Goggin's tie for fourth at the US PGA Tour event near Tampa on Sunday lifted him from 58th to 49th in the world rankings.

If he can remain in the top 50 after this week's Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando, the Tasmanian will qualify for the Masters at Augusta National, the year's first major championship starting on April9.

Goggin is taking a risk playing this week at Bay Hill, because his ranking is likely to drop if he performs poorly. If he took the week off, there is a good chance he would remain in the top 50 but he does not want to leave his fate in others' hands.

''My goal this year was to get into all four majors,'' he said.

While Goggin helped his cause last week, compatriot Rod Pampling hurt his chances, slipping from 53rd to 56th in the world rankings after missing the cut.

Pampling can break back into the top 50 and secure a Masters berth with a strong performance this week.

Six Australians have already qualified for the Masters Robert Allenby, Stuart Appleby, Aaron Baddeley, Greg Norman, Geoff Ogilvy and Adam Scott. AAP