Wednesday 20 September 2017 13:44, UK
Defending champion Padraig Harrington hopes a return to full fitness can help him return to the winner’s circle at the Portugal Masters.
The 46-year-old was sidelined by surgery on a trapped nerve in his neck earlier in the season, with Harrington also suffering an elbow injury in a year where he has been limited to 15 worldwide starts.
Harrington has since recovered and is relishing the opportunity to return to Portugal, where he claimed a one-shot victory last year.
"I've been injured this year and for sure I lack a little bit of competitive play," he said. "There's a little bit too much practise going on for my on-course play so I've got to get my head around things, get a few things shut down in my head in order to be where I want it to be on Thursday morning.
"I know if I can start okay Thursday morning and I'm in with a chance on Sunday it's so much easier when you're under pressure, the focus is just that bit sharper."
Harrington tees off for the first two rounds alongside Thomas Pieters and Andy Sullivan, who cruised to a nine-shot victory at Oceånico Victoria in 2015.
"After a bit of a slow year, hopefully I can come and pick some form up here again and try to pick another win up," Sullivan said.
"I was disappointed not to get four rounds in last week (at the KLM Open) but the game felt in good shape and I made a lot of birdies."
A number of Great Britain and Ireland's Walker Cup team are also in the field, with Alfie Plant, Connor Syme and Jack Singh Brar among those making their professional debuts this week.
Watch the Portugal Masters throughout the week live on Sky Sports Golf. Live coverage begins on Thursday from 11.30am.
