GRAEME STORM hopes a few words of advice from a seasoned professional can help the Hartlepool golfer maintain the fine form he has shown on the European Tour so far.

The 26-year-old recorded his second best finish of his career at Durban on Sunday, when he tied fourth in the South Africa Open.

Storm may not have got his hands on silverware but it was still a great start to 2005 and he is now ranked ninth in the Volvo Order of Merit ahead of the Caltex Masters in Singapore, which starts today.

The Champions UK-managed golfer may have had his problems over the past few years as he has struggled to reclaim his place among the elite but he is doubly determined to make sure he retains his card this season.

Storm has already listened to his coach, Ian Rae, and he monitored the performances of Tim Clark, the winner in South Africa, and Ryder Cup winner David Howell when he was paired with them in Durban.

Storm also took time out to talk to twice South African Open winner Trevor Immelman last weekend.

"I had a brief chat with Trevor on the range, which was quite interesting," said Storm, whose previous best finish on the European Tour came in 2001 when he claimed third place in the Open de Argentina.

"He finished 40th but I always find it's good to take notice of the more experienced players.

"I picked his brains for a few tips and I always look to take those things on board, no matter who gives them to me."

When Storm tees off at the Laguna National today, as golfers from across the world battle it out for the whopping $1m purse, he will be trying to repeat his South Africa heroics.

After a steady first round, he carded a 68 and 69 in rounds two and three before ending the tournament eight-under-par to claim his place in the top five, which booked his position in today's tournament.

Storm is now aiming to keep his confidence high in a bid to continue in the sort of form that has pushed him into the Order of Merit's top ten.

"I played nicely and was in full control of everything, which is always a great feeling," he said.

"It was satisfying not only to make the cut but to be right up there in contention.

"I remember going into Sunday's final round lying just one off the lead and in the third last group, paired with David Howell.

"I got off to a sluggish start, playing the first five holes in two over par, but that was the hard part of the course over with.

"At times I played some great golf after that but just couldn't stay in touch with Tim Clark, who eventually won by six shots.

"I ended up settling for fourth, with Darren Clarke, on eight under par and I have to be pleased with that.

"Otherwise I probably wouldn't have got in at Singapore, because I was only fifth reserve.

"Overall I am very pleased with my performance and hope to carry this sort of form throughout the year.

"If I can get into contention again soon for good finishes then I am hopeful of keeping my card for next season."

Published: 27/01/2005