The Bendigo golfer tied for first with Leighton Lyle at the Greystone Wines Yarra Yarra Invitational on Friday.

Martin carded an up-and-down round of five-under par 67, which included two eagles, four birdies and three bogies.

The tied-win followed three top-five placings in his four previous Pro-Ams, where he shot under-par rounds at each event.

The former Eaglehawk golfer said he had been playing better now that he was not worrying so much about his score.

“That’s what I’ve got to bring to my golf is – not more fun – but to be more relaxed, to take the Pro-Ams into a tournament,” Martin said.

Martin’s last tournament was the Victorian Open in early January, which followed the three biggest Australian tournaments – the Masters, PGA and Open – at the end of last year.

Martin said having the past three weeks to work on improving his swing and strength was starting to pay dividends.

“From the end of the year you’re playing so much golf you drop off your technique,” Martin said.

“It’s good to have a couple of weeks when I can do some practice and get into they gym.

“I’m feeling stronger again, which tightens my golf swing up a bit. I don’t overswing, I just swing within (my limits).”

Martin has been trying to play three Pro-Am events a week for practice and financial reasons, but he will now start focusing more on the PGA.

He will play just two more Pro-Am events before the PGA starts on February 16.

“The Pro-Ams are a perfect chance to pay off the credit card or pay off expenses coming up, but you don’t want to be sucked into playing every Pro-Am,” Martin said.

“There’s two weeks before the Vic PGA, so this week I’m taking it easy and working on my technique and swing with my coach. Next week I’ll amp it up a bit.”