Ricardo Santos is hopeful a return to the Madeira Islands Open can kickstart his career, with confidence building after a solid start to 2015.

The Portuguese tasted his only European Tour success at the tournament in 2012, which helped him secure that year's Rookie of the Year award.

Peter Uihlein and Daniel Brooks have won the two editions since, but will not be present this time around and Santos hopes to take advantage having made four cuts from six outings this year - including last week's Tshwane Open in South Africa.

"Madeira is the kind of tournament I like and enjoy every season, so I hope I will enjoy this year's tournament as much as I did in 2012," Santos told the European Tour's official website.

"If I play like I have played in the last few weeks and hole a few putts I think I have quite a good chance. I just have to keep my game at this level now and of course you have to wait for the scores to come.

"I feel good now, and more confident than I did at the end of last season and that's the most important thing. 

"Santo da Serra is the kind of course that suits my game. It's not a long course and it has small greens so it fits my eye."

Brooks secured victory in a play-off against Scott Henry - who returns this year - though the tournament 12 months ago was affected by the death of Alastair Forsyth's caddie Iain McGregor on the final day, leading to criticism of officials' decision not to abandon play.

Henry was tied 37th at the Joburg Open two weeks' ago - a shot off Santos - after a final round that saw him follow-up the high of an eagle at the par-five fourth with a triple bogey on the very next hole.