With a stellar record at Riviera Country Club, it is no mystery why Australian golfer Aaron Baddeley feels at home at the famed Los Angeles course.
The US PGA Tour's Genesis Open begins Friday AEDT, with Australia's world No.1 Jason Day, No.3 Dustin Johnson, No.5 Hideki Matsuyama, No.6 Jordan Spieth and No.7 Adam Scott headlining the 144-player tournament.
But a star-studded field doesn't intimidate Baddeley - the 2011 champion at Riviera - whose results include a seventh place in 2005, among five top-25 finishes.
"I love coming to Riviera and I feel very comfortable here," said Baddeley.
"Knowing I've played well here, multiple times, it makes you comfortable and relaxed and it breeds good vibes."
The 35-year-old Baddeley claims Riviera's resemblance to Australian golf courses will aid his quest for a fifth US PGA Tour title.
"I know my game's in good shape; if I can keep driving it nicely and hitting my irons well, I know I can win" said Baddeley.
"There are definitely some similarities to Australia with the big trees and greens that are similar to what I grew up on."
Other Australians who have enjoyed success at Riviera include LA Open champions Adam Scott (2005) and Robert Allenby (2001), while Steve Elkington claimed the 1995 US PGA championship here.
This week, Baddeley is joined by countrymen Day, Scott, Marc Leishman, Geoff Ogilvy, Greg Chalmers, John Senden, Cameron Percy, Steven Bowditch and Cameron Smith.
Big-hitting American Bubba Watson is the defending champion.
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