Worldwide Golf

TREVOR Immelman has revealed that the experience of returning to Augusta as the defending champion has been a strange one.

The South African will attempt to become the first player since Tiger Woods in 2001-2002 to defend the famous Green Jacket but he admits that it took him a while to get used to the idea that he was The Masters champion and returning to the scene of his spectacular victory has been emotional.

"It's been a surreal experience really," he said. "I came here to Augusta National about a month ago and had a little visit. That was the first time I went in there and saw my name up on the locker. You know, just like I said, pretty surreal experience. And going in there this week and meeting some of the past champions has been great fun.

"I don't think I was aware or prepared for what happened (after winning last year's tournament). Obviously it's all good stuff. You know, it's a lot of great issues that you have to deal with.

"But I think it took me a little time to become accustomed to that. But it's been great fun. You know, my family and I really have had a great time, and I've been able to experience and have some great opportunities, and so it's been fantastic.

"You know, it's something that I wouldn't trade for anything. It really has been a great eye-opener, and I think I've learned a lot about myself and about my game. And so it's just been a tremendous year; the greatest year of my career from a standpoint of getting to be able to experience things and learn a lot about myself at the same time."