After winning the Shriners Hospital for Children Open a few
weeks ago, Rod Pampling is back in Sydney to play the Emirates Australian Open
this week to try and get his hands on the Stonehaven Cup.

The Queenslander spent 10 years before getting his first win
on the PGA TOUR but never lost hope.

"You never lose the desire to play the game. I could still
see the light was there, it was just about getting a chance for it to happen
and I took the opportunity," said Pampling.

Even at 47-years-old, he is not ready to leave the regular.
"Three weeks ago, I was ready to go into the Seniors. But now, I have the
freedom to pick and choose. I think there is plenty of good golf left in me and
if I still feel competitive then I will keep going."

Now with full exemption, Pampling knows exactly where he is
going to be and wants to leave with good impression. "As my friend Jerry Kelly
said, it depends on how you want to go out, how you want people to look at you
when you go out."

But most of all, the Professional player is ecstatic to be in
his homeland in Australia to play the Emirates Australian Open. "When you come
home, everyone is so happy. It’s definitely a good test of golf right here.
[Royal Sydney Golf Club Rose Bay] is smaller than I remember but it’s still in
good shape," recalled Pampling.

"I am looking forward to the challenge and hopefully the
wind won’t be too strong. Every time I come home I expect to have a good
showing."

Pampling will tee off on Thursday alongside two rising stars
of the game; Cameron Smith and Brett Coletta.

But, "with a little bit of luck", Pampling hopes to become
the third player over 40 to win the Emirates Australian Open.