David Law may be more than 10,000 miles from Aberdeen but feels like he is back home as he prepares to defend ISPS Handa Vic Open in Australia.
Law became the first European player in event’s 58-year history to win after pipping Wade Ormsby to the title last year.
The event follows a similar format to last year with the men and women competing for their respective titles at 13th Beach Golf Links on the Bellarine Peninsula.
Law is relishing being back at the scene of his maiden European Tour success.
He said: “I was given an honorary membership of the club this week, which was really nice.
“It is the same two courses as last time and it is great to be back. I remember last year thinking the place felt like home. They drive on the same side of the road here and the food is very similar.
“The people are probably as similar as you will get to Scottish people anywhere in the world. They are quite honest and down to earth. It is a place I feel pretty comfortable.
“It is a different feel to a tournament when you are defending and you are on the posters, which is quite cool.
“You go into it like a normal week but it is nice being out there knowing these are two golf courses that suit my eye. I won’t approach it any differently to last year.
“There is an added focus on you because you are defending but that is nice to have. It will be a new experience for me.
“I have defended a couple of tournaments in the past but not anything like a main tour event. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
The Aberdonian finished 92nd in the Race to Dubai rankings last season and admitted he found it a challenge to build on his early season victory.
He said: “I was a rookie on tour and winning so soon after getting my card was quite a big change to my lifestyle and my mindset, I suppose.
“I came on to the tour just wanting to compete and all of a sudden I had won, which was quite a big change.
“I probably didn’t deal with the pressure as well as I could have but it was a good experience going to new courses and tournaments.
“I don’t think some people understand how tough that is.
“Some people take to it straightaway but I played on the Challenge Tour for five years and I was used to going back to the same places.
“I felt I had to do more preparation every week last year because I hadn’t seen most of the courses before.”
Law heads into the week on the back of a missed cut at the Saudi International, having finished tied 50th at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic and tied 69th at the Abu Dhabi Championship.
He said: “I know the good golf is there, it is about stringing it together over four rounds.
“The courses we have played so far have all been good tests.
“You wouldn’t be making cuts those weeks if you were playing poorly.
“It is a matter of putting four rounds together.
“My game is in good shape. I just need a couple of good rounds in a row to pick up momentum.”