Justin Rose took two months off after the Ryder Cup to help recover from lower back problems that hampered him throughout the year.

The Olympic gold medallist returned to action at the Hero World Challenge, but withdrew after shooting 74 in the first round.

‘I’ve been working hard to be honest with you for seven weeks,’ he said. ‘I’ve been really excited about what I’ve seen in my game in practice.

‘Last week was a mishap for sure but I feel good about things in general. I feel optimistic about next year. Certainly I feel motivated and I feel hungry.’

The 2013 US Open winner headed to the Hong Kong Open in high spirits, looking to mount a title defence in the final European Tour event of 2016.

‘I’ve done everything I can the last few days to do everything I can to defend here. I’m making good progress. The journey over here seemed to go well and I’m looking forward to tomorrow,’ he said after the practice round on Wednesday.

A handful of South Africans, including the in-form Dylan Frittelli, have made the trip from Leopard Creek last week to Hong Kong Golf Club looking to end the year on a high.

Shaun Norris and Jbe’ Kruger are both winners on the Asian Tour and will be keen to see what they can do in the far east this week.

Rose is the man they’ll be chasing, but the Durban-born pro has course knowledge on his side.

‘You never really forget how to compete, so once Thursday starts, hopefully the system gets up and running.

‘This is a golf course I’ve played enough now to be able to see it blind this week, so to speak. I know my game plan and I know my strategy. I have good memories on which to draw,’ he concluded.