Two-time Masters Champion Jose Maria Olazabal will make a first competitive appearance in over 18 months at this week’s British Masters, supported by Sky Sports.
The 50-year-old has been sidelined with rheumatoid arthritis since missing the cut at last April's Masters, but will make a long-awaited return at The Grove before heading to next week's Portugal Masters.
Olazabal has won 23 European Tour titles during his career and also guided Europe to 2012 Ryder Cup victory in the infamous 'Miracle of Medinah', but managed only four European Tour starts during 2015.
The Spaniard is now eligible to play on the Senior Tour and believes the next few weeks will be crucial in determining the next steps in his career.
"I am very excited to compete again," Olazabal said. "I want to see how the body can cope with the regular competition, rhythm of practice and 18 holes.
"Lately, I've played 18 holes two days, nine holes another two days - I've been alternating that way. The two weeks at the British Masters and Portugal Masters will be a good test to see if I can stand up all day.
"Although I'm feeling better, I'm still not at a 100 per cent. The pain is not so bad now, it gets a bit painful from time to time but I think that's just getting old!
"I want to see how it goes during the two weeks, and that will help me to take a decision on whether I will keep on playing the European Tour or the senior circuit next season. We'll see how it goes."
Watch the British Masters throughout the week live on Sky Sports 4 - your home of golf. Live coverage begins on Tuesday with the Hero Challenge from 7.30pm.