World No.37 golfer Victor Dubuisson reckons it could take several months before he hits his straps following a recent equipment switch.
And if his opening round at the Perth International is anything to go by, it might take even longer.
Dubuisson shot a woeful five-over-par 77 on Thursday in an opening round that featured six bogeys.
The 25-year-old had played just one previous tournament this year - a missed cut in Abu Dhabi - so he could spend extra time at home adjusting to his switch of clubs from Titleist to TaylorMade.
Dubuisson was keen to put his progress to the test at the $US1.75 million ($A2.43 million) Perth International at Lake Karrinyup.
But the early signs weren't good, with the star attraction facing a battle just to avoid the cut.
"It takes some time, and that's why I didn't want to play tournaments and maybe lose the confidence," Dubuisson said before the tournament.
"I just prefer to prepare at home and really find the right setting on my clubs before I will start the season.
"I'm okay with the driver, three-woods and irons.
"Now it's more about the new ball and wedging, matching the speed and the distance.
"I think I'm still a few months (away from being really comfortable)."
Dubuisson says his driving distance has improved up to 20 metres since making the equipment switch, which could translate into a big advantage on the par-5s.
And in the long term, he's hoping it will help him land an elusive major.
But barring a huge form reversal on Friday, Dubuisson's second visit to Perth will be remembered as a painful one.
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