Niklas Nørgaard is hopeful that being back in Europe will inspire a return to form after “a tough learning curve” in his debut season as a dual member on the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR.
The Dane returns to the scene of his breakthrough DP World Tour victory this week as he defends his title at the Betfred British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo.
Success at The Belfry Hotel & Resort 12 months ago helped him finish a career-high 11th on the Race to Dubai Rankings and saw him access the PGA TOUR for the first time.
But after starting the year with a top five finish on the DP World Tour at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, Nørgaard has struggled to replicate the levels that saw him climb into the top 100 on the Official World Golf Ranking last year.
So, with his debut regular PGA TOUR season at an end, the 33-year-old is set for his second start of a four-event stretch back on the DP World Tour, with appearances at the Amgen Irish Open and BMW PGA Championship lined up.
“It’s been a tough learning curve,” said Nørgaard of his experience as a dual member so far this year.
“It’s difficult playing over there. It’s probably more difficult than I thought. I have struggled with my results.
“There are a lot of good players, new courses, you are far from home and I have had quite a lot of noise in my private life too with the baby coming. But it is where I want to play.
“I have been looking forward to come back to Europe and play some events and maybe gain a little momentum. Ultimately, I want to play on the PGA TOUR.”
Nørgaard enjoyed a heroes’ reception on his return to home soil at last week’s Danish Golf Championship, finishing in a tie for 16th to build back some confidence in his game.
Prior to that, he had missed three of his four previous cuts since the birth of his first child earlier this summer, shortly after the U.S. Open.
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“It was a tough Sunday but besides that it was a good week,” he reflected.
“It was so nice, we [the Danish players] were applauded onto every green. You don’t see that or feel that very often, so I was very thankful for that.
“My game was better and I am looking forward to playing these European events now.”
While he is yet to decide whether he will remain out on the DP World Tour beyond next month or return stateside for the FedExCup Fall, Nørgaard is relishing being back at a venue which holds such fond memories.
After being in contention to win at The Belfry in 2023, Nørgaard held his nerve last year for a two-shot victory to become the third Danish winner of the British Masters title after Thomas Bjørn and Thorbjørn Olesen.
“We are atually standing exactly where I walked in after the 18th last year,” he said.
“It was the best golfing week of my life. It is special to be back. I have been here a few times now and it is one of my favourite stops on Tour.
“It’s a good test. You need a bit of everything. It’s weird. Some courses really suit your eyes visually and I think this one really suits my eye off the tee.
“Last fall, my driving was the best it has ever been. I have been struggling with that a little more lately so hopefully I can get that back a bit.”
