Tommy Fleetwood is hoping he can match the unwavering support he receives from the "amazing" crowds at Wentworth Club with a title tilt on home soil at the BMW PGA Championship.
The Englishman has played in every edition of the storied tournament on the DP World Tour since his debut in 2012, making the cut in 12 of his 14 appearances over the world-renowned West Course.
But perhaps surprisingly his best result is a solo sixth-placed finish in 2023 and he is eager to mount a sustained challenge this week as he targets what would be his first victory on golf's global tour in his homeland and a third Rolex Series crown.
"Of course, being an Englishman, playing in England is always really cool," said the eight-time DP World Tour winner.
"I've always been really lucky with the support we get. I think it's great.
"I've never quite managed to play as well as I would have liked; it's been one of those for me. But I always feel like there's a chance. I like the way the course sets up. I'm looking forward to getting started."
While Fleetwood predominantly plays in the United States, the 35-year-old continues to remain loyal to the tour where he first made his name after graduating from the HotelPlanner Tour in 2011.
Earlier this year, he rose to a career-high third on the Official World Golf Ranking after claiming a long-awaited first PGA Tour title at the TOUR Championship last season.
After a two-week break at home in Dubai after the season climax stateside last month, Fleetwood is raring to go again after forming part of a group of European players that visited Adare Manor on Monday ahead of next year's Ryder Cup.
"I enjoy being part of that team and being around all those guys because you're either learning or you're being motivated in some other way," he reflected on the one-day trip which featured four would-be rookies in Eugenio Chacarra, Alex Fitzpatrick, Kristoffer Reitan and Angel Ayora.
"It drives you to be better. There's a year to go until the Ryder Cup, so so much can happen until then, but just getting a little taste of it now was great, and I sort of felt very lucky to be out there."
Alongside Fleetwood was another stalwart of recent editions in Shane Lowry, who arrives in Surrey on a high after his record 11-shot victory on home soil at the Amgen Irish Open.
A winner at the BMW PGA Championship in 2022, he boasts an enviable record that also features four other top tens and is feeling at home as he looks to join Chacarra, Patrick Reed, Casey Jarvis and Jayden Schaper as the fifth multiple winner on Tour this season.
"At the end of the day, I'm a professional, I'm a competitor, and I want to go out there and do my best," he said.
"So, it's just down to me to sort myself out today, and get some rest.
"I think rest is going to be important over the next few days, and, you know, if I can keep playing golf the way I am, you know, hopefully I can give myself a chance this week as well."
