Even though the Shenzhen International is a new event, Alexander Levy carries the look and feel of the defending champion this week having earned his maiden European Tour title last year on the tournament’s host venue, Genzon Golf Club.
Upon arrival in Shenzhen for the 2013 Volvo China Open, the genial Frenchman took an immediate shine to the Neil Howarth-designed layout and duly set a new course record with a round of 62 on day two.
That dazzling display enabled Levy to establish a commanding lead which he would never relinquish, ultimately finishing four shots clear of England’s Tommy Fleetwood.
Twelve months on and the memories of his breakthrough victory still burn brightly for Levy, who is hopeful of a return to his happy hunting ground will herald a return to winning ways.
He said: “I played six holes yesterday, and a lot of good memories came back. I remembered every shot I hit on the last day last year, and it’s great to be back here. I love this course, and this year it’s in very good shape – even better than last year. The greens are much faster this year, which I like.
“The key to this course is off the tee. If you drive the ball straight and also long, then you can score well. That was the main reason for my win here last year, and hopefully I can have the same strategy and result this year.”
In comparison to the stellar standards he set last season, Levy has made a somewhat sluggish start to the current campaign, with a tie for 20th place in Abu Dhabi his best return thus far.
But having returned to his native France to work hard on his game following a missed cut in Morocco at the end of last month, Levy is confident of reaping the rewards of his labour when he tees up in the company of local favourite Li Hao-tong and the headline act, Bubba Watson, in the first round on Thursday morning.
“My game is also getting better slowly,” said Levy.
“I didn’t play well for a couple of months, and I was pulling a lot of my shots left. But I’ve practised very well the last two weeks, and I feel much better about my game on the range so hopefully I can now take that out onto the course with me this week.”
