"I had an early start and it's been sunny and bit fresh, but it's nice and I'm playing well," he said. "It's just a quick visit to play two tournaments and catch up with family and friends."

But things didn't get off to the best start, for after a long flight delay he was involved in an accident at Hazel Grove soon after getting off the plane at Manchester when his father's car was hit from behind, leaving them both shaken.

"The neck siezed up a little on the 17th on Sunday at the Belfry, he said, "but it's not really a problem, I had a little treatment on it today."

After three years of stateside golf in which he has experienced all the highs and lows he is pleased to have regained his card for the 2009 PGA Tour, his 15th in the professional ranks, after losing his playing privileges last year. Golf is tough at the highest level and last year he found himself just off the pace.

"I was shooting three or four under and then finding the cut was four or five under. I just couldn't see myself shooting those scores - they putt so well," he said.

With lots of hard work and renewed belief, he has brought his stroke average down to 69.5, not only better than anyone else on the Nationwide tour, but better than anyone on the PGA Tour.

But it is hard, with a tenth of the prize money on offer and difficulties in flight connections from tournaments to home.

"There are three tournaments left and I want to play well," he added. "I've done my job on the Nationwide tour and got my PGA Card for next year, but I want to win the Order of Merit. The last tournament, the Nationwide Tour Championship at TPC Craig Ranch in Texas, is the big one and everything can change as the money is bigger than anything in the year. Guys can charge up the money list from well back down the order.

"I fly home on Monday, Jacqui and the children have adapted to the lifestyle in Florida, we have a new house and everything is good.

"Lauren has started school and is learning a bit of tennis, which is good for me. In Florida you can plan things for the family, and it's not spoiled by the weather, If you get a thunderstorm it's over and dried out in minutes, and only a hurricane can disrupt things to much.

"It was tough last year but I've worked hard and it would be nice to top it off with a win. If I hadn't played well I don't know what I would have done," said Owen. "I don't think I could have done another year of it, but I don't have any status in Europe any more so I'd have had to go to the qualifying school.

"But at least I'm back where I belong - on the PGA Tour."