Down on form but feeling upbeat, Minjee Lee is promising one last push as she eyes an elusive first Australian Open triumph to cap the most magnificent year of her career yet.
With three missed cuts, and a tie for 33rd Lee's best result from her past seven starts, the world No.4 seems to be more limping than sprinting to the finish line of a sapping 2022 campaign.
The Perth ace could be forgiven for another ho-hum showing this week after a mighty first six months of the season in which Lee landed a second major in barely a year at the US Open, shared second at the PGA Championship, equal fourth at the Women's British Open and won twice on the LPGA Tour.
Lee, though, is offering no excuses, saying she will have no trouble summoning the energy levels required to challenge for overdue Open glory.
"I finished the CME (Tour Championship) and then I had a week off, came and did the US Open Trophy Tour, which was really cool," the tournament favourite said on Wednesday.
"I had a pretty chill last couple of days, so I feel OK.
"The end of the season, you're going to be tired. But I guess a lot of the girls who did come down from America, or Greeny (Hannah Green) and stuff, we're all kind of tired.
"We're always just going to do our very best. Hopefully I'll have a great week."
Despite her mediocre run of results, by the 26-year-old's lofty standards, Lee's credentials cannot be questioned.
The LPGA player of the year runner-up won the Annika Major Award as the standout performer at the five majors, and led the world - men included - for ball-striking statistics with iron in hand.
On paper, she has never been better placed to break through after eight previous Open appearances and several close shaves.
"It may not be (an) LPGA (event) right now but it's still my national open," Lee said of the significance of the tournament to her.
"It always has a special place in my heart and I always love coming back to Australia and playing.
"We don't get too many opportunities to do that, so whenever I get the chance I do like coming back."
Third at Royal Adelaide in 2017, Lee led the Australian Open through three rounds last time it was staged at Victoria Golf Club - as a 17-year-old amateur on debut in 2014.
She faded late to finish joint 11th, opening the door for the great Karrie Webb to win her fifth Open crown.
With Webb emerging from semi-retirement to play this week, officials - and the seven-time major champion herself - dream of duelling with Lee down the stretch on Sunday.
