Charl Schwartzel returns to the ISPS HANDA Perth International this week aiming to prove that his missed cut two years ago was a one-off.
The former Masters Tournament winner from South Africa believes the Lake Karrinyup lay-out is well suited to his game, and feels misfortune played a role in his previous underwhelming showing at the event in 2012.
“It's great to be back,” said Alfred Dunhill Championship winner Schwartzel. “I didn't play very well in 2012 when I was here and I tried to come back last year, but it just didn't work out in the schedule.
“I’m very happy to be back - I feel like I've got something to prove out here.
“I wasn't really happy about my performance previously; I feel like the golf course is one of the courses that I like, it's really challenging.
“It's playing a little softer than it was in 2012 at this stage, but looks like the wind is a little bit more up than it was, so that sort of equals it out. It's in great shape - actually in fantastic shape, and I'm really looking forward to the week.
“I try to forget the memories when I miss cuts, but we were talking about it - I was talking with my caddie about it, and I said I don't think I played that badly, I just had some really shocking breaks out there.
“I think I only missed it by one shot. I just remember walking off and thinking, ‘I can't believe that I just missed the cut’. Normally when I come to an event and I feel like the golf course suits my game, I play well.
“So we forget 2012 and we move on to this year. I've had some nice practice at home and I'm looking forward to playing a little better this year.”
Schwartzel’s last competitive appearance also yielded a missed cut at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland, and the 30 year old admits that one of the challenges facing him this week is adapting to very different, albeit favourable, conditions.
“Scotland is very different to what you get out here - it was really cold,” added Schwartzel. “I'm not a big fan of the cold. I prefer the 30 degrees here in Perth than to be in Scotland.
“So I don't think there is much to match it up. It's good change really. It's very different. It's a course is playing a little bit more like South Africa. I think it's good coming from there. I was there for two weeks.
“I just played with my mates at home, shot good scores, but it's very different to playing competitive golf.
“At least it shows that the game is still in good shape. I think it's just a matter of taking it step by step, day by day, and not getting ahead of yourself too much.
“Sometimes that way if you find some momentum you can make a bunch of birdies and either move into the lead or get close to it. I think as long as you're out there with a game plan and if it works out, you'll be first.
“The guys did a good job of getting a strong field out here. Obviously Geoff Ogilvy won not too long ago on the PGA Tour. Jason Dufner, he hasn't played much, but he's always a threat. Especially on a golf course like this when it's windy with the way he hits the ball. I think even Victor [Dubuisson], he's had a good run of golf. Obviously even though The Ryder Cup is a team event, it still boosts confidence as an individual. He'll be high on confidence. There are a whole bunch of guys that can play well on the day.
“A win is always great. At the end of the day, that's basically what we play for. If you can have a few wins a year or even just one, it's great. You can always tick it off as a good year.”
