Nike golfer Trevor Immelman has experienced a rollercoaster of a year since his surprise victory at the 2008 Masters.
After becoming the first South African to win at Augusta since Gary Player in 1978, the 29-year-old saw his US profile blow up with a frenetic round of media appearances and interviews.
Looking back on last April as a "surreal experience" yesterday, Immelman admitted that he struggled to adjust to his new status as a Major champion, although he has certainly enjoyed the ride.
"I don''t think I was aware or prepared for what happened," he told reporters at Augusta.
"It really has been a great eye-opener, and I think I''ve learned a lot about myself and about my game."
Although the Cape Town-born player has not won a tournament since his victory at Augusta 12 months ago, he remains optimistic about his chances this week.
"I had a little bit of a slow start but my game within the last few weeks has really started to feel like it''s coming around," he said.
Immelman won three European Tour titles before his breakthrough PGA Tour victory at the Western Open in 2006.
08/04/2009