The British golfer’s career has been blighted by a recurring problem, but after it was initially misdiagnosed, he finally had it successfully operated on and has returned to action under the care and support of a team Down Under.

He told Golf Monthly magazine: “The surgeon who sorted it was from Perth in Australia, and I did all the rehab under his supervision.

“He introduced me to a brilliant physio, and then I found a yoga instructor next door to the coffee shop I liked to go to, and, hey presto, I’ve got a whole medical team working for me.

“The end result is I feel fitter, stronger, and more flexible than at any time in the last 10 years. At least 10 years man.

“It all fell into place and we love it there so much that we’re even thinking of relocating to Perth permanently.

“It’s a great lifestyle for us.

“We’d been living in Portugal for four or five years before spending so much time in Oz because of the surgery, and going back there is another option.”

And Beef is also contemplating a move back to the UK.

He added: “So is returning to England.

“It mostly depends on how this year goes and what my playing status is going forward.

“But I’ve already seen some nice golf since I started playing again, and I’m full of optimism for the future.”