Brett Rumford’s body is screaming out for a rest, but it’s a request the Australian golfer simply can’t afford to grant right now as he eyes off a lucrative end to the year.
Rumford sits eighth in the Race to Dubai rankings, and has the chance to land some major paydays over the next month when $30.5 million prize money goes on offer during the event’s four-tournament finals series.
The 36-year-old has enjoyed a career-best season to date, with back-to-back wins on the European Tour in May landing him starts in golf’s biggest tournaments.
Rumford can’t remember a busier year on tour, and the hectic schedule has taken its toll.
The world No.82 strained a rib muscle while practising last month, and he also hurt his wrist several weeks ago.
A recent bout of the flu was another sign that Rumford’s body was feeling the pinch.
But with so much prize money on offer during the Race to Dubai finals series, Rumford will grin and bear the pain.
“I’m tired, I’m fatigued, I’ve got a cold, and I’ve got four tournaments after this,” Rumford said ahead of this week’s Perth International at Lake Karrinyup.
“But with $8 million dollars (on offer) for each tournament and no cuts – I think I’ll play,” Rumford added with a chuckle.
“It’s just been a mad rush this whole year, and I’ve pretty much travelled every Sunday or Monday.
“I’ve caught the flu. Normally I never catch colds – ever.
“So they are all signs that your body is overworked. It’s tired and it’s just screaming out that it wants a rest.
“But unfortunately you’ve just got to play through it, don’t you.”
Rumford finished a disappointing tie for 36th at last year’s Perth International, but the local hope is confident of improving on that performance.
“I expect to perform well this week, no doubt about it,” said Rumford, who’ll have to beat out the likes of world No.21 Dustin Johnson, England’s Paul Casey and defending champion Bo van Pelt if he is to win the title.
“But at the same time I’m just trying to stay realistic as well.
“If it doesn’t go my way, I won’t be beating my head.”
