Major champions Retief Goosen and David Duval will contest this week’s Italian Open with hugely contrasting expectations.
Goosen admits he has no idea where the ball is going to go as he prepares to play competitive golf for the first time in more than four months, while Duval is in more confident mood despite focusing more on red wine than greens on his trip so far.
Two-time US Open winner Goosen withdrew from the Players Championship at Sawgrass in May with a back injury, which turned out to be a stress fracture.
“The last couple of years have not been fun with a lot of injuries,” said the 44-year-old South African, who has played only 11 tournaments in 2013.
“My back felt great at the start of the year and then suddenly I started to feel uncomfortable at the start of May and then the following week I couldn’t hit the ball. I was then told I had a stress fracture on the L-3 facet joint and that meant another three to four months of rest.
“Yesterday (Tuesday) was the first time I had played 18 holes in five months and I have to say that it felt a little bit weird.
“I had no idea where the ball was going to be honest and I think I lost about four balls, but it is nice to be back and I am just very keen to get out there and play.
“It is never nice coming back when you have been out for so long. The swing is non-existent and the feel has just totally gone and you don’t know where the club is.
“So my goal for the next couple of weeks is to get some feel and some tempo and just try and get comfortable on the golf course again and see how the back holds up.
“It is a question of taking it easy. I haven’t played or practised much so I just want to get a bit of feel.”
Goosen visited Italy on his honeymoon with wife Tracy 12 years ago and former Open champion Duval has also been enjoying his time in the country with wife Susan.
The 41-year-old said: “I couldn’t be happier to be here. The favourite wines in the world to me are the Italian reds from the Piedmont region so to go over there and see the towns and enjoy the wine and dining experiences, I am in love.
“I am here to work but I made a point of coming early to have a holiday before I have to get back to work. Having come here and the experience I have had so far, I am kicking myself for not having done more of it in my career.
“I have been working hard putting my swing back together.”
Scots in the field are Peter Whiteford, Gary Orr, Scott Jamieson, Richie Ramsay, Callum MacAulay, Chris Doak, David Drysdale and Scott Henry.