Marc Warren has his hands on the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year Trophy, but he will be trying to live down a moment of temper during his debut last year in the BMW PGA Championship.

The 26-year-old from Cambuslang received the award from the previous winner, Spaniard Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano, at the European Tour's annual dinner, but Wentworth was hardly one of his most glorious tournaments in a season that included his maiden win at the Scandinavia Masters.

Having taken a triple-bogey 8 during the first round, he swung his putter in frustration at what he thought was artificial turf but was actually a rock-hard surface, and the club broke. He had to complete his round trying out a two-iron and a driver on the greens.

"I had been two-under par at the time and this 8 came out of nowhere, but breaking my putter was my own stupidity and I got what I deserved," said Warren, who ended with a dismal 77 and never expected there would be such a triumphant return.

"The rookie-of-the-year award was my top goal last season. You only get one shot at it and it's nice to see the trophy six months after winning it. It feels exciting again."

The Bob Torrance-coached player was feeling refreshed after a week off and then a good showing in last week's Irish Open, in which he finished joint 15th to lift him to No.43 in the European order of merit. "From a technical and physical point of view, I performed well and I was mentally strong, something that had been lacking.

"I had been tired with all the travel to Asia over the previous six months.

"Last week I was excited again about practising and preparing. The next few months are closer to home, they are the biggest events, and I want to do well."