West Australian Brett Rumford believes his game is in perfect shape to contend for next week’s $1.75 million ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth on home soil.

The event will be played at Lake Karrinyup Country Club, a course Rumford knows all too well.

The 39-year-old has limited status on the European Tour this year and knows that a strong result will give him more starts throughout the year.

He heads to Perth coming off an encouraging result at the Oates Vic Open at Thirteenth Beach Golf Links where he finished on 9-under par after rounds of 72-65-72-70.

Rumford has started working with renowned coach, PGA Professional Gary Barter and said he’s noticing immediate improvement.

“My ball striking has really improved and my game is exactly where I want it heading into next week,” Rumford, a five-time winner in Europe, said.

“So I couldn’t be happier with the way my tee to green is coming along. Probably a bit of thanks to Gary for making a few changes there.

“I didn’t putt at all well throughout the week (at the Vic Open) so I’ll work on my putting next week a bit more to try and sharpen that up.

“I just felt I’ve been a little bit starved of competition so I’ve really just got to play everything that I can because I could be having big gaps this year where I won’t be playing at all.

“So I’ve got to make the most of it.”

One of the features at the Oates Vic Open is the men’s and women’s tournaments being played concurrently and there’s plenty of interaction between players.

Short-game specialist Rumford has been sought out by his fellow professionals – most notably Germany’s Solheim Cup star Sandra Gal – for tips and advice on their games. And he’s more than happy to oblige.

“It just goes to prove that no matter what level you play at, the thirst for knowledge and for improvement is just a continuation,” Rumford said.

“She (Gal) is a very good player, an awesome player. I see a lot of players – they come to me for advice and just getting tips here and there that can make the difference, get them thinking about something that’s a little bit different.

“Players are just seeking improvement all the time and it’s great.”

Rumford is keen to experience the unique format of the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 where the top 24 players will go head-to-head on the final day in match play format over six holes.

“I had a fairly decent match play record (as an amateur) but I didn’t start out that well,” he admitted.

“You play more as an amateur and you just get used to it and start to learn. But I haven’t played it for a long while, since the World Match Play in 2013.

“That was the first time I’d played match play in 14 or 15 years, so it’s a different format

“It’s six holes so you have to start fast. But it will be exciting.”