They say that no challenge is ever the same, which is an outlook Nacho Elvira is certainly embracing as he returns to Belgium for his defence of the Soudal Open.
While the venue may be the same, the Spaniard is anticipating he will need to adapt his strategy to emulate his success of 12 months ago at Rinkven International Golf Club.
Elvira claimed his second DP World Tour title under sunny skies after holding his nerve on a dramatic afternoon to claim a one-shot victory, but that was in contrast to the heavy rain that players faced earlier in the week.
And after a prolonged spell of dry weather in northern Europe, including and in particular Belgium, fairways are set to be firm and fast for the 57th edition of Belgium’s national Open.
"Last year was very, very wet. It rained a lot," he said when asked whether there are any key differences in the set-up.
"This year feels like it's completely different, very dried out, the greens are a little softer.
"But, once you miss the green, the ball bounces on the rough really hard.
"So, I think, it's going to be completely different from last year."
Born in northern Spain, Elvira joked he is perhaps better accustomed to the rain than many of his countrymen having also shown he can cope well in inclement conditions on his way to winning his maiden DP World Tour title at the Cazoo Open in Wales in 2021.
"It's not that I like when it's tough, but I guess once I’m here I enjoy it as much as possible," he added.
"If it rains, it rains, if it is sunny it is better, but we'll see. Hopefully this week it doesn't rain as much."
Characterised by its tree-lined fairways, Rinkven is hosting the Soudal Open for the fourth year in succession since its return to the DP World Tour schedule in 2022.
Understandbly, as a past champion, Elvira only has good things to say about the venue.
"I keep looking at the pictures over and over," said Elvira, who also finished in the top ten at this event in 2022.
"I came here a few years ago. I love this place. I love this course, tree-lined courses are something that I really enjoy playing. So, I'm actually really looking forward to being back here."
While Elvira has been unable to kick on since his return to the winner's circle, he did finish in a tie for seventh at the Turkish Airlines Open - the opening event of the European Swing earlier this month - to register his first top ten this season in a timely boost of confidence ahead of his title defence.
"Sometimes your expectations go up because you remember all the good shots you hit and you might think you need to hit the same shots in order to perform well, but it's more about expectations rather than pressure, I guess," he said of his mindset.
"So, managing that this week is going to be key for me."
