HONG KONG | Rory McIlroy seems to feel right
at home in Hong Kong. The 21-year-old Northern
Irishman finished second in 2008 and 2009 at the
UBS Hong Kong Open and was sixth on his own
this year, four shots behind winner Ian Poulter.
McIlroy, who won the Quail Hollow Championship on the PGA Tour this year, reiterated
that he prefers the European Tour to the U.S.
and will not be a PGA Tour member in 2011.
“I found out a lot about myself in America
last year,” said McIlroy. “I found out that the
places that you like to go to has a lot to do with
(being happy). There is no point playing a tournament that you don’t want to be at. I am trying
to pick and choose events where I am happy
in the places I am, that I want to be there and
want to give it a go.
“This week is a good example – it is one of
my favorite events of the season. UBS have
been sponsoring it now for a while, and they put
on a great show. They look after us really well.”
American Anthony Kang registered his best
result on the European Tour in 2010 with a
fourth-place finish at the UBS Hong Kong Open.
Kang, who hails from South Korea and lives in
Las Vegas, shot a 9-under 61 to take the second-
round lead at Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling.
New Zealander Mark Brown, who has
enjoyed success on the Asian Tour, took the
first-round lead with an 8-under 62 and credited a new man on his bag. A boyhood friend
from New Zealand teamed up with Brown on a
recent trip home when his new caddie suggested that the 35-year-old Brown start doing some
things that he did when he was younger.
“I grew up with him at my home course in
New Zealand and it has sort of got me back
to a few of the things I used to do when I was
younger swing-wise,” Brown said. “It seems to
be working so I will stick with those things.” l
