Date: March 26, 2008
Author: Rob O'Gorman

Ogilvy likes his chances at Augusta

Geoff Ogilvy believes he can win the upcoming US Masters after securing his fourth PGA title at the CA Championships in Miami on the weekend. The Australian, who registered a one-stroke victory against a star-studded field and ended Tiger Woods&apos streak of seven consecutive tournament wins on Tuesday, heads to Augusta full of confidence after playing what he describes as some of his best golf in over twelve months. Ogilvy finished tied for 24th position at Augusta last year after an impressive 16th placing in his debut appearance at the tournament in 2006. The 30 year-old visited the famous course for a practice round prior to his win in Miami and said the key to a good result was to avoid too many &apostrain wreck&apos holes so he can be in contention on the last nine holes. “I think if I go there and play as well as I did last week I&aposve got every chance to be in it,” Ogilvy said on Tuesday. “I know it&aposs definitely a course I can play well at and if I go there playing well I should be able to get into contention and hopefully handle it well (because) it&aposs a tournament we all want to win.” “It (was) nice to have a look (at the course), it just gets you back into Augusta mode because it&aposs just such a different place from anywhere else to play.” “It gets it into your head how fast the putts are and how tricky the chipping is it makes you realise how much you like the place (and) gets you excited and motivated to go back and do well.” In previous years Ogilvy has gone direct to the Masters from the CA Championship but an extended two-break this year between the tournaments means he will take this week off before playing the Houston Open in Texas in the lead-up to the first major of the year. “Adam Scott won there (Houston) last year and mentioned it is quite a good warm-up for Augusta,” Ogilvy said. “They set the course up as close as they can to Augusta-type conditions (and) try to get the greens fast, have no rough and have run off the greens.” After winning his first major championship at the 2006 US Open, Ogilvy said he needed to take his opportunities and maintain his composure down the final stretch if he is lucky enough to be in contention for his first green jacket. “It&aposs a course of managing your misses, keeping your ball underneath the hole, staying out of trouble, keeping away from big numbers and taking your chances when you get them.”