Peter retains the hope of playing within the next month or so but may need some cortisone shots if he is to do so. A lingering back pain is of some concern but he is keen to get back to playing and there may well be opportunities in PGA Tour events in July.

"The hip and knee surgery have been successful and hopefully the back will improve with some help from cortisone injections," said Peter today. "I had a few days in Hawaii but am getting back to hitting balls and playing again."

"There are one or two PGA Tour events in July in which I could possibly get a start and am targeting a return then but will see how things go with the back before finally deciding. It has been frustrating but want to make sure things are fully ok before I commit to a return to the US."  

Peter is happy with the progress he is making despite missing the cut in last week's Michael Hill New Zealand Open. Speaking from the Moonah Links today, the site of this week's Moonah Classic, Peter said after his first event back in nearly three months he feels his game has benefitted and he feels comfortable with the improvement he has seen.

"I practiced three or four hours on both Saturday and Sunday before leaving Queenstown and importantly my back has stood up well," said Peter referring to a lower back / hip injury he has carried for the best part of twelve months. Recent therapy has helped and he is pleased by the fact that there appears to be no major issue with it especially after walking three rounds on the Hills Golf Club layout.

"It is great to be back at Moonah as it does have good memories for me," added Peter referring to the 2003 Australian Open which he won at this venue. "The course is perhaps a little shorter and the greens a little softer at this stage but I think this is a really good golf course." 

Peter has a 7.55am tee time on day one when he will play with Jason Gore and Jeff Gallagher.