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Westwood claims he is close to Masters-winning form

08/04/2008

England's Lee Westwood has claimed he is in the form of his life and is capable of winning the Masters at Augusta this week.

Westwood and the rest of the field will start behind perennial favourite Tiger Woods in the betting to emerge from the Georgia tournament with the trophy.

But the Briton claims he can crack the psychological advantage of the world number one by simply believing he can beat him.

"Tiger said that the only way to turn up for a tournament is thinking you can win it and I think he hit the nail on the head there," Westwood said.

"Too many have fallen into the trap with him. But when I turn up and I'm playing at my best I've got a chance."

The 34-year-old also said that, rather than any of the other players, his toughest opponent over the course of the week would be the challenging course in the southern United States - generally considered to be one of the most demanding in the sport.

"The course grinds you down, mentally more than anything. It's five hours of brain battering," he said.

"But I look forward to it every year. Any time you are tested to the limit and you know it's coming, you look forward to that experience."

The first round of the 2008 Masters tees off on Thursday April 10th, featuring the world's top 50 golfers by world ranking, former winners and wildcard entries.