Bernd Wiesberger is hoping he can rise to the occasion as the DP World Tour makes its return to his homeland for the Austrian Alpine Open presented by SalzburgerLand.
A long-time supporter of his national Open, the home star is set for his 14th start at the event – which he won during his breakout season in 2012 – and first since 2017.
After injury sidelined him in 2018, eight-time DP World Tour winner Wiesberger was then absent for the Covid-19 affected editions held in 2020 and 2021.
This week provides him with another opportunity to shine in front of home crowds, with the action returning to Gut Altentann Golf Club for the first time since 1992.
“Obviously it's nice to have a home event out here,” he said.
“I am very grateful for all the people who pulled together to bring the Austrian Open back.
“Your home Open always brings the best out of you, I think. You want to do well, and that is exactly what I am trying to do this week.
“I was really looking forward to it from the moment it was announced we were going to be back out here.”
One of 14 Austrians in the field, six of whom are amateurs, the 2021 Ryder Cup player will shoulder much of the home expectations.
Alongside his victory in Austria 13 years ago, Wiesberger has four further top tens in a championship that was established in 1990, and he believes he is coming into form at just the right time as the European Swing continues.
"I feel ready to go, I feel I am playing decently coming into the week and I enjoy the golf course, so it’s going to be a good week, I hope," added Wiesberger, who finished in a tie for 25th at last week's Soudal Open in Belgium.
“It is falling into place nicely. It was a hard weekend last week with the wind and the weather in Belgium. Scoring was considerably low, even with those conditions.
Wiesberger won his most recent DP World Tour title in 2021, but almost returned to the winner's circle last season as he finished in a tie for second at the European Open in Germany.
While he has struggled to find his groove so far this campaign, his tie for 11th at last month's Hainan Classic means he comes into the week on the back of his best two results so far this season.
“I am working a little bit on my swing, making sure that I am tight through ten feet and inside on the greens and I think that will be key for me this week," he added.
"Stay positive, be really aggressive out here as it is soft. But I feel like the game is in a good place and in front of home crowds that can give you the extra couple of percentage points you need to perform well."
Gut Altentann, located in Henndorf am Wallersee, near Salzburg, was the first 18-hole golf course to be designed by golf great Jack Nicklaus.
Water is a big feature on the layout, coming into play on more than half of the holes, and Wiesberger expects a demanding but fair test after a redesign in recent years.
"I think it's a very classic layout," he said.
"Obviously it was designed in the late 80s, early 90s. They needed to lengthen a little bit because obviously the game has evolved.
"They are relatively small targets that you need to hit, not just on the greens. I think you still need to be quite precise off the tee, especially on the back nine.
"I think there are a lot of good driving holes, a lot of water and and position play [required].
"Then it won't leave you too long of clubs but still you you need to hit those small targets to give yourself chances for birdies.
"I think that's something I'm relatively good at which which plays into my hands."
