Maximilian Kieffer is hoping the memories of the best shot of his career can inspire him as he makes his first DP World Tour title defence at the D+D REAL Czech Masters.
The German produced a stunning approach shot at the 17th in the final round last year to set up what proved to be a decisive birdie as a closing six-under-par 66 sealed a one-shot victory over Gavin Green.
Kieffer may have been unsuccessful in recreating the same magic during a practice round on Monday – which was the one-year anniversary of his breakthrough success – but he returns to Albatross Golf Resort on the outskirts of Prague full of confidence.
“It was definitely the best shot I hit in my life,” he said.
“Before you’d get asked that question hundred times. I never really knew, but now it's nice that I have a good answer for that.
“It was a big shot because at that time I think Gavin [Green] made double bogey on 14 and then I was suddenly one in the lead and luckily, I also struck two great swings on 18.
“I tried to hit the same shot yesterday again just for fun to see if I can do it again. Didn't quite work this time, but no, it's been amazing. I'm glad to be back.”
Kieffer has since come close to claiming his second DP World Tour title, finishing in a share of second place at the Porsche European Open on home soil in June.
The 33-year-old has two other top-five finishes this year and comes into the week 39th in the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex.
He will hope to bolster his chances of qualifying for the season-ending DP World Tour Championship for the third year in a row with another strong showing on his return to a happy hunting ground.
“I think the game plan is pretty clear and obviously you have the confidence that you know can do well on this course.
“That always helps a hundred percent, but the nicest was just having the memories again come up. That was the best thing.”
Kieffer resumes his campaign after a month-long break since the Barracuda Championship and despite the time away from competitive action is optimistic there won’t be much rust in his game.
“It's been nice to have a break in the summer because usually we didn't have this break in the summer,” he reflected.
“You can go on holiday, then work on your game a little bit and then after four weeks without a tournament you never quite know where the game is. But it's also always exciting.
“It feels like a little bit start of the season again, which is always exciting. You're mentally very fresh, which is awesome. Hopefully the game will be there as well.
“I did some good work the last two weeks at home on the swing, so I'm very happy where the game is and I'm fairly confident that I'm going to perform well on the course.”
