Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri is taking a calm and calculated approach to the Augusta Masters and said he will look to be patient this week as scoring is likely to be difficult.
Lahiri, 28, who made the cut on his debut last year, has played the front and back nines and spent a lot of time on the putting greens, chipping area and some at the range.
"I have been here last year, so I know a little and I know I just need to be patient and take the chances that come my way. And I know that chipping and putting could be very crucial here," said Lahiri, who tees off with Jimmy Walker and Soren Kjeldsen in the first round on Thursday.
"Regardless of the weather, whether it rains and leaves the grounds a little soft, the greens are going to be tough and the scoring could be difficult this year," he added.
Having practiced on the course he avers that greens are already fast and it could be even more on Friday and the weekend.
"The scoring is not going to be easy, no, nothing like 18-under last year. Even last year, Jordan (Spieth) just ran away, while others like Phil Mickelson and Justin Rose were 14-under and one stroke further behind was Rory (McIlroy)," he added to buffer the feeling that scoring will indeed be tough.
Lahiri, winner of seven career titles, including two co-sanctioned with Europe -- Maybank Malaysian Open and Hero Indian Open -- is now playing almost fully on the PGA Tour.
Does he feel that 'he is there' and has arrived on world golf stage. "I can't say I've arrived yet because I'm nowhere near where I want to be. But I am progressing.
"Whether it was getting on the Presidents Cup team, or finishing fifth in the US PGA Championship, these give me the belief that I can achieve more," he said modestly.
His friends like Hideki Matsuyama and others are winning or contending, and he added, "Sure, their wins give you confidence and the belief that you can also do it."
But he does feel that he 'belongs' on the world's biggest stage -- the PGA Tour.
"Most of the guys, I know them now. Many of them are good friends and that makes you comfortable and gives confidence. So, if you are patient and comfortable, things are bound to happen and I feel something around the corner."
Lahiri said: "I am learning all the time. There's a lot to learn and I want to work more with my coach. He will be here this weekend and then we take two weeks off to work on some aspects.
"It is important to take weeks off in between and practice. I did not have much of a off-season, so this is important - to keep working on various aspects including the short game.
