Playing left-handed and rounds with just one club have helped Cam Davis rediscover his love of golf as the Australian star looks to etch his name in the record books at Royal Melbourne for a second time.

The Australian Open, starting Thursday, is the 30-year-old's second tournament back after taking almost three months off competition, feeling burnt out by the relentless grind of PGA Tour life.

He said he tried to "have fun" with his game again during his time away. 

"I threw out technique and all that sort of stuff and just tried to just play for as much fun as I possibly can - hit some shots left-handed, one-club rounds, all that sort of stuff and just be creative and not play for a score or anything like that," Davis said following the Open pro-am.

He is back in his happy place at Royal Melbourne, where as a 19-year-old he matched the 59-year-old amateur course record with a nine-under-par 63, with his feat recorded in the clubhouse.

"I just had one of those days where I didn't really miss a shot," Davis recalled.

"It didn't help me win the tournament or anything, but it was a very special day that I had out here so I can walk around this place and remember that I've done something cool here.

"It's very cool to have my name on the board up in there." 

Davis is attempting to win a second Australian Open title, in 2017 coming from six shots behind going into the final round to birdie the 18th and triumph in a field that included drawcards Jason Day and Jordan Spieth.

After a poor run of form Davis's world ranking has sunk to No.124. Another Open victory would come with the added bonus of a Masters invitation, ensuring he returns to Augusta National in 2026.

Top three will also earn a start in the British Open.

The New South Welshman has already proven he can compete in the majors, with best finishes a tie for fourth in the 2023 PGA Championship and a tie for 12th at the Masters a year later.

But he said the Australian Open's Stonehaven Cup remained a huge prize.

"They're tournaments that you never want to miss and I still have an opportunity this week to still make that happen," Davis said.

"The Australian Open has been such a big part of my life as a golfer growing up, winning the trophy here is probably the biggest thing about this week, but the things that come along with that are also very special as well. 

"It would be a very cool bonus to get a couple of extra invites like that."