Masters frontrunner is hoping Augusta conditions | Golf News

Matt Fitzpatrick says he is using a wave of confidence heading into this week’s Masters at Augusta National, believing he has what it takes to problem for the coveted title.

The English golfer has been in scintillating type in current months, claiming victory at both the DP World Tour Championship and the PGA Tour’s Valspar Championship. He also got here agonizingly close at The Players, falling to Cameron Young after a bogey at the 72nd gap.

The world No. 6 likes his prospects of donning the Green Jacket and building on his 2022 U.S. Open triumph, particularly if predictions of heat temperatures and firm, fast conditions show correct.

“It’s definitely the most confident I’ve been,” he said. “I wouldn’t say that means I’m going to go out there and play well. The key is obviously to have as low expectations as possible and as high a confidence as possible.

“I really feel like every yr I really feel like I’m a fully different participant to the one before. This is undoubtedly the best type I’ve been coming into this event, and I’m just making an attempt to roll with it and get pleasure from that.”

Following Sunday’s heavy thunderstorms, Augusta National is expected to bask in sunshine for the remainder of the week, with temperatures approaching 30C anticipated over the weekend.

The 31-year-old may not possess the same firepower as his competitors, but he excels when the pressure mounts, hoping for firm, fast conditions during the tournament’s crucial stages.

“I always desire that, he said. “I’ve always been a conservative player in the right way. I think that is beneficial when golf courses get really difficult because my strategy doesn’t change.

“I just play my regular golf, and possibly guys out right here in all probability play a little bit more aggressively than me. So when it does get tough, then you may’t just go at it because, if you probably did miss, you are screwed, and I just continue my own sport.”

World No. 4 Tommy Fleetwood is also positioned to compete this week as he pursues his maiden major title. The 35-year-old experienced a career-defining campaign last season, capturing the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup.

He said: “It could be very particular [to win]. There’s no doubt for all people that performs the sport, profitable a Masters, whether or not it’s strolling up the 18th, holing a putt on the 18th inexperienced, the second you will have the jacket put upon you, I believe it is on such a mantelpiece in people’s careers and how they view it.

“It’s so easy to create those moments in your mind because we watch it every year. I would love to be there late on Sunday with a chance and have those juices flowing on the back nine of Augusta.”