Defending champion Dimitrios Papadatos is ready to attack is title defence this week at the BMW NZ Open.

23-year-old Papadatos, from the New South Wales Central
Coast, burst onto the international golfing scene when he won the BMW NZ Open
last year in  his 10^th start
as a Professional.

"It’s just a game of golf and at the end of the day if you
shoot the lowest score it doesn’t matter who you are, or where you’re from, or
how good people think you are, you win the tournament," said Papadatos.

Returning to Queenstown has brought back good memories for
Papadatos who has been reunited with his winning caddy.

"I have a lot of good memories. I had a great time last year
on and off the course so I’m really looking forward to it," added Papadatos.

"It’s always a good week in Queenstown so it should be a bit
of fun with my mate Dan Ford coming back to caddy for me."

"It (Ford caddying) did the job last year so hopefully it
can do some damage again this year."

While the hype around the BMW NZ Open is high, Papadatos is
remarkably composed is his preparation for the week.

"I feel pretty relaxed about it all.  Obviously there’s a little bit of extra
attention towards me being the defending champion but I think it’s a good thing,"
added Papadatos.

"When I first turned Pro I tried to be very Professional and
do everything the right way, or the way I thought it was meant to be, but it
didn’t really work for me."

"I found out that (it was better) just to be myself."

It is easy to maintain a relaxed attitude when competing on
Sir Michael Hill’s private golf course and Millbrook Resort which both offer
stunning views of the Remarkables.

"It’s always good to come back to Hilly’s back yard; it’s
actually ridiculous how good it is. I’ve never seen anything like it, it’s
looking even better than last year."

"We just played Millbrook this morning and it’s awesome as
well."

However below the calm exterior lies a determination to take
on the week, Papadatos is here to win the BMW NZ Open back-to-back.

"I’m going to try to attack the title again," added
Papadatos who won last year by four shots thanks to a final round 6-under
66. 

"Everyone tees off Thursday and it’s anyone’s title but I’m
going to have a red hot go at it."

The BMW NZ Open
championship is being contested at The Hills and Millbrook Resort in Queenstown
from 12-15 March.

A prize purse of NZ$1,000,000 is being played for, with the winner also
receiving Official World Golf Ranking Points and becoming fully exempt on to
the PGA Tour of Australasia for the remainder of this season plus a further two
years.

Spectators are welcome and tickets can be purchased via Ticketek. Free entry is provided to
children under the age of 18 years when accompanied by a paying adult.