Spieth comfortable at Augusta, 'ready to contend' for Masters

AUGUSTA: Jordan Spieth has experienced highs and lows at Augusta National and the former champion said on Tuesday (Apr 5) his comfort level on the course along with expected firm and fast playing conditions at this week's Masters could play to his favour.

The 28-year-old Spieth has found a comfort level at Augusta National and his game sets up well for the layout, as shown by the fact the American has never missed a cut at the Masters where he always seems to raise his game.

"I feel like my game's in a great spot. I feel like I'm ready to contend," three-times major champion Spieth, who has four top-10 finishes in eight Masters starts, said at his pre-tournament news conference.

"Even if results over the last month or so haven't been what I was looking for, I feel like my game's in a lot better place than even it was last year here."

After enjoying a resurgence in his game in last year when he recorded his first win since the 2017 British Open, world number 18 Spieth has mostly struggled this season with one top-10 finish from nine PGA Tour events.

But Spieth feels the weather conditions, which included inclement weather at Augusta National on Tuesday that cut short practice rounds, could ultimately help give him a leg up.

Scattered thunderstorms are expected at Augusta National on Wednesday while the forecast for Thursday's opening round calls for party cloudy conditions with rain in the early morning.

"If we don't get too much rain, the course was as firm and fast as I've ever seen it on a Monday," said Spieth, who will go out in the penultimate group of the first round with world number four Viktor Hovland and Xander Schauffele.

"So ideally it gets back to that, throw in some wind and you're going to really need to know the