For a while it seemed as if a new Johnnie Walker Classic champion would be crowned this year until title-holder Dwayne Pearman made a late decision to throw his hat into the ring.

The 61-year-old professional golfer had a change of heart after initially opting not to compete as fatigue from a busy year started to take its toll.

“I really wasn’t going to play but I said I might as well go down there and see what’s happening,” Pearman told The Royal Gazette.

“I am a little burnt out from playing a lot of golf this year and I may take a break for a little bit after this tournament.”

The experienced player won last year’s 36-hole event at Ocean View Golf Course by one shot over teenage amateur Oliver Betschart and fellow professional Nick Jones and is excited to again be taking part this weekend.

“I am looking forward to and it is what it is, these days I just go out and have fun,” Pearman said.

“I haven’t been down there in about four months but I know the golf course and it’s just a matter of hitting the ball properly and putting well, so we will see how it goes.

“It is what it is and everybody is under the same conditions. We will just go out there, have fun and see what we can do.”

Pearman has already enjoyed success this year after winning the Gosling’s Moongate Tour Order of Merit.

“It's nice to win and as you get older you have to cherish these wins,” he said.

The highly decorated player is facing a daunting task competing among a field boasting the likes of top amateurs Betschart, Damian Palanyandi, Adam Perry, Will Haddrell and past winner Jarryd Dillas.

“It looks like a pretty good field so it should be pretty good,” Pearman said.