Denmark's Thorbjorn Olesen says he'll be feeling the pressure as he attempts to defend his Perth International golf title this week.
Olesen upstaged Frenchman Victor Dubuisson to win the $US1.75 million ($A2.42 million) tournament 16 months ago, and the pair will be on deck again when the event tees off at Lake Karrinyup on Thursday.
World No. 21 Louis Oosthuizen will start as favourite, while Australians Marcus Fraser, Greg Chalmers, and Brett Rumford carry the local hopes.
Olesen claimed his third European Tour crown with victory at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship last October, but his return to Perth this week will mark the first time he's defended a title.
"I think it definitely puts more pressure on you, but it's also nice to go out there and know you can win on this golf course," Olesen said.
"I feel like my swing has improved a lot since I've been here last time.
"It doesn't mean that I'll go out and win, but I feel more comfortable with my swing now than I did a year ago, so that's very positive."
Olesen was forced to spend three months on the sidelines early last year after undergoing an operation to fix a tendon issue in his left hand.
The 26-year-old was initially happy to take a break from the sport.
But after a couple of weeks of chilling out, Olesen got itchy feet.
"The last couple of months in that period was very frustrating and was hard work," Olesen said.
"It puts this job in a different perspective.
"I found out how much I really love this game and how much I really missed it.
"So I think that's why I'm maybe a little bit more positive on the golf course now - because I realise all that."
Olesen is currently ranked 60th in the world, and he's set his sights on breaking into the world's top 50 this year.
He's also keen to earn selection for both the Olympics and Ryder Cup.
PERTH INTERNATIONAL
When: February 25-28
Where: Lake Karrinyup, Perth.
Co-sanctioned by PGA Tour of Australisia and European Tour
TAB betting odds:
*$11 Louis Oosthuizen
*$17 Victor Dubuisson, Thorbjorn Olesen
*$21 Brett Rumford
*$26 Mikko Ilonen
*$31 Lucas Bjerregaard, Alejandro Canizares, Marcus Fraser
Past winners:
*2014 - Thorbjorn Olesen (Denmark)
*2013 - Jin Jeong (Korea)
*2012 - Bo Van Pelt (USA)
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