Golfer Lindsey Wright fought off thoughts of retirement after a miserable two years and says she feels ready to play better than when she was ranked in the world top 20.

In 2009 Wright reached No.12 in the rankings following a second-place finish at the LPGA Championship and a fourth-placed finish at the Kraft Nabisco in the US that year.

What followed were two years in the wilderness, with not much success and a lot of soul-searching for the England-born Australian.

Wright admits she flirted with the idea of walking away from golf at the end of 2011, having lost lost interest in the game – but a four-month break refreshed her outlook and re-ignited her passion.

“Honestly I was thinking of giving the game away at the end of last year,” Wright said.

“Taking the time off was great.

“… I should’ve taken a break two and a half years ago, I was really burnt out. I had a lot going on and it just snowballed.

“I went out and played golf when I really should’ve been focussing on getting my health better and my mind.

“Golf is a mind game and I couldn’t concentrate and couldn’t focus.

“I stress myself out and I got so burnt out I just mentally collapsed.

“I was a bit down and out and just didn’t handle it well.”

The results have been there for all to see as she attacks 2012 with renewed vigour.

A 15th at the Women’s Victorian Open was a nice start to the year and blew the cobwebs out, before backing that up with a sixth place at the Canberra Ladies Classic.

But it was her third place at the Women’s NSW Open over the weekend, when in contention for a dramatic finish right up until the last few holes, that convinced her the love of the game has returned – and a possible jump back to the top could follow.

“I’m just really happy with the way I’m hitting it,” Wright said.

“I actually think I’m hitting it better than what I was when I was (in the top 20).

“But in saying that the level of play has gotten better too. Ideally for me it’s just about enjoying the game.

“I’ve kind of glided along the last few years. My heart’s not been in it.

“I’m looking forward to playing (in 2012).”

The 32-year-old, who will take part in this week’s Australian Ladies Masters on the Gold Coast, could not hide her delight at being such an integral part of the final round at the NSW Open – where she reeled off five birdies on the front nine in a stunning display.

“It’s actually really nice to be in that position and not be one of the field,” she said.

“It was nice to be a contender.”