West Australian Brett Rumford has turned to virtual reality to sharpen his game ahead of this week’s BMW International Open in Munich.

In his fourth tournament since his return from wrist surgery, Rumford is one of seven Australians in the European Tour event, receiving an invitation from tournament organisers which he gladly accepted.

The 41-year-old has missed the cut in each of the three tournaments since his comeback but has a long history at the BMW International, playing the event 14 times since 2001 with a best finish of second in 2005.

As part of his preparation for this week Rumford dropped into the Perth Golf Centre to use the Trackman simulator, dialling in his world-famous wedge play on the incredibly realistic course rendering in the indoor studio.

Dimi Papadatos will play in the first group of the day at 3.30pm AEST on Thursday to be followed two groups later by Aussie pair Deyen Lawson and Sam Brazel with Jason Scrivener, Lucas Herbert and Adam Bland all eager to improve their position in the Race to Dubai standings.

Maybank Championship winner Scott Hend is the best-placed Aussie in the Race to Dubai in 17th position with Scrivener the next best in 40th spot courtesy of the four top-10 finishes he recorded in his opening five events of the season.

Only one Australian has ever won the BMW International Open, Peter Fowler claiming the 1993 title, finishing three shots clear of Ian Woosnam.

The European Challenge Tour is in Spain this week for the Andalucia – Costa del Sol Match Play 9 tournament in Malaga where Aussies Jordan Zunic and Ben Eccles are joined by Kiwi Josh Geary in the innovative format that sees the top 64 players from 36 holes of stroke play advance to nine-hole match play knockout matches.

A pair of Australasian legends in Peter O’Malley and Greg Turner are also in action this week on the Staysure Tour, teeing it up at the inaugural Farmfoods European Legends Links Championship hosted by Ian Woosnam at Trevose Golf and Country Club.