Dodt, the Australian professional, finished second the last time the New Zealand Open was held at The Hills, in 2010.
Carrying the bags then was his father-in-law, Brett Odgers, who will again perform the role this week, ''My wife is working, but her parents are with me,'' Dodt told the Otago Daily Times.
''My father-in-law caddied for me last time, so he said he was definitely coming back.
''He's kind of like a best mate. We just get on really well.''
In 2010, Dodt was a whisker away from winning the Open as young American Bobby Gates frittered away a six-shot lead in the space of seven holes.
''I remember it was incredibly close. I was way behind with nine to play but made a couple of birdies, and Bobby made some bogies.
''We got to all square with two to play but then I doubled the 17th and ended up losing by one.''
Dodt (28), who had shared the lead with Gates and David Smail after a first-round 65, finished on 13-under-par, clear second after a magnificent birdie putt on the final hole.
Soon after, he had his breakthrough win as a professional at the Avantha Masters, where 2007 New Zealand Open champion Richard Finch was runner-up.
He has been playing in Europe the last four years but lost his card last year.
''For whatever reason, I didn't play very well in Europe. I didn't hole many putts. But I'm hitting it well and starting to make some putts again.''
Dodt, who now has status in Asia, is a big fan of The Hills and is aiming high this week.
''If I can finish one better than second, that would be good. The field looks as strong as ever. Plenty of good players are capable of winning.''
