Rankings and will tee off the first at 6.50am in the company ofKalle SamoojaandZander Lombard.
This will be Hansen's third time starting a European Tour season after graduating from the Challenge Tour and he is hoping to stick around as he prepares for his 100th European start.
"I'm very proud," he said. "It was a big goal for me after securing a top 15 spot in the middle of the season so winning that top ranking, that's very big for me.
"Hopefully I get into most of the big events. Hopefully it's some good results."
Also out early in the morning is Masters Tournament ChampionPatrick Reed, fresh off finishing second in last season's Race to Dubai.
He will go off the 11th tee at 07.20 alongside Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the YearShubhankar Sharmaand five-time European Tour winnerMatthew Fitzpatrick.
World Number NineTommy Fleetwoodis the highest-ranked player in the field and he heads out at 11.30 in the second wave's marquee group alongside defending championWade Ormsbyand Ryder Cup record-breakerSergio Garcia.
Four-time champion at Hong Kong Golf ClubMiguel Ángel Jiménezgoes out ten minutes later in the company of fellow SpaniardRafa Cabrera Belloand ParaguayanFabrizio Zanotti.
For a full list of tee times, clickhere.
