Angel Hidalgo is raring to go as he prepares to make his first DP World Tour title defence on home soil at the Open de España presented by Madrid.
The Spaniard made plenty of friends both home and abroad 12 months ago with his swashbuckling style as he defeated three-time winner and two-time Major champion Jon Rahm in a play-off.
His victory was the fifth by a home winner in the last six editions of the event - which was the first to be held on the DP World Tour in 1972 - and Hidalgo is relishing the chance to perform in front of local fans again.
"I think when we tee off on Thursday, every player is exactly the same," he said. "I don't care if you won last year or ten years ago. But yeah, I can't wait to arrive to the tee and see the atmosphere, it will be pretty good.
"Just with a lot of emotions to be here again. Step on the course again and remember things happened last year but at the same time, I just want to arrive on Thursday and tee off.
"Last year there was a lot of people following me the first few rounds but not as (many as) I suspect this Thursday.
"We'll see. We'll see how it feels, how my nerves are and I will try to control as best as I can. I will try to enjoy at the same time. You only try to retain the trophy for the first time once and especially in your home country will be special. Just try to enjoy the week and see what we can do."
Since his win in the Spanish capital, Hidlago has recorded just one top ten but that was last month in front of bumper crowds and against a world-class field at the Amgen Irish Open.
So despite his relatively indifferent form, the 27-year-old is in no doubt he can triumph again this week.
"Just try to play my best golf and if I play my best golf, I know I can win this tournament," he said. "Just try to play my best golf and have a good connection with my caddie. Try to attack when we think we can attack and just try to hole the putts.
"You need to go good from the tee. If you hit good from the tee, it's a course you will hit really short clubs.
"So if you hit and put the ball in the fairway, you will have a lot of chances for birdie. Be consistent with the driver and hole the putts like on every course."
