Geoff Ogilvy looms as a genuine threat to win the 73rd Masters starting tonight, even if a considerable roadblock named Tiger Woods stands in the way.
World No4 Ogilvy has been in sizzling form this year, already posting two victories on the US PGA Tour.
''I've played well this whole year and I played quite well last week, so the game's all there,'' Ogilvy said yesterday at Augusta National.
''I'm probably playing as good or better than I have anywhere else before I've come to a major, so that's nice.
''I'm also putting well, and that's one of the keys around here.
''This is definitely one I think I can win.''
This is only the fourth Masters for 31-year-old Ogilvy, so he is still learning some of Augusta's famed nuances, but if there's one thing he has learned in his previous appearances, it's not to bite off more than he feels comfortable chewing.
''Whenever I've gone a bit wrong at this course, it's because I've hit a shot I was uncomfortable with,'' the 2006 US Open champion said.
''This course forces you to make decisions all day. The smart thing to do is to gravitate to places you feel comfortable and don't take any risks you don't like.
''I've been a little hesitant [over a shot at times] but I've hit it anyway and it's all come unravelled.
''You've got to be really smart and patient and not miss it in the wrong spots.''
While Ogilvy is a deserved third favourite with the bookies, behind Woods and Phil Mickelson, it's hard to get too enthused about the chances of the other Australians.
Adam Scott has been badly out of form lately. Robert Allenby's long game is second to none but his short game is not good enough.
Stuart Appleby led into the final round here two years ago, and he certainly has the physical attributes to win, but has yet to prove he has the mental resilience to close the deal.
Aaron Baddeley's short game is a joy to watch but he has struggled with his long game this year.
Masters rookie Mathew Goggin is in solid form, but it's hard to recommend a first-timer at a course that has been a graveyard over the years to the inexperienced.
As for Greg Norman, he has the skill and experience to contend but it is unrealistic to expect a 54-year-old to win, no matter how much he deserves to become the first Australian to win the prized green jacket.
Anyone with designs of winning will have to contend with Woods, the overwhelming favourite to add a fifth Masters title and 15th major championship to his resume.
Woods, whose last victory here was in 2005, has come close the past three years, finishing no worse than third.
''My putting has been streaky here the last couple of years,'' he said.
''I get on rolls where I make everything and rolls were I didn't make anything.
''Consequently, I didn't win. You have to be very consistent around this course, especially now there are not too many birdie opportunities.''
Woods, who was out of action for eight months while recovering from major left knee surgery, has quickly played his way back into form, winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational less than two weeks ago, in just his third start since returning to action.
While its hard to be too confident about anyone's chances of winning in such an unpredictable sport, Ogilvy has no doubt Woods will be there at the end.
''With Tiger, the intimidation is you know he's going to play well,'' Ogilvy said.
''The later it gets in a tournament, the better and better he gets and the less and less putts and shots he misses.'' AAP
73RD MASTERS TOURNAMENT
At Augusta National Golf Club, Georgia from Tomorrow to Monday. TV Time: Live daily on Ten from 6-9am.