In 2012 Daniel Popovic made headlines around Australia as the rookie who won the Australian PGA Championship.

Since then it has been a battle for the Victorian as he
dealt with the pressure of expectation and his own personal desire to improve
his game.

This week he has returned to the South Pacific Open
Championship for the first time since 2012 and is experiencing a return to the
form which saw him claim that fairytale victory.

"Hopefully it’s a good omen coming back, but returning wasn’t
necessarily any reason to do with that," said Popovic, who is playing his first
tournament in five months after being sidelined with a broken ankle.

"I needed to play tournaments, I know that it’s an amazing
place, so I’m just happy to be here and hopefully get the good sort of fortune
like I did in 2012 again."

Heading into the South Pacific Open Popovic made an
important breakthrough, he rediscovered his hunger to compete.

"I am very happy; this is my first time playing in five
months since I broke my ankle."

 "I think it recharged
the batteries and made me have more desire to be out on the golf course."

"Sitting at home not really being able to do much, you
realise how lucky we are out here and that I have to take advantage of it while
I still have the opportunity and the exemptions that I have."

He is certainly capitalising on his opportunity and his
refreshed enthusiasm for the game this week, he is currently tied third mid-way
through the third round.

"As I was starting to go lower and lower, it reminded me of
that feeling in 2012 when I was playing well and when I was pushing for the
lead," said Popovic after he fired 5-under 66 in the first round which he
followed up with a 2-under 69.

"Then the nerves start going and the competiveness starts
coming out."

Not just about a refresh mental approach, Popovic has
attributed his return to form to working with a renowned PGA Professional.

"It has been a tough couple of years, I was trying to better
my game, there were a couple of clear flaws with my chipping and pitching and I
tried so many different techniques."

"I have teamed up with Gary Barter recently and we have been
working really hard in the last month or so and it’s been great."

"I hope the progression just keeps getting better."