Abery in form for Leopard Creek

“It’s nice to be back up there, I think it’s where I belong,” the seven-time Sunshine Tour winner said.

“I’ve been out of it for a while and you start losing confidence. Some of your love for the game goes missing, but I feel like I’ve got that hunger back again.”

Abery had achieved 74 top-10s during his 16 years on tour. At 40, he was mentally prepared for the week at Leopard Creek, which was South Africa’s number-one ranked golf course.

“I love Leopard Creek and I’ve had a few good finishes there before. I think this confidence will help going into the tournament.”

Abery’s recent success and his good memories at Leopard Creek would both factor into the coming week as he looked for a maiden European Tour victory.

“My result at the SA Open was a very nice start to summer. We plan our whole year around these big events and I took a lot of time off in the middle of the year to prepare,” he said.

“I’ve been building confidence and I’m excited to see what I can do.”

The Durban local was accustomed to hot and humid conditions, which would give him the edge over the European contenders in the sweltering heat of Malelane.

Back in 2004, Abery was in contention for the Alfred Dunhill trophy and birdied the 15th and 18th during the final round at Leopard Creek to share third with Ernie Els and England’s Oliver Whiteley.

At that same tournament, Charl Schwartzel took his maiden victory and in 2012 he again lifted the leopard trophy. The 2011 Masters champion would return this week to defend his title.

Sapa