The seven-time US PGA Tour winner was victorious when he last visited Malaysia in October and feels right at home at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club where the tournament tees off Thursday.
Choi is confident he can enjoy a good week in the event co-sanctioned by the Asian and European tours to bolster his chances of returning to the world's top-50 and qualifying for the Masters Tournament in April.
But he is up against the likes of two-time Malaysian Open winner Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand, former Ryder Cup star Darren Clarke and defending champion Anthony Kang of the United States.
"It is very good to be back. I feel the love already and I'm having a good time right now and I'm going to enjoy the rest of the week," said Choi.
"I feel that my fitness is coming back. It has been a slower start than what I expected because my shots have improved but it is progressing tremendously on a week-to-week basis. I have big expectations in the upcoming tournaments." Choi, nicknamed "The Tank" for his solid built, last played in the Malaysian Open in 1999 but won the Iskandar Johor Open in Malaysia last year for his first Asian Tour victory outside of Korea.
The Korean star said he was hoping to qualify for the Masters.
"I still have a few tournaments left where hopefully I can put myself in a position to qualify. But it is promising because I'm playing better and I have a lot to expect for," added Choi, who has featured at Augusta National for the last seven editions and finished third in 2004.
