ANDREW Dodt doesn't want to see another rowing machine, let alone use one, for a very long time.
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The Charlestown-based 33-year-old is now eyeing off the remainder of the 2019 Asian Tour having only just returned to the golf course following an injury lay-off which started in April.
A bulging disc in his back stemmed from Dodt's gym session alongside fellow Australian player Dimi Papadatos in Morocco after a long-haul flight from Sydney.
"I probably should have known better," Dodt told the Newcastle Herald.
"We'd been in the air for 25 hours and then I went straight to the gym with Dimi [Papadatos].
"My back was already tight from the travel and then it was just the extra pressure in that area. I ended up with a bulging disc in the lower left-hand side of my back.
"I'd never really been on a rowing machine before and I don't think I'll be going back on one ever again."
The bonus for Dodt has been "spending more time at home" with wife Ashleigh and eight-month old daughter Azalea.
However, after months of physiotherapy and no golf, Dodt "feels ready" to get back on the course.
There have been rounds and practice locally at Charlestown and Waratah.
This last fortnight Dodt's played four pro-am tournaments in Queensland.
Most recently he was tied 11th on five under at the Brisbane Pro-Am last week, following a two over tied 28th at the Redcliffe Pro-Am.
Further north on the Sunshine Coast there was a six under tied 14th at the 36-hole Maroochy River Pro-Am as well as a tied 4th minus four at Buderim.
"I'm happy with where my game's at and I've been able to string together a few nice performances," Dodt said.
"Most importantly my back has held up well."
Having played just three events on the Asian Tour so far in 2019, he's ranked 59th on the overall standings and wants to retain his card for next year.
"My focus is now Asia for the rest of the year," Dodt said.
He travels to Malaysia next month for the Sarawak Championship, which starts August 15.
The Indonesia Open, Taiwan Masters, Hong Kong Open, Mauritius Open and Indonesian Masters are another five of the 10 tournaments left on the calendar.
* RENOWNED local coach Neville Bell won the Newcastle District Golf Association Masters at Muree on Sunday.
* JASON Ross claimed the Viney Creek Cup, a Newcastle district order of merit event, at Beresfield on Saturday following a three-way play-off with Josh Robards and Oscar Gibson.
* HUNTER River (men) and Newcastle Hunter (ladies) district associations will host a "girls golf day out" at West Wallsend's Sugar Valley on October 13.