Shane Lowry is looking forward to taking on a new challenge this week as he makes his tournament debut at the 2020 Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers.
The Open Champion missed the event last season but has always played well in the desert, claiming a Rolex Series victory last season at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA as well as producing good results in Dubai.
He finished 11th last week at the Dubai Desert Classic and while he is delighted to experience a new country in Saudi Arabia, he believes his desert experience will stand him in good stead at Royal Greens Golf and Country Club.
"I didn't know what to expect coming here," he said. "It's very much a Middle East style golf course and something that I like the look of it straightaway. It's in great condition.
"Hopefully I can go out and play well but I do really like the look of the golf course and, as I said, it's in absolutely perfect condition, so I'm looking forward to it.
"I've done well in Abu Dhabi, Race to Dubai, played okay in the Desert Classic the last couple of years, it's the type of golf that I like.
"The wind picks up here in the afternoon, which would suit me a little bit as well. It is a type of golf that I do enjoy playing. It's perfect weather and a perfect condition golf course. You wouldn't want to be playing anywhere else, it's just perfect.
"It's always cool and interesting to come to new places. I find The European Tour is always like that. You always go to different places, see different cultures. It is pretty cool to come to a new place and see what it's like.
"Coming here, you don't know what to expect, and it's been really nice so far. I've enjoyed my time so far here."
I find The European Tour is always like that. You always go to different places, see different cultures. It is pretty cool to come to a new place and see what it's like.
As well as making his Saudi International debut this season, Lowry is also hoping to head to Tokyo for his first appearance in the Olympic Mens Golf Competition.
He missed the 2016 event in Brazil as his wife was pregnant with their first child but is looking forward to trying to win a Gold Medal for Ireland.
"I'm not guaranteed on the team yet but it would take a really good season for someone to pass me," he said. "My flight's booked. I'm due to fly out the Wednesday after The Open and go to the Opening Ceremony and hopefully play.
"Being Irish, we don't win many Gold Medals at the Olympics. So I think that's one goal that I have in my head, that I think it would be incredible to bring a Gold Medal back to Ireland. That's kind of the way I'm going about it this year.
"I think the Olympics will grow and golf will grow in the Olympics and I think in 20, 30 years' time, I think it will be huge. It will be like a fifth Major."
