Goosen In Positive Form

Retief Goosen will look to prepare for next month's US Masters at Augusta by competing in the Transitions Championship at the Copperhead course at the Innisbrook Resort. The South African will be challenging for a third title in at the Championship, following his success in 2003, then again in 2009. After a tough few seasons, Goosen is enjoying some decent form again this year. The two-time US Open winner had a major part to play as he helped Lake Nona to a Tavistock Cup triumph last week. The 42-year-old combined well with Graeme McDowell to record an impressive 12-under, and followed that up with a one-under 71 in the singles to help his team lift the trophy in convincing style.

The signs are promising for Goosen and the South African shouldn't be entirely ruled out of contention at Augusta next month. His record at the Masters is consistently good, without being outstanding. Between 2002 and 2008, Goosen racked up successive top-20 finishes, with two runner's up places showing just how close the talented South African has come to adding to his major titles at Augusta.

That record came to an abrupt end in 2009, where Goosen failed to miss the cut after a disappointing opening round. He put in a better performance last year but never managed to mount a challenge, finishing up down in 38th andthe US masters odds 2011 suggest he will be in this kind of position again.

Goosen's form on the PGA Tour last year showed he can still match anyone on the circuit when on his day but there are question marks as to whether the South African can still keep pace at the majors and the golf odds reflect this.

That's not to say that Goosen won't be in and around the upper echelons of the leaderboard come the final day of the Masters. There is a lot to be said for Goosen managing to put a run that sees him finish in the top-10 but beyond that would be something of a surprise for the experienced 42-year old. The battling Goosen won't want to accept that though and will still back himself to add to his collection of titles.