Seoul: Korea's Bae Sang-moon believes that the years spent honing his skills on the Asian Tour have now given him the ability to challenge for the title at the Ballantine's Championship which tees off on Thursday.

No Korean has won the Ballantine's Championship since it was inaugurated in 2008 and Bae, who is now based in the United States, hopes to be the first to lift the prestigious trophy following his recent good form.

“I used to play in Korea but from 2007 I played on the Asia Tour. Playing on the Tour has helped to widen my horizon and it has also improved my golf skills,” said Bae.

The three-time Asian Tour winner earned his 2012 US PGA Tour card through Qualifying School and was the best Asian performer at the recent Masters where he finished tied 37th.

He also showed his mettle at the Transitions Championship by charging into contention before losing narrowly to England’s Luke Donald in the play-off last month.

"I've always wanted to come back and thank my fans once I’ve done well in the United States.  And I think I've been able to return home quicker than I had expected," said Bae who is ranked 32nd in the world.

“There’s always going to be pressure because I feel that I’ve to live up to the expectations of my fans.  There are many top players taking part in this tournament but it is with confidence that I’m returning home to compete,” added the 25-year-old.

Australia's Adam Scott, who is making his debut at the Ballantine’s Championship, is ready to make his week at Blackstone Golf Club an unforgettable one.

“It's an important week to keep my form coming out of the Masters and heading into the rest of the season.  I've come over here to get myself in contention, and see where my game's at.  I feel confident,” said Scott, who enjoyed a top-10 finish at the Masters earlier this month.

As the highest ranked player in the elite field this week, the Australian also wants to play his part in promoting the game of golf in Asia which is enjoying unprecedented growth today.

"I think golf is growing so quickly and it's certainly growing in Asia. For established players, we certainly feel responsible to help grow the game of golf as it has given us so many great opportunities to play,” said the world number 12.

“We would like to hopefully create some opportunities for others and help tournaments in this part of the world grow and become as big as they can be," added Scott.

After missing out on the Ballantine's Championship 12 months ago, Spain's Miguel Angel Jimenez believes he can erase the heartbreak this year.

The cigar-chomping Spaniard old came mightily close to winning the Ballantine’s Championship last year, when a closing round of 71 left him just one shot short of lifting the title.

The 48-year-old maybe known more for his carefree lifestyle but he is also a consummate professional.

“I like cigars and of course, I like win.  You have to enjoy yourself but you also have to work,” said Jimenez.

“People don’t see me working out in the gym at 7.30 in the morning. They often see me around the golf course with a cigar or having a glass of wine.   But if I’m not working hard, do you think I would still be here even at 48,” said Jimenez.

Meanwhile reigning British Open champion, Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland, who recently married beauty queen Alison Campbell at a secret Bahamas beach ceremony, hopes that his lucky break will pave his way back to the winner’s circle at the Ballantine’s Championship.

“It's been good to have another little break again and getting married again.  I feel very lucky,” said Clarke.

“It's another good field again with lots of world ranking points on offer. I'm sure it will be another great week", added Clarke.

Other Asian Tour stars set to feature at the Ballantine’s Championship include China’s Liang Wen-chong who was Asia’s number one in 2007, Singapore’s Mardan Mamat and Korean-American rookie David Lipsky who shot to prominence with his maiden victory at the HANDA FALDO Cambodian Classic and is currently second on the Order of Merit.

The €2,205,000 Ballantine’s Championship is sanctioned by the Asian Tour, European Tour and Korea PGA from April 26 to 29.