Defending champion Anthony Wall is looking forward to launching the defence of his Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Match Play title, albeit in different surroundings.
Englishman Wall claimed his second European Tour title a record 16 years and 204 days after his first win with an impressive victory over Sweden's Alex Noren in the final at Archerfield Links Golf Club last year.
And he will look to see off a strong field in Germany this week as Golf Resort Bad Griesbach's Beckenbauer Course plays host to the 64-man knock-out event for the first time in its third year on the European Tour.
Wall's challengers possess plenty of match play experience, with Ryder Cup stars Victor Dubuisson, Nicolas Colsaerts, Edoardo Molinari and current vice captain Robert Karlsson all present.
Wall, who finished in a tie for fourth at the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open last month, returns to action this week after a short break and he is pleased with how he is playing.
"I've had a couple of weeks off, so I'm well rested and well practised and I'm looking forward to a nice hot and sunny week, hopefully," he said.
"I'm happy with how I'm playing and more importantly my body feels pretty good.
"Often you start to creak and crack at this time of year - end of season-itis does tend to creep in - but I tend to be a good player at this time of year.
"I'm really looking forward to a proper week."
Speaking about last year's superb victory over Noren, who is now ranked 11th in the world, Wall said: "It just proves to me and to everyone that follows me, because a lot of people do love watching golf and follow me, not always the big names, that I’ve still got it. That was fantastic."
This week's venue is no stranger to European Tour golf having hosted the Porsche European Open in 2015 and 2016.
But Wall insists he will be playing against his opponent rather than the course this week.
He added: "You play the player, absolutely. Obviously if someone is playing great you have to raise your game, so you're not playing the course, you're playing the man."
Wall will take on England's Sam Walker in his first-round clash on Thursday at 8.40am local time.
