Justin Rose’s return to the masters will be eagerly watched having been out since February with back problems. We can all recall back to 2004 when he had the lead at Augusta turning half way only to squander any chances with a third round 81.

Rose now ranked at 34 in the world has labelled himself a “different” player.

“Leading proved to me I’ve got what it takes to play this course well, and that my game suits it,” he said. “But the third round was very important as a learning curve as well.

“What I really figured out is that this course requires so much patience, but that day I got off to a bad start and I tried to force it a bit too much. This course will punish you if you try to do that.

“But all round my game is so much better. I’m so much more experienced and so much more confident and a completely different player.”

Rose found some impressive form at the end of 2006, missing out on what seemed to be a destined PGA Tour win before taking the Australia Masters. He finished third in the Bob Hope classic in January before picking up his back injury in February.

Lets all hope Rose can finally recapture some true form and finally put his name up there on the leader board at Augusta next week!

I recently bought a new square sumo driver. At only £269 I thought I would be hitting the ball much straighter. As a 19 handicaper I was prone to a frequent slice, an occasional pull, and an occasional straight one.

Having used the sumo now for about 10 rounds I can honestly say that I still slice, still pull and still make an occasional straight one. Oh well.