A change in clubs and attitude are inspiring veteran Richard Green to a career revival as a spectacular hole-in-one vaulted him into contention at the Australian Open on Friday.

Green’s career had stalled following victory at the 2010 Portugal Masters and at age 42 he could feel it slipping away.

He looked back at his most successful period, between 2007 and 2010 when he also won the Austrian Open and finished equal fourth at the British Open, for clues.

The answer was simple: the game had evolved and he needed to as well.

“There’s been such a change in equipment over the last five years, five to 10 years – the golf ball’s harder,” he said.

“My old equipment doesn’t work with the new golf balls.

“I’ve found a set of golf clubs now that makes it feel good and I’m getting the feedback through the golf shot that I want to do, which builds confidence, which is what all of us golfers are trying to do.

“(You) use equipment that helps you play as well as you possibly can and I feel like I’m getting there.

“…I haven’t hit shots like I have the last two days for a long time, probably about three years.

“It’s building, confidence is building.”

The change is producing immediate dividends with Green soaring into contention at the Open after closing his second round in devastating fashion.

Heading into the final four holes, Green was two-under for the day and five behind the leaders – well-placed for a charge, but in a crowded chasing pack.

Then his ace at the sixth changed everything, and was followed by two birdies as he finished with a wet sail and ensured he’ll be in contention come Sunday.

“Fortunately I had that shot on the par three sixth today … it was a flush golf shot,” he said,

“It’s nice to build a bit of confidence from hitting good shots again.”