Australia's Matthew Griffin is hoping to make up for lost time and get his JGTO career back on the right track again this year.

Griffin has every reason to be upbeat at the start of his 2022 campaign after making a solid start in the SMBC Singapore Open co-sanctioned between JGTO and the Asian Tour this week.

He added a two-under-par 69 to his opening 71 to head into the weekend in tied-16 place.

The 38-year-old enjoyed his best JGTO season in 2019, where he came close to winning on the Tour for the first time twice, but unfortunately, all his good work came undone, no thanks to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Griffin had to wait until the middle of last year before he got to resume action in Japan.

However, he could only make three cuts out of the seven starts, finishing tied 40th at the Gate Way To The Open Mizuno Open as his best result.

This was in stark contrast to the 2019 season, where he impressed with a runner-up finish at the Token Hommate Cup and third placing The Crowns. He also raked in six top 20 finishes that year.

"The 2019 (season) was when I had my best season, and I was feeling on the top of my game," said Griffin, a winner of seven international titles.

"Unfortunately, we lost the entire 2020 (to COVID-19), and last year was very difficult with all the travel and quarantine protocols.

"So, it's been really tough over the last two years, and I have lost a lot of momentum.

Griffin is keeping his fingers crossed that he would be able to give the Token Homemate Cup glory another shot when it gets underway in Mie prefecture from March 31-April 3.

"The plans are to be back for the first event (in Japan), the Token Homemate Cup, and then play as many events throughout the year," said Griffin.

"The borders in Japan are very strict, so it's hard to know whether we would be allowed by then. Hopefully, it'll be open, and I'll be there for the tournament.

Asked what set JGTO apart from the Tour he has played, he replied: "It's great playing in a country like Japan where golf is such a big sport there. 

"You always get a good crowd, a lot of good players and lots of great history, which makes it is nice to play on a Tour like that.

"I just really love the country. We have a bunch of Australians and New Zealanders who go there to play too, so we have a great time."

For Griffin, it's more than just missing playing golf in Japan. He misses the food badly too!

"I'm really embracing the Japanese culture and love the food there," he said.

"I've got a Japanese caddy. So, it's nice having someone who can explain to me different areas, so it's good fun.

"My favourite food has to be yakiniku. I'm known for enjoying the steak, and I also love ramen and izakaya. They're all good.

"And my favourite city is Nagoya. I seem to play well there always, I like the city, and there are restaurants I enjoy visiting. Can't wait to go back there soon."