Andrew Dodt is hoping the old adage of beware the injured golfer rings true this week as he looks to defend his title at the True Thailand Classic Presented by Chang.
Dodt claimed the inaugural title at Black Mountain Golf Club last year when he finished a shot ahead of countryman Scott Hend and local favourite Thongchai Jaidee.
The 30 year old arrives in Hua Hin suffering from illness but is hopeful that the memories of last year's triumph can inspire him to overcome it and contend for a third European Tour title.
"I wasn't very good 24 hours ago," he said. "I've improved slightly. This morning was a test, to see if I could get through the pro-am.
I'm not feeling the greatest but you know what they say about beware the sick golfer and I hope to use that to my advantage - Andrew Dodt
"There are a lot of good memories. I remember almost every shot and a lot of them were really good. It's nice to come back to somewhere you've played well before.
"I love this golf course, the weather is similar to Australia and the course is similar to an Australian course. There's a lot going for me which will help me play well.
"It fits my eye. I don't know why that is. For some reason, I don't feel like I can hit any bad shot which is a nice feeling which doesn't happen that often."
It will be a family affair for Dodt this week with his brother Anthony on caddying duties, and the Australian is happy to have his sibling around.
"It's nice having him out here," he said.
"This is his first time caddying and his first trip out of Australia. It's an exciting week and a big week for him to come out to taste Asian culture. He's picked a good week and I just happened to be defending a tournament as well.
"It's fun to have him carry the bag, although he's saying his shoulder is quite sore from it. He was on the cart this morning, so we'll find out after four days."
Dodt is not the only player in the field recovering from an illness as Jaidee is getting over a virus he picked up in Malaysia. The 46 year old had to withdraw from the Maybank Championship Malaysia and missed the WGC-Cadillac Championship after spending some time in hospital.
The Thai admits he is not yet back to full health but insists he will be ready to tee it up on Thursday.
"I want to get my feeling back," he said. "I came down with a viral fever in Malaysia a few weeks ago. Last week I rested and started to practise last Wednesday.
"Hopefully I feel better now, I think 70 or 80 per cent now, I want to be 100 per cent. It's bad when you get sick, I was upset about the Maybank Championship Malaysia. But I'll be ready for tomorrow."
