European Tour:Ireland's Paul McGinley hopes his experience of the course at the Yalong Bay Golf Club will put him firmly in contention when the TCL Classic in Hainan begins today. McGinley claimed a 16th-place finish at the event last year after suffering a play-off defeat to Paul Casey in 2005 when he roared back into contention with a stunning final round 63, which included a run of five consecutive birdies on the back nine.

Casey birdied a 25-foot putt on the second hole of the sudden-death contest at the 18th to edge out McGinley after both men had finished the regulation 72 holes level on 22 under par.

"I'm looking forward to it; I've played well round here before. I finished 16th last year and second the year before so I know I can play well around here," McGinley said.

"I played well in the last round in 2005, I played well all week. A low-scoring round like that this year would help you make a lot of ground.

"I haven't played a tournament for three weeks so I've just been doing a little bit of practice and getting used to the wind conditions, there is a bit more wind than I've been practising in."

The 40-year-old Irishman is remaining cautious after course officials altered the picturesque Yalong Bay course by adding more substantial rough, as well as extra bunkers at the last.

McGinley insists it will be hard to achieve the 25-under par which saw Sweden's Johan Edfors win last year's crown on the island of Hainan.

"The rough has really tightened up and made a significant difference to the golf course, so it's certainly tougher by about two shots a round," he said.

Irish interest will also focus on Damien McGrane, David Higgins and Michael Hoey.