Home comforts for champion Kim at Quail Hollow

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (Reuters) - Anthony Kim returns to one of his happiest hunting grounds when he defends his maiden PGA Tour title at this week's Quail Hollow Championship.

Since tying for seventh in his first appearance here in 2007, Kim has felt a close affinity with the event and his five-stroke victory 12 months ago set up the most successful season of his career.

"I'm very excited to be back," the 23-year-old American told reporters on Tuesday. "It feels like home.

"I love it here. My rookie season I had eight top-10 finishes and this was one of them. Even though I finished third or second somewhere else I was happier about this one because of the field, because the golf course was so tough.

"The fans here are so different than most tournaments we play. They pulled so hard for me last year," added Kim, who is up against a strong field this week including 2007 champion Tiger Woods.

Kim became the youngest winner on the PGA Tour in more than six years with his runaway victory last season and went on to clinch his second title at the AT&T National two months later.

"I put in quite a bit of work early last year and to see the benefit was tremendous for me growing as a player," said the world number 13. "I think that's the reason I won a few weeks later.

"It did give me that confidence boost I needed to keep playing well and keep believing I belong out here and I am one of the top players in the world."

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