professional Kim Swan is planning a return to the circuit this summer with intentions of improving on previous performances.

Attempting to resurrect a flagging career, Swan missed the cut in the three tournaments he entered, including the Payless Open and Xerox B.C. Open.

Nevertheless, Swan was satisfied to have finally gotten back on track after spending seven years in self-imposed exile from competitive play.

This year the St. George's Golf Club professional is eyeing a few tournaments, possibly in July and August, when the tour swings to Canada's east coast.

"Starting last year I got myself competitive again and my game has come back tremendously,'' said Swan, who is the reigning Johnny Walker Black Label tournament champion. "I'm just trying to remain competitive.

"Being a member of the Canadian tour is definitely a big plus, because one can scatter their schedule and have a choice of tournaments to enter.'' But before he considers which Canadian events he will take part in, Swan intends to make a run at qualifying for the US Open on the PGA Tour.

The first hurdle for that tournament comes in the form of the Jacaranda Country Club, which will host a local qualifying stage, where Swan will need to play two rounds -- 36 holes -- in one day and place highly in order to move onto the final stage, which would be sectional final qualifying.

Swan has succeeded in getting past the initial stage on three occasions but has yet to master the final rite of passage to the tournament proper.

Further intrigue has been added by a mysterious foot ailment that has hindered the golfer's mobility, although he is determined not to allow this setback to alter any plans.

"I play better under duress,'' Swan said with a crackle. "I'm getting medical advice at the moment, but I'm not going to let it get me down.'' Poor putting was the cause of much frustration during Swan's last foray onto the international arena and he admitted that this is one aspect where he will have to stay focussed.

"I've always been confident of my ability to strike the ball, but I have a bit of work to do on my short game.'' Reiterating a point he made some time ago, Swan stressed the importance of playing against top level competition if the serious golfer has any designs on making significant improvements to their games.

He along with fellow pros Dwayne Pearman and Frankie Rabain are all members of the Canadian tour, which gives them a perfect outlet to gauge their talents.

"I may have missed the cut on three occasions, but my game showed quite a bit of promise and I made a lot of birdies,'' said Swan. "One thing you have to do to be successful in tournament play is to play all the time.

"I'm not in the position to play every day right now, but I'm always looking to improve.

"I feel that if I work hard enough on various parts of my game and pick the right tournaments at courses where I can do well I don't see why I shouldn't (be around for the final rounds).'' KIM SWAN -- Temporarily hobbled by foot ailment.