Justin Rose is looking to join an elite band of players as he aims to make it three in a row at the Turkish Airlines Open this week.
Only World Number Ones Nick Faldo and Ian Woosnam and eight time European Tour Number One Colin Montgomerie have won a European Tour event outside of the Major and World Golf Championships in three consecutive years but Rose could join that club on Sunday at The Montgomerie Maxx Royal.
Rose's 2018 victory was the first time in his career that he had successfully defended a title and he is eager to go one better and write his name into the European Tour history books.
"You talk about doing things for the first time in your career, you don't get the opportunity to do that very often, so three-peat would clearly be a first for me," he said.
"A great list of players to maybe join on the European Tour. Seriously illustrious company there with those sorts of players.
"To win the same event three years in a row would be incredible. It would be a huge honour to join that list and something obviously I'm keenly aware of and going to enjoy the challenge to try and do. Definitely a focus for me and an inspiration."
Rose's first two victories came 15 minutes west at Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort but he finished third at Montgomerie Maxx Royal in 2013 and believes he has the game to challenge over the layout.
"I played really well here in 2013 and really enjoyed the golf course," he said.
"You look at the guys that have won here: Victor Dubuisson, Brooks Koepka, guys that hit it pretty far and so it should play into my wheelhouse.
"I think the key is to play the par fives well. The par fives tend to be reachable. If you can have a good week with the driver and get the ball off the tee really well, that will offer the opportunity to make those birdies on the par fives."
Rose's glittering CV represents one of the most varied and successful careers in golfing history, having won a Major, two WGCs, Olympic Gold, being crowned Number One on both sides of the Atlantic and playing his part in European Ryder Cup success.
His triumph in Turkey last year took him back to the top of the Official World Golf Ranking - where he has been in the top 20 since March 2012 - and while he enters this week eighth, he is determined to get back to his absolute best.
"I've definitely struggling a little bit," he said. "But I feel like I've been working hard on my game and I'm seeing signs of it turning the corner. You always see the signs on the range before you ever see them on the golf course.
"I definitely feel motivated to try and kick on again and try to find the level that I was at this time last year."
