Third Time Lucky?

To ensure that he's well prepared, Lam will spend the weeks leading up to the championship practicing in California, where he hopes to continue his education at the end of the year.

"I'm going over to look at a few schools, so it's a great opportunity to work on my game at the same time," says Lam. "Before, when I played in the Hong Kong Open, I had to arrange my golf around my education. This time I'll have longer and better time to prepare. I want to be able to do my best."

While the very thought of teeing it up alongside a field of world-class pros would scare the living daylights out of most, Lam who holds the amateur course record at the North Course at the Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau – a seven-under-par 65, which he shot to win the Faldo Series Asia Hong Kong qualifying event in 2009 – says that nerves won't be a factor.

"The very first hole of the first Hong Kong Open I played in – I was nervous, for sure," he remembers. "But after that everything was fine. I've been fortunate enough to play with many of the pros – people like Jeev and Thongchai Jaidee – and it's become a lot easier over time. Now I feel more excited about playing, rather than worrying about what score I'm going to shoot. I think I've become more relaxed as I've gotten older."

As for the confirmation that UBS have once again committed their support to the Hong Kong Open, which was first played in 1959, Lam is appreciative.

"I've grown up with UBS as the title sponsor, so it's great that they'll be involved once again," he says. "They've been very generous over the years and have helped make the tournament what it is today. The Hong Kong Open, being my home event, will always be my favourite. I really can't wait to get started."