Port Kembla’s Jordan Zunic freely admits the grind of life on tour had taken a toll.
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So it’s with a sense of perfect timing he tees off on Thursday to defend his Northern Territory PGA.
After a practice round on Tuesday, Zunic and girlfriend Olivia hit the road to take on some of the waterfalls and spectacular surrounds the wild north has to offer.
It’s a welcome contrast to trying to find his groove amid the routine of fairways and hotel rooms on the European Challenger tour.
“Yeah, I’m really just trying to enjoy the game again at the moment,” he said.
“It got a bit stale.
“It was a great experience, going over on the European tour school, but there were times where it just seemed like I was travelling from course, to hotel room, to airport, without really doing much else.
“I think I’ve learned a lot from it.”
Zunic’s form peaked in Europe at the Swiss Challenge where he finished tied fifth at -12, five behind winner Joel Girrbach.
But after missing the past five cuts, Zunic said returning to Palmerston Gold Course is just the launching pad for a big Australian summer ahead.
“I’m doing all the right things and working hard, so hopefully the results will come,” he said.
“I’m definitely excited to be back, it’s a different experience when you’re defending the title, you want to do well again.
“The course is a bit like Port Kembla actually, just in terms of it being very streamlined and with dog legs, so it’s probably part of the reason I’ve played well here.”
Tim Barrow
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
