Victorious Ryder Cup Captain Paul McGinley admits he has no idea how he will perform when he returns to action in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship this week.
McGinley's golf game has been on the back burner since he was made Captain in January 2013, the 47 year old's incredible attention to detail in the role meaning he even ensured the fish occupying the tank in the team room were in European colours.
A shoulder injury has also contributed to the Irishman playing just once on The European Tour since July, but he is set to compete in the pro-am event played over the Old Course at St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns.
"I'm not tired and I don't feel like I want to pull away," McGinley said after Europe's five-point win over the United States on Sunday.
"I think it's been great. I've really enjoyed the ride the last 18 months. It's been an absolute thrill and privilege and an honour.
"The Dunhill is a tournament I've always enjoyed playing, I love playing on those golf courses. God knows where my golf game is. I feel like there's been no work gone into my golf game the last six months.
"Everything the previous Captains have told me about your golf game struggling has been proved correct. The first year was not so bad. I played quite well last year to be honest. This year it's really tailed off.
"When I've been on the golf course and on the practice ground, my mind has been drifting. It's not been there and I've not had the intensity and concentration you need to practice and play."
Four of McGinley's team are also in the field this week with World Number One Rory McIlroy, US Open Champion and 2010 winner Martin Kaymer, France's Victor Dubuisson and 2004 winner Stephen Gallacher all teeing up.
Vice-captain Padraig Harrington, who won the event in 2002 is also competing, as is last year's winner David Howell, who beat American Peter Uihlein on the second hole of a play-off.
"It will be lovely to come back as defending champion. It's a real privilege and I shall enjoy every moment of it," Howell said. "The win last year was a long time coming, seven years after my previous win and I could not have wished for a better place to do it than St Andrews."
