"I was aiming to peak for this week so I hope I haven't used up all the good shots."
Geary (30) missed the cut by a shot in the BMW-sponsored Open last year but that was a rare blip.
In both 2009 (tied for fourth) and 2010 (tied for ninth), he was the leading New Zealander at The Hills, and a fit-looking Geary is optimistic this week will go well.
"Golf is so fickle. I've got a couple of minor things in my swing to work on.
"But my short game has been good, and my head has been good. I've been playing pretty solid the last few weeks, so if I can keep that up and hole a few putts, that's all I can do."
Geary is a fan of the pro-am format that was trialled with the Open for the first time last year, and will again be paired with Auckland businessman Gerard Peterson.
"I think it's great. It's really unique. The amateurs were good company and quite tidy golfers, which made it easier."
Geary, who was pipped for the New South Wales Open in a playoff before Christmas, has status on the PGA Tour China and is looking forward to guaranteed starts in 13-14 tournaments.
"That takes a bit of the pressure off. I think I'm generally more patient now. And I know I'm going to play really well at some point."
Like all golfers with "NZL" after their names, Geary has to address the issue of how long it has been since the New Zealand Open has had a homegrown winner.
The 2003 tournament, won in spectacular style by Dunedin's Mahal Pearce, seems a long time ago - and plenty of talented golfers are keen to join an exclusive club.
"It would be awesome. All of us want to win this. To break the drought would be huge."
