Reigning US Open champion Retief Goosen, who won last week's BellSouth Classic, is more than ready for the Masters this week.
"I definitely am looking more forward to it now," Goosen said yesterday. "I know that I can get around these tougher courses a little bit more confident than I did in the past."
The positive approach Goosen has displayed over the last 10 months has led to six worldwide wins, including last summer's US Open at Southern Hills.
But his positive approach was not always evident. He lived with doubt and questions about his game.
"It was more self-doubt, thinking I can't really do it around these sort of courses, but now I know that I can," Goosen said of his approach prior to his major win.
"I think it was more a mental thing for me. The game is so much in the mind these days.
"Technically, my golf swing has also improved. I think my focusing around the golf course is a lot different now."
Goosen has not played well in his three previous Masters appearances, missing the cut twice and finishing tied for 40th in 2000.
But those appearances were before his Open win, and Goosen will not let anything spoil his new approach to golf and life.
"It's only a game at the end of the day, and, you know, tomorrow I've got to wake up and do it again," Goosen said.
"So, it's not a life-and-death situation for me."