Lee Westwood believes he can mount a strong challenge for the US Masters for the third time in four years as he approaches two potentially significant career milestones.
The first major championship of the year will also be Westwood's last before he turns 40, something which prompted Colin Montgomerie to state "time is running out" for his former Ryder Cup team-mate.
"Very few players win or get better in their 40s," added Montgomerie, who is also a member of the unpopular "best players not to win a major" club.
The 77th Masters is also Westwood's 60th major championship; in their first 60 majors, Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus had both claimed 14 victories.
But the 39-year-old remains confident he will be in contention for a maiden major title again this week, after finishing second in 2010 and third last year.
"Practice has been going nicely," said Westwood, who moved to Florida over the winter. "I haven't quite started the year as fast as I would have liked but that's more down to scoring. I've been hitting the ball pretty well and my short game has certainly improved."
Westwood, who moved to Florida over the winter, added on his management company's website: "It would be daft to move here to prepare for just four weeks of the season, but obviously I would like to win a major championship and being here will give me a better chance of winning one.
"It'll be easier going into it carrying some form and not feeling like I've had a massive break over the winter. I'm up to speed and match-fit.
"I'm as comfortable as you can feel [at Augusta]. It's the type of golf course that can jump up and bite you if you get complacent and don't stick to your game plan.
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"You look at my results over the last few years, I've come close a couple of times and this year I don't see any reason why this year I shouldn't be involved again."
