While low expectations have helped him during his rise to wider recognition, belief in his own ability is something Matthieu Pavon does not lack and he is hoping he can challenge for more silverware at this week's ISPS HANDA - CHAMPIONSHIP.
The Frenchman arrives in Japan for the tournament co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and the Japan Golf Tour Organisation as the top-ranked player in the field, having risen to a career-high 21st in the Official World Golf Ranking on Monday.
That accomplishment came on the back of him finishing in a tie for 12th on his Masters debut earlier this month, earning an invite back to Augusta National Golf Club for next year in the process.
As such, confidence is understandably high with the 31-year-old, who became the first French winner on the PGA TOUR since 1907 with his victory at the Farmers Insurance Open earlier this year.
Having won his maiden DP World Tour towards the end of last year in his seventh season with full playing rights, Pavon knows he can’t lose sight of what has led him to this stage.
"I always felt my game was solid, I just had three really big opportunities – the Spanish Open, Dubai and Torrey Pines - and I took them," he says.
"That was the first time in my life I had been clutch in a six month period. That can change your life, it’s all about confidence. I know I am working in the right direction with my team. We are very confident about what we can achieve. We are working hard and being patient and this is what happened the last six months.
“I always try to beat the golf course every day instead of trying to beat people or a field. I keep my expectations low but with a lot of confidence, I think this is what made the difference the last six months.”
In a remarkable finish to last season, Pavon recorded two top 10s – including at the DP World Tour Championship where he birdied his last four holes – in addition to his victory at the acciona Open de España presented by Madrid to clinch dual membership status on the PGA TOUR.
And after some stellar performances in his rookie season stateside, he is in no doubt that the best talent on the DP World Tour can take their game to the PGA TOUR and impress.
“The best players in Europe are able to play and win on the PGA TOUR,” he says. “I truly believe we have great players that will do well in America, it’s about finding opportunities and taking them.”
Pavon finished solo fifth at the Porsche Singapore Classic earlier on in the ongoing Asian Swing and will hope to further climb the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex with another strong performance this week.
“I have always been a guy who plays golf to win tournaments,” he says. “I think we all do.
“It’s about trying to do your best and get the trophy on Sunday. I come here with the same mentality and that will never change.”
Pavon, who finished tied 35th in last year’s inaugural ISPS HANDA - CHAMPIONSHIP at PGM Ishioka, is impressed with what he has seen so far from new host venue Taiheiyo Club Gotemba Course.
"I had the pleasure to come [to PGM Ishioka] last year and fell in love with the country," he said.
"It has two great sides, the city of Tokyo and the natural side, like Mount Fuji. It’s a beautiful track, fun to play. The team have made a great job at preparing the course. The tree lines look beautiful."
After playing at the RBC Heritage in South Carolina last week on the PGA TOUR, Pavon might have had limited preparation time to get accustomed but he is excited to test his game on the eye-catching layout.
"I had a 13 hour trip but I’m feeling fresh right now, I think jet lag might hit me later today," he says.
"I’m happy to be here, it’s a beautiful venue and a great event, I can’t wait to start.
"Today was rainy and cold so it played tough, but we’ll see how it gets when the weather is better."
