Georgia – South African golfer Charl Schwartzel says it would take a supreme effort to win this year's Masters at Augusta National Golf Club.
The 29-year-old, who triumphed in the 2011 edition for his maiden Major title and sole PGA victory, said he would have to be at the top of his game to seriously contend in the 78th Masters which tees off on Thursday.
“Maybe it makes a little bit of a difference that you won, but I don't think pressure-wise it is going to make any difference,” said Schwartzel on Wednesday.
“It will take the same amount of effort to win again as it did before.
“I hope to be in the mix.”
With his win three years ago, Schwartzel became the third South African after Gary Player and Trevor Immelman to win the only one of the four golfing Majors that is always played at the same venue.
Schwartzel, who competed in Wednesday's traditional par-three tournament and played with fellow South Africans Branden Grace and Louis Oosthuizen, said he was satisfied with the way he was going into the event.
“Preparations are going pretty good. I played a week ago and had some good weather.
“Obviously Monday was a wash-out. But I played nine holes yesterday and nine holes today. And then I had some fun around the par threes today, that is pretty much all one can do.”
All practice rounds for the tournament had to be called off on Monday as bad weather made play impossible and fans were told to leave the club over safety concerns.
Schwartzel, who will be competing in his fifth Masters tournament, made the cut in all four previous starts at the tournament with a 25th place finish last year. – Sapa