Twelve months ago Brendan experienced one of the the most enjoyable days in his golfing career. He did not win the Sun Chlorella Classic that day but he was engaged in one of those oustanding duels that brings the best out in both competitors and it took a stunning final hole birdie by brilliant Ryo Ishikawa to beat him for the title.

It was a stirring final day and Brendan was quick to praise his younger opponent. “Ryo was quite emotional after his win and gave me a big hug. It was a great moment and I also got a lot out of the moment. The manner in which he won the tournament in such dramatic fashion will give him a lot of confidence that’s for sure.”

Last week Brendan served notice that he was ready for another good week in this event when he produced a final round of 68 to finish in a share of 6th at the Sega Sammy Cup on the other side of Hokkaido's main city, Sapporo.

Brendan won this event in 2003 when the tournament was played at the Sapporo Bay Golf Club so it is an event and indeed a venue which holds special memories.