Yangon: Korea's K.T Kim is ready to thrill the local galleries during his maiden visit to Myanmar when the Leopalace21 Myanmar Open makes its much anticipated start at the Royal Mingalardon Country Club on Thursday.

Myanmar's National Open was last played in 2013 and returns with a new title sponsor in Leopalace21 and lucrative prize purse of US$750,000.

It will be sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organsiation (JGTO) for the first time.

Kim, who enjoyed a phenomenal season on the Japan, winning five times en route to topping the JGTO money list, believes he is well rested and ready to challenge for the title after uncharacteristically missing the weekend cut in Singapore last week.

“I’ve been working hard on my putting as I didn’t putt well in Singapore. But I had a good rest and I’m ready to play well again.

“I’ve heard so much wonderful things about this country and I’m happy I’m here now. I’m determined to put up a strong performance and contend for the title this week,” said Kim.

Compatriot Younghan Song is looking to extend his winning run at the Leopalace21 Myanmar Open after a marathon week in Singapore where he defeated world number one Jordan Spieth by one shot.

“Beating Jordan was like a dream come true. But it’s a new week now and my focus will be to do well again.

“I’m in very good form and I hope it continues that way,” said Song.

Meanwhile Zaw Zaw Latt hopes to provide the local cheers as he takes on the strong field which also boosts Asian Tour Order of Merit winners Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand, Philippines’ Juvic Pagunsan and China’s Liang Wen-chong.

The local hopeful won the country’s Order of Merit title last year and is relishing the experience of pitting himself against some of the region’s best players.

“I’ve been here on the golf course since Sunday practicing hard. It’ll be nice if I can give them a good fight and stay in the mix this week.”