South Australian Wade Ormsby was just 21 years old when he decided to give golf one last crack.

Thirteen years on, that final fling is showing no signs of slowing down, with 2014 proving to be a comeback year of sorts for the 34-year-old.

Ormsby has missed the cut on just three occasions this season, with his strong form allowing him to secure his European Tour card for a second year in a row.

But it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for Ormsby, especially in the early days.

“I remember saying to dad back in 2001 that this is my last crack at it,” Ormsby said.

“I was only 21 at the time, but you come to a point in your life where you’ve got to make a decision as to whether to play golf or get a real job.

“You can’t keep tearing up dough from the other end of the world trying to make it happen.

“But I went to European Tour School and finished second there and got my tour card.

“All of a sudden I’ve got 30-odd tournaments to play in, and away you go.”

However, being a professional golfer can be a lonely and expensive pursuit, especially when you are missing out on prize money by failing to make the cut in tournaments.

“Basically 30 weeks a year you’re living out of your suitcase in a hotel, with lots of aeroplane trips.

“It all sounds good when you’re in flash hotels and you’re playing well and making money.

“But if you miss five cuts in a row and it’s costing you five grand a week to be on tour, there’s 25 grand you’ve just torn up.”

The world No.260 finished in a tie for ninth at last week’s $1.75m Perth International, and he’s now hoping to squeeze into some of the tournaments in the lucrative Race to Dubai finals series.