• The Masters

Stricker: Woods will be in Masters mix

ESPN staff
April 9, 2013
Woods remains focus

Steve Stricker believes Tiger Woods has hit top form at just the right time for a shot at a fifth Masters title.

The US Ryder Cup team-mates played together on Sunday and Stricker was impressed with what he saw from Woods, particularly on the greens - something for which the 46-year-old takes some credit.

Stricker spent nearly an hour helping Woods work on his putting ahead of the WGC-Cadillac Championship, which the world No. 1 went on to win for a seventh time.

And after adding victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Stricker believes Woods is in the type of form that could land him another victory at Augusta National.

"I played 14 holes with him on Sunday and he's hitting it nicely," Stricker told Sky Sports. "Looks like he's got a ton of confidence in that putter too, which you need to go around here or anywhere if you're going to win a golf tournament.

"It looks like he's comfortable in his game and what he's doing and I expect him to be in the mix come Sunday for sure."

Woods claimed the first of his 14 majors at The Masters in 1997 but has not won at Augusta since 2005, when he pipped Chris DiMarco in a play-off to win his fourth Green Jacket.

"I didn't realise it's been that long since he won," Stricker added. "Everything about this course is suited for his game.

"He's had a couple of opportunities in there but all that can all change over this next week and I'm sure he's going to get right in there.

"It seems like he's in a good spot. He's happy and he's relaxed and he just feels good about what he's doing with his game, and it's showing in his attitude too."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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