Li and MacIntyre aim to make major impact in Wales

Li Haotong and Robert MacIntyre are hoping to build on their strong showings at the US PGA Championship at this week's ISPS HANDA Wales Open.

China's Li finished tied for 17th at Harding Park, while MacIntyre marked his first Major Championship in the United States by making the cut and ending the week in a share of 66th place.

The Celtic Manor Resort is likely to offer both a less ferocious test on their return to European soil, which Li is looking forward to after holding the halfway lead at the year's first Major.

“It’s pretty nice here, a traditional UK style place, so I’m just glad to be here,” said Li. “The course is pretty good and I think it suits my game.

“You need to hit solid shots to shoot low scores here so it’s going to be a fun week. The game is good, especially coming from the PGA Championship. I got a lot of confidence over there.

“I felt like I can compete with those guys when I was playing there. I really enjoyed it, it was a great experience. 

“I think if I bring my A-game I will get a good result.”

MacIntyre believes his game is in good shape to tackle the course which staged the 2010 Ryder Cup.

“It’s good to be back, good to get back to competitive golf week-in, week-out and the European Tour have done a great job getting everyone back and playing again,” he said.

“I obviously watched this place on the TV for the Ryder Cup and hopefully I can get out today to finally see it and if not I’ll just go out and enjoy it tomorrow. Greg my caddie has been here and seen the course twice and says it’s as you see it, so as long as I’m hitting it well which I am doing now, then why not have a good week.

“It was good at Harding Park, probably one of the toughest tests I’ve ever played on. 

“The game is in good shape though and I’m looking forward to this week. I’m not too sure what I want from the rest of the season, I’m just going to play here and next week and then I have the U.S. Open and we’re just trying to win every week we’re out here. 

“Sam (Horsfield) is making a good effort at that so I’m just going to go out and enjoy my golf again and try to be up there come Sunday.”

Horsfield won last weekend over this track in the Celtic Classic – his second victory in three weeks – and admits his sensational month has not sunk in properly yet.

“It hasn’t really hit me yet about the two wins,” he said. “I think once I have a few weeks off and some time to think about everything and reflect, it’ll set in then but I’m just trying to focus on this week.

“I am confident, I feel like I’m playing good golf and I just want to give myself an opportunity going into Sunday again.”