Rose: previous at Augusta
I think the biggest thing about winning a major is believing you can and what's happened to me here has been key for me in terms of making that step.
Justin Rose
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Justin Rose is hoping past experiences at Augusta, both good and bad, can aid his bid for a first major title at this week's Masters.
The Englishman has plenty of experience of leading the field at Augusta, but on both occasions he could not convert good starts into a Green Jacket.
In only his second appearance in the tournament back in 2004, Rose stood two shots clear at the halfway point after opening rounds of 67 and 71.
However, the dream turned into something of a nightmare after an 81 on the Saturday - a round he conceded left him "shell-shocked" as he eventually finished 22nd.
He did not return until 2007, but was straight back in the groove when he did with a bogey-free 69 good enough for a share of the first-day lead with Brett Wetterich.
Come Sunday evening he found himself just one back with two holes to play before a bogey-bogey finish wrecked his hopes for another year.
Twelve months ago he was at it again, topping the leaderboard after 18 holes with a 68 that only Trevor Immelman could match.
But while the South African went on to clinch a three-shot victory to join the major winners' club - Rose faded and had to settle for a share of 36th and more disappointment.
However, he retains fond memories of the course and is already savouring the opportunity to test himself amongst dogwood and azalea again this week.
Magical
"Augusta is a magical place and the experiences I've had here have been powerful experiences," the 28-year-old commented.
"I've had good ones and bad ones and you learn from both.
"I think the biggest thing about winning a major is believing you can and what's happened to me here has been key for me in terms of making that step.
"You certainly never get tired of seeing your name up there, for sure. That's exciting.
"The magic about this place is that you never tire of it and it can be your 20th year and you drive up Magnolia Lane as if it's your first time.
"You still get that special feeling and obviously that helps to get you really fired up to play some good golf."
However, despite all the promise he has shown at Augusta, Rose's best finish to date still remains his fourth place at the 1998 Open Championship at Birkdale - the performance that launched him into the spotlight as a teenager.
Lessons
Some 11 years on and he believes there are still lessons he can learn from that memorable showing.
"The thing I did so well there was that I was blissfully unaware of the level I was actually playing at," he added.
"I think if you can sort of kid yourself into being in that mindset again, just letting your natural abilities take over and not tend to worry too much about 'this is The Masters' or things like that, then you have a good chance.
"Sometimes you learn more from situations that go badly than when things go well.
"You've got to really pace yourself during the week and obviously when your tee times are quite late you've got to try to find ways to fill your day up until your tee time to occupy yourself."
If Rose can get the balance right, this could just be the year that he takes the step from fast starter to eventual champion.
