Marcus Fraser’s impressive return

• Marcus Fraser spent almost all of 2014 on the sidelines
• The Aussie’s comeback from a wrist injury has been impressive
• “So far things have gone very well,” he said

Aussie Marcus Fraser is enjoying a fine run of form on the European Tour in early 2015, made all the more impressive given that he spent the majority of 2014 out through injury.

The 36-year-old, a two-time European Tour winner, reached a career-high ranking of No.51 in February 2013 after six top ten finishes in 2012.

He followed that up in early 2013, coming tied for fifth at the Dubai Desert Classic, but only managed two further top ten results throughout the calendar year.

The reason for this was a persistent wrist injury and, by the start of 2014, Marcus Fraser eventually submitted to surgery.

“I am now really looking forward to the upcoming events in Europe this summer” – Marcus Fraser

After an eight-month lay-off undergoing considerable rehabilitation, the Aussie returned to action at the Hong Kong Open in October 2014 amidst uncertainty over how the wrist would respond to the rigours of tournament golf and increased practice.

Fraser didn’t need to worry though, as he finished tied for fifth, but by the end of November, he had slipped to No.292 in the world.

What’s happened since though has been impressive. Marcus Fraser finished runner-up at the Thailand Open on the Asian Tour in December, securing one of three qualifying spots for the Open Championship at St Andrews in the process.

In total, the Aussie has secured three top five finishes in 11 events since his return – most recently tying for third at the Hero Indian Open in Delhi last weekend – and only missed one cut.

Speaking from his Melbourne home, where he has returned for a break before April’s PGA European Tour in China, Fraser said: “So far things have gone very well, possibly better than expected.

“It was always going to be hard to tell how my wrist would react when back playing full-time and how I would play after such a long lay-off, but to be where I am after 11 events, and having already qualified for the Open Championship at St Andrews in July is very pleasing.

“I am now really looking forward to the upcoming events in Europe this summer.”

Marcus Fraser’s form has resulted in a boost back up to No.156 in the world, while he is currently 36th in the Race to Dubai.