ROBERT DINWIDDIE returns to the scene of one of the finest moments of his short European Tour career – Wentworth’s West Course where he hit a course record 63.

Twelve months ago he shot the round of his life at the BMW PGA Championship, and he was back there yesterday ahead of today’s opening round when he will tee off alongside Maarten Lafeber and Ross McGowan.

He remembers his exceptional second round well, recalling many of his birdies that helped make a pretty disappointing tournament memorable.

“It was just brilliant,”

said Barnard Castle golfer Dinwiddie, who ended up 67th on 11 over par after his other three rounds all failed to break par. “We were the last group out, I was being followed around by family and friends and it was a strange situation.

“And I remember walking around the course on the Thursday and Saturday not feeling comfortable with my swing. But on the Friday it felt great and I birdied the last five holes.

“I have been having similar good feelings about my swing this time around, so hopefully I can do it for the four days this time and I finish right in contention.”

Dinwiddie was forced out of four Tour events after developing a deep vein thrombosis in his calf and he was sidelined with a rib injury sustained in the Johnnie Walker Classic.

But, after earning around £31,000 a Ballantine’s Championship and the BMW Italian Open before last week’s failed missed cut at the 3 Irish Open, Diniwiddie is optimistic.

“I’m not overly concerned that I have missed a few events at this stage,”

said Dinwiddie, who needs to finish in the top 115 in the rankings to retain his Tour card.

“I always believe in my own ability and I’m satisfied that I will be able to gain the results that will push me higher up the rankings.

“I know it is a strong field at the PGA Championship but I would like to think that, if I’m in form, I will be up there in contention.”