Ryan Fox is hoping to rediscover the sense of calm he felt on his way to winning last year's BMW PGA Championship as he returns to Wentworth Club to defend his title.
New Zealander Fox won his first Rolex Series crown 12 months ago as a closing birdie saw him finish one shot ahead of home favourites Tyrrell Hatton and Aaron Rai.
The victory, which he labelled his "best achievement in golf", was made even more special for Fox by the fact his family were there to see it.
While the 37-year-old has enjoyed a solid season on both the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR, securing two top-ten finishes across the pond, he has not tasted victory since his last visit to Virginia Water, and he would love to once again experience the calmness that took over on the back nine on Sunday last year.
He said: "Looking back on it, obviously I feel a great sense of pride. That was easily my biggest event in golf. You know, bigger than playing my first Major, anything like that. Best achievement in golf.
Last time out...@ryanfoxgolfer claimed his first Rolex Series win with his family watching on 🙌#BMWPGA | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/hkbas0DuDn
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) September 16, 2024
"I did it with the family there as well so I got to celebrate with them and when I look back, how I felt during that last round it was calm, which is kind of the opposite of what I would expect to feel in that situation.
"It's the calmest I've felt coming down (the stretch at) a golf tournament in contention, and I wish I could find that place again somehow."
Before teeing it up at last week's Amgen Irish Open, Fox had not played since the Wyndham Championship in the first half of August, opting to take a break after a busy year so far.
He is hoping that returning to a happy hunting ground can help him click back into gear.
"I needed a break," added Fox. "I was mentally and physically a bit broken and needed that break.
"I came back last week in Northern Ireland and there were some signs - I struggled with the putter but tee-to-green was actually pretty solid.
"So it's nice to come back to a place with some great vibes after last year and hopefully that kind of kick-starts it all for me.
"I've got a decent run potentially in the States coming up, as well. So hopefully this is the week to find a little bit of form in that respect and I'd love to be in the mix again come Sunday afternoon."
Fox will get his opening round under way at 8.45am local time on Thursday alongside World Number Three Rory McIlroy and home favourite Justin Rose.
