Canberra golfer Matt Millar has shed seven kilograms as part of a new training plan as he considers a bid to break on to the Japan circuit or make a return to Europe.
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Millar will host a Pro-Am event at the Gold Creek Country Club on Saturday and Sunday to raise money for the Ricky Stuart Foundation and the TJ23 charity.
There will be $22,000 in prizemoney up for grabs for the 208-strong field while one player will have a chance to win a $50,000 trip to the US Masters next year after Millar teamed up with Austbrokers.
The Canberra golfing world has been buzzing the past week with Pro-Am events at Queanbeyan, Yowani, the Federal Golf Club and finishing at Gold Creek.
Millar has been chipping away after his 2016 summer was ruined by a back injury, but the 40-year-old has trimmed down for another charge this year.
The back injury prevented him from competing in the Japan Tour qualifying school. However, he is also open to the idea of a return to Europe as tour officials consider major changes.
"It was disappointing to not have that opportunity in Japan last year but sometimes things happen for a reason," Millar said.
"I feel all of the work I've done physically over the last three and a half months have put me in good stead for better golf to come.
"The start of the year has been really good ... things go quiet over the next three or four months.
"I'm hoping to jag an invite to play somewhere in Japan or Europe to keep me playing before things get busy back here.
"Japan may be on the cards again, I'll weigh up Europe and see what's happening on both tours."
Millar has been working with former ACT Brumbies and Wallabies physiotherapist Hamish McCauley to get in peak physical condition.
"I feel much better for losing those seven kilograms. I don't think it's going to hurt my golf," Millar said.
Millar has organised a strong field to compete for the title at Gold Creek, which has been expanded to a two-day event this year.
Australian golf veteran Peter Senior, Marcus Fraser and former Australian cricketer Kerry O'Keefe will be playing in the Pro-Am.
Prize money has increased and it is hoped the days will raise between $15,000 and $20,000 for the Ricky Stuart Foundation and TJ23 charity.
Millar also recruited Austbroker's Canberra for a once-in-a-lifetime prize after the final round.
Three players will be drawn to go into three-way putt-off, with the winner getting a one in 25 chance to pick the right ball to win the US Masters prize.
"We'll keep building the day and see where we can go from there," Millar said.
"I loved watching Ricky play when he was with the Raiders and when I got the chance to meet him, I love what he stood for.
"I've learnt more about what he's doing for sport and the community in Canberra ... that sold me. So hopefully we can raise some money and help in whatever way we can."
