Our Augusta hopefuls are tuning up in fine style for the year’s first major – The Masters.

A sizzling final round 63 saw Lee Westwood overtaking most of the field to finish fourth at the Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens while Charl Schwartzel outlined his determination to cling on to the green jacket he claimed last year with an impressive performance to finish just behind in fifth.

Lee has had a few issues with his putter this season, but they were forgotten on a stormy last day at PGA National when he needed just 28 putts in recording a best-of-the-year 63.   The round was only eclipsed by a resurgent Tiger Woods, whose 62 was a further indication that Augusta is going to be a not-to-be-missed showdown among the world’s best.

Charl is mastering the art of bringing his game to the right point at the right time and you can expect another strong showing from him this week in Doral where the WGC Cadillac players gather for another shootout.

The top eight pairings are all taken from the world rankings so there are plenty of exciting match ups and I expect this week to be as interesting and thrilling as there has been all season.

With three top four finishes in three of his last four starts, Lee is high up the favourites board, but world golf is developing more strength in depth again so it’s tough to pick a likely winner.

With Lee and Charl joined by former Open winner Louis Oosthuizen, double winner Branden Grace, proud new father Simon Dyson, and last but not least, current Open champion Darren Clarke, there is every chance that one or more will feature strongly in our bid to put another trophy in the cabinet on Sunday.