Richard Mansell is delighted to be returning to DP World Tour action at the Soudal Open this week ahead of schedule after a four-month spell on the sidelines.
The Englishman has not played since damaging ankle ligaments falling off a curb on the 18th tee while playing in the first round at the Dubai Invitational in January.
Shortly after that injury-enforced retirement at the opening event of the year, Mansell took the decision to undergo a hip operation in mid-February to fix a persistent issue that had troubled him.
Now, having missed the last 13 tournaments on the 2026 Race to Dubai schedule, the popular Englishman, who became a father for the first time last month, is fit enough to take his place in the field in Belgium for what is the second of six counting events on the European Swing.
"It’s been a bit of a struggle," said Mansell as he previewed his return to competitive golf.
"Rehab has been relentless, but I have also really enjoyed the time off, weirdly. It has been nice to switch off and reset, obviously having the little one.
"Now, I am just so glad to be back. I am back quite a lot earlier [than I expected]. See how we go this week and taking it from there. It’s a pleasure to be back."
Mansell has made 125 appearances on the DP World Tour, having first earned his playing rights by finishing fourth on the HotelPlanner Tour's Road to Mallorca Rankings in 2020.
A consistent performer, registering 13 top tens from 2022 to 2024, he won his first DP World Tour title in Singapore last season as he reached a career-high 140th in the Official World Golf Ranking.
Having forged strong friendships on Tour, Mansell admitted to feeling child-like excitement ahead of making the trip for what is the 20th edition of Belgium's national open since it joined the DP World Tour schedule in 1978.
"I was packing on Sunday night and it took me double the time it used to, just because I was trying to remember everything," he said.
"Just coming back out, it’s such a nice welcome and seeing everyone again. People saying they missed you, whether they actually do is a different thing! I am just looking forward to competing, seeing where I am at."
Mansell is set for his fourth appearance at the Soudal Open, with his best result at Rinkven International Golf Club a tie for 13th in 2024.
Just north of Antwerp, Rinkven is a parkland layout and Mansell believes that it is an ideal venue for him to test himself again with a scorecard in hand, having last completed a round on the DP World Tour at the Nedbank Golf Challenge in honour of Gary Player in December.
"My practice has been really good at home [but] I have not played a lot, so I just decided that this was a nice week to come back," he explained.
"It’s a course that I like. Easy travel, quite an easy walk because it is flat. I am pretty confident, but my expectations are pretty low because that last tournament I finished was the Nedbank which is quite a long time ago. Obviously, just really grateful to be back."
