Brett Rumford is “ready to go” as he makes his return five months following surgery on a wrist injury he feared could have ended his career.

Winner of the 2013 Volvo China Open, Rumford had three surgeries on his right wrist in early November and almost immediately after being discharged headed for the gym to begin his rehabilitation.

Aiming to be back playing in March, Rumford regularly posted updates of his progress on Instagram and is now ready to make his return to tournament golf in the CNY20,000,000 ($A4.2m) European Tour event.

He played five holes with fellow Australians Dimi Papadatos and Min Woo Lee at Genzon Golf Club in Shenzhen before rain brought a premature end to their practice round on Tuesday. Although he wasn’t exactly bombing tee shots out past Lee – “No one out-drives Min Woo” – Papadatos said it was great to see Rumford back out on tour again.

“Everyone’s happy to see him here,” Papadatos said.

“He’s keen as, ready to go.

“His game looks good. He said his wrist is still giving him a little bit of trouble but I think he’s just really eager to get back out here again.”

Like many in golf circles, Papadatos has followed Rumford’s progress closely, marvelling at his determination to get back on the golf course at 41 years of age.

“He’s looking fit,” said Papadatos, who was tied for 21st at last week’s Trophee Hassan II tournament in Morocco.

“He’s always just super committed and a really motivated guy in whatever he’s doing.

“He’s been working hard to get his game back after the surgery. I’m sure he’ll be fine once he blows off the cobwebs.”

The return of Rumford takes the tally of Australians in the field for the Volvo China Open to 13 including 2002 champion David Gleeson.