Rory McIlroy is raring to go ahead of his season debut at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Thursday.
McIlroy - all set for Abu Dhabi challenge.
McIlroy, who is paired with Tiger Woods and Luke Donald on the opening two days, has a great record event, finishing 11th, fifth, third and second in the event the past four years - an upward trend he hopes will continue.
"It's a golf course that I feel suits me," said McIlroy. "Maybe doesn't suit me as well as it does Martin Kaymer, but I'm getting there."
He's referring to Kaymer's even better record in Abu Dhabi, having won here three of the last four years.
The German will be paired with Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia in the opening rounds.
"It's a great way to start the year and I'm excited to get the new season up and running," added McIlroy, who practised with Woods for nine holes yesterday.
"It was good. He seems like he's happy with everything - I know he's definitely happy that he feels like he's back to 100% fitness, which is great for him.
"He hit a lot of good shots out there, so I think he's worked hard in the off-season and looks like his game is in pretty good shape.
"It's definitely not a quiet way to start the year. You're playing with two of the best golfers in the world in the first two days and you're up against one of the strongest fields probably that will be assembled this year.
"You want to try and get off to a good start, so you want to try and play well, but obviously the majors have that little bit extra."
McIlroy doesn't have the fondest memories of the last time he played in the Middle East at December's Dubai World Championship, when he was struggling with suspected Dengue fever.
"I definitely wasn't feeling my best the last couple of weeks of the season. I actually stayed out in Dubai for 10 days afterwards - I was advised not to travel anywhere for at least a week.
"I got home on December 22, spent three or four days at home, then flew to Thailand to spend New Year with my family and Caroline's family as well."
golf365.com