Reigning champion Greg Chalmers is hoping some remedial work on his short game will prove the catalyst for a strong title defence in this week's Australian PGA Championship at the Palmer Coolum Resort.
Chalmers finished in a share of 23rd spot at last week's wind-affected Australian Open at The Lakes, where he was also the defending champion.
The 39-year-old began the final day six shots back from 54-hole leader John Senden but struggled to a closing five-over 77 in gale-force winds to finish at plus four for the tournament, eight behind eventual winner Peter Senior.
"My short game was terrible last week," Chalmers lamented on Tuesday.
"I did about two hours chipping today and an hour yesterday and I'll do some more tomorrow.
"So my short game mainly is an area that wasn't as sharp as I want and that is a reflection of effort put in and I just hadn't done enough.
"It's really hard to tell you how I hit it last week because it was so windy, you hit a lot of goofy shots where you are not making normal golf swings, but when I got to make normal golf swings I felt like I swung them pretty good.
"I feel really good ... the course looks in really good shape and I'm really looking forward to doing a better job of defending the PGA than I did at the Open, so I'm pretty excited."
Chalmers will play alongside Rod Pampling and Craig Parry on the first two days, with the Aussie trio to start their opening round from the first tee at 11.50am (AEST) on Thursday.
Asked about the importance of a strong title defence this week, Chalmers replied: "Here's the thing, I wouldn't have achieved what I've achieved in my career without the help of the PGA.
"I can name every professional that has taught me since day one, and there's been about eight different guys.
"I have learned through PGA professionals so I have a strong respect for what they do."