Jake Shepherd believes fond memories of his dramatic win last year will serve him well when he returns to defend his title at the Dubai Creek Open, starting on Monday.

The Englishman enjoyed his moment in the sun when he defeated amateur Rayhan Thomas and Austria’s Florian Praegant in a three-way playoff at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club for his second victory on the MENA Golf Tour he joined in 2011.

“Even though I haven’t played a lot this season, I feel like my game is in good shape technically. It’s a just question of sharpening everything up like shaping the ball and distance control,” said the 25-year-old, who topped the tour’s Order of Merit in 2011.

“I have really good memories from the Creek last year and it would be great to give myself another chance at winning come Wednesday afternoon.

“I really feel like my game is in good shape and it’s a just question of everything clicking at the right time, but I am trying not to think too much about the week and will take things as they come.”

Shepherd will have his work cut out competing against a formidable field which includes the likes of his fellow Englishmen Zane Scotland, Lee Corfield and Luke Joy – all multiple winners of the tour – and Danny Poulter, brother of Ryder Cup hero Ian, who will be making his first appearance on the tour.

The entries for the event, which can accommodate a maximum of 120 golfers, once again wear a global look with golfers from 23 countries represented in the field. Players from England top the chart with 37 entries, followed by Sweden (10) and South Africa (eight).

The fifth edition of the tournament has also attracted the celebrated Moroccan trio of Ahmed Marjane, Faycal Serghini and Younes El Hassani, and UAE’s Ahmed Al Musharrekh, who returns to the tour.