Melbourne-based Jin Jeong is hoping the fond memories of his victory in last year’s ISPS HANDA Perth International will inspire an upturn in form when he returns to Lake Karrinyup Country Club.
The 24 year old Korean beat Englishman Ross Fisher in a play-off to land a career-changing victory 12 months ago, but since then he has struggled for consistency, making just six cuts from 22 appearances this season to lie 121st in The Race to Dubai.
Changes to his swing have further hampered his progress, but Jeong is seeing it all as a learning process and will channel some positive energy this week.
“It’s great to be back,” said the Melbourne resident, who finished runner-up in the Joburg Open in February. “When I got to the first tee yesterday, good memories came into my head. I felt fresh again.
Melbourne-based Korean Jin Jeong wraps up Tour cards on both the Australasian and European Tours. (Photo – www.europeantour.com)
“I haven’t been playing great for the last four or five months, but I’ve been hitting it pretty well this week so far so I think being here is helping me.
“I always enjoy this place. The course really suits my game. There’s a little bit of pressure on me, seeing myself on posters on the walls, but it’s a good experience.”
Jeong it has taken time to get used to being a full-time European Tour player after his win granted him a two-year exemption.
“I’ve travelled a lot all over Europe so I am learning new experiences. Every week is a different country, different style course, different type of grass, so I’ve been learning how to adapt and play well in new conditions. It’s been a good experience.
“I also changed coach in June and we’ve changed a few things in my swing, so it’s taking time to get used to it and understand it properly. I think I’m finally starting to hit it better and be more comfortable, so hopefully I’ll play better this week.”
Jason Dufner, who finished second two years ago, is also in the field for the AS$1.75million (approx. €2.2million) event, and the American is making his first competitive appearance since August, when neck and shoulder problems forced him to take a break from golf.
“I’ve had a couple of issues with my neck and shoulder and tightness trapping nerves, which gave me a dead arm. But it’s feeling a lot better and I’m heading in the right direction,” said the 2013 US PGA Champion.
“I was pretty much out of commission for about six to eight weeks. I didn’t do much of anything for six weeks, just a lot of treatment. Then it was strengthening work for my shoulder, and then I slowly started to work on some other areas to get stronger, and then back into golf.
“This week will be five days in a row playing, which I haven’t done, so we will see how it goes.
“I love coming over here to Australia and playing golf. The courses are good, the competition is good and the people of Australia really enjoy their golf.”
Dufner’s fellow Major Champions Geoff Ogilvy and Charl Schwartzel are also set to tee it up in the last event before The European Tour’s Final Swing gets under way.
