It’s been a whirl wind 12 months for Nathan Holman and today
he arrived back where it all started.

Walking into RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast,
Holman had a rush of memories come flooding back of his career making victory
at the 2015 Australian PGA Championship.

"I’ve obviously got some great memories from my win and I’ve
had some flashbacks since getting here," said Holman.

"Obviously having won the tournament here last year, you
experience those emotions again and I feel comfortable on the golf course.

"Knowing that I’ve played well here in the past is a great
confidence booster and gives me some clarity in my head, so it’s very nice to
come back here."

The Australian PGA Championship was a win that catapulted
him onto the European Tour this year where he has been on a steep learning
curve.

"It’s obviously been a very big learning experience for me.
I started off pretty well but during the middle and towards the end of the year
I didn’t bring my best golf, so it was disappointing to have not played as well
as I would’ve liked," added Holman.

"I have matured a lot. Playing on the European Tour and
playing some world golf championships, the British Open… you start to mature.

"You play with some really great players throughout the
year, and try to pick a few things from them and learn a little bit along the
way. I definitely come back this year as a more mature golfer."

Holman has officially returned the Joe Kirkwood Cup to the
PGA of Australia and is now in preparation mode to try and secure it again.

"I’ve been the PGA Champion for the past year, travelled
round the world playing in some great tournaments and visiting some great
places. It’s sad to have to give the trophy back, but hopefully I’ll be able to
do it all again on Sunday," added Holman, who hasn’t had a smooth lead up to
his title defence having to withdraw from the Nedbank Golf Challenge.

"It wasn’t a great way to finish the year in Europe. I have
had a bad back since October. I never really gave it enough time to let it
heal.

"It was the first time I’ve had to withdraw from a
tournament through injury. It was a new experience and something you don’t want
to have to do too often.

"Over the last two weeks it’s been a good time at home and I
have been able to do some good practice and let my back heal.

"It’s good coming here knowing its fine, and I can go tee
off on Thursday pain-free."

This week Holman joins a star studded field as he aims to
defend his title and it is company that he is excited to be amongst.

"It’s just nice playing in an event with them here. Adam
(Scott) has done it a long time, he’s come back to support our Tour, Marc
(Leishman) is back again which is good, and Ian (Poulter) adds a bit of
international class. It’s definitely nice to have those guys here. It adds
class to the tournament, it’s just better for everyone. Every competitor here
will get something out of those guys playing here this week," added Holman, who
is eyeing a pairing with tournament drawcard; Ian Poulter.

"I’ve never played with Ian before, so it’d be a great
experience if it happens. But you don’t expect anything.  I’m looking forward to playing on Thursday no
matter who I’m paired with, but it would be lovely to go out with any of those
guys."

Holman will join World Number 7 Adam Scott, Englishman Ian
Poulter, Marc Leishman, Scott Hend, Marcus Fraser, American Harold Varner III
and New Zealanders Danny Lee and Ryan Fox at the Australian PGA Championship.

The Australian
PGA Championship is proudly supported by the Queensland Government through
Tourism and Events Queensland’s It’s Live! in Queensland major events calendar.

The Australian
PGA Championship will be played at RACV Royal Pines Resort from 1-4 December
with tickets on sale via Ticketek.

For more information about the Australian PGA Championship please contact
Olivia McMillan, Media and Communications Manager, PGA of Australia on 0425 702
153 or [email protected].

About
the Australian PGA Championship:

Australia’s most energetic golf tournament, the Australian PGA Championship is
back at RACV Royal Pines Resort from 1-4 December.

Local hero and World Number 7 Adam Scott will headline a stellar list of
Australian and international players from all over the globe.

The 2016 tournament will feature an array of entertainment on and off the
course, but it’s the Soniq Million Dollar Hole where the tournament really
comes alive. While players aim to ace their way to a big pay day, fans will be
celebrating in the sun with great food, music and entertainment.

A festival of golf the Australian PGA Championship week also includes the Cobra
Puma Orange Crush Kids Day, Greg Norman Medal and Summer Soiree; the Aussie PGA
is where everyone plays!

The Australian PGA Championship is the PGA of Australia’s flagship event;
co-sanctioned by the European Tour and ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia. The
tournament honour roll features an incredible list of past champions including
Adam Scott (2013) Greg Chalmers (2014 & 2011), Peter Senior (2010) and
Geoff Ogilvy (2008).

The Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland as well as the
City of Gold Coast and Gold Coast Tourism proudly supports the Australian PGA
Championship.