Justin Thomas said he’s “very excited” to tee-off for the first time at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Thursday.
The 2017 PGA Championship winner has also been impressed by the Abu Dhabi Golf Club course and how comfortable players have been made to feel despite the coronavirus protocols being observed.
“This is a tournament and a place that I've watched on TV many a time back home and it's an unbelievable place,” he said on Wednesday.
“You know, it's even nicer being on a Troon property for me, a partner that I have and I'm very close with, and it's an unbelievable course.
“It's in immaculate shape. Pretty convenient staying in hotel right on property here. The facilities are great. The food's been great and it's been very enjoyable thus far.”
The American faces a tough battle for the title coming up against the likes of defending champion Lee Westwood, Matt Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood and Rory Mcllroy.
And Thomas is in no doubt what aspect of his game will have to be working well if he is to prosper this week.
“It definitely is going to help driving it well. It seems like a course that if you're driving the ball well, you have the opportunity to make a lot of birdies,” he said.
“The greens are pretty soft and they are in very good shape to where if you put the ball in the right place on the greens, you can make a lot of putts and really go low.
“That's kind of been our priority here this week is just figuring out lines, figuring out shots and what I want to hit off the tees.
“In terms of me for this week, it's been nothing but great in terms of the bubble that you're in and staying within that and following the protocols both on and off the golf course.
“They have done a great job just like the PGA Tour to making it feel as normal as possible while also not being normal.”
