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Masters lead is "beyond expectations" for Immelman

12/04/2008

South Africa's Trevor Immelman has explained that leading the US Masters for two days had been beyond his expectations before the tournament.

Immelman has just recovered from surgery to remove a non-cancerous tumour from his stomach but is back playing six weeks on.

Following the surgery Immelman said "it definitely gives you perspective", but insists he has a passion for golf and was determined to keep playing.

Because of the surgery Immelman said he was happy just to be competing at Augusta this year and did not expect to be leading the tournament at the halfway stage.

He said: "To shoot two 68s in the first two days is probably beyond my expectations, so I'm pretty thrilled right now."

The 28-year-old has never won a major championship before but said he hoped to be able to control his emotions and stay ahead of the field.

He explained: "You have just got to go out there and play as well as you can play. And the other thing you've also got to realise is that the best players in the world get nervous and they feel pressure. I guess it's just who can disguise it the best and who can handle it the best."

World number one Tiger Woods was the pre-tournament favourite but is seven shots adrift of the South African on one-under-par.

However, despite the gap between the pair Woods has not given up on wining his fifth Masters title.

"Obviously I've got to make a few more birdies and eliminate the mistakes, hit the ball a little bit closer than I have," Woods said.