Ireland's Gary Murphy believes a laid-back approach will pay dividends in the Inteco Russian Open at the Le Meridien Moscow Country Club.
Murphy is still seeking his first European Tour title after more than 200 starts but has a superb record in the Russian capital.
The 35-year-old from Kilkenny was fifth last year behind runaway winner Per-Ulrik Johansson, and third in 2006 behind Spain's Alejandro Canizares.
Murphy was also ninth in 1999 and third again as far back as 1997 - only the second time the event was held - and feels the special atmosphere in Moscow is to thank for his performances.
"I really enjoy this golf course and the place. It's a fun week, a relaxed atmosphere, everybody is staying on site and it's all very laid back, which kind of suits me really," said Murphy, currently 78th on the Order of Merit thanks largely to finishing third in the Irish Open in May.
"I have had some good success here. I just enjoy the course."
Although Murphy feels at home, he is braced for anything the notoriously fickle Russian weather can throw at him as he looks to build on making the cut in four of his last five events.
"I have had success here and you feel that there are a lot of birdies out there and chances to be had," he added on www.europeantour.com.
"Obviously the weather can throw anything at you here - I have played here in frosty conditions some mornings - but just because I have done well here in the past doesn't mean that I am going to do it again. I have to focus the mind and be patient."
Murphy was among the early starters today, playing in the group in front of star attraction John Daly, the former Open champion looking to bounce back from missing the cut at Birkdale last week after rounds of 80 and 89.
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