FedEx Cup leader Jimmy Walker may be the man in form this season but he is not getting complacent.

The 36-year-old has registered one win and three other top-nine finishes in his last four starts on the PGA Tour and heads into the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-am as defending champion.

But he recently liked up with renowned coach Butch Harmon for a few pointers.

“Before I went to Hawaii (where he finished first and second in two events) I went and worked with Butch for a couple of days and felt like I really tuned up,” he said.

“I think that confidence is a big thing. It’s being comfortable, feeling comfortable, managing your schedule where you feel like you’re ready to go when you show up.

“The better I play, the more responsibility I feel to keep that up. I love playing and it’s fun to be up around the top and having a chance.”

This week’s tournament is not everyone’s favourite, combining professionals and amateurs over three different courses – Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill and Monterrey Peninsular – on the first three days.

However, having won 12 months ago Walker, naturally, has no problem with it.

“The format’s great. I’ve enjoyed all my partners I’ve ever had here,” he added.

The real draw of the tournament is Pebble Beach, one of the world's iconic golf courses, and that is what attracted Ernie Els to the event.

“I’ve not been a regular in this tournament. But that’s part of the reason it’s always so exciting to come and play here – it feels like a real treat.

“It’s one of those golf courses that really pushes my buttons, both as a player and as a golf course architect.”

Shane Lowry, fresh from his top ten finish at Torrey Pines, has been drawn with Pádraig Harrington for today's first round at Pebble Beach.