Marc Leishman is relishing the challenge of brutal winds forecast for round two of the Masters, believing his career-best form and tolerance for breezes are an advantage at Augusta National.
The 33-year-old Leishman braved gusts of more than 40km/h during a solid opening round of one-over-par 73 at the year's first major.
The Victorian native is the leading Australian, eight shots back of leader Charley Hoffman, who fired a scintillating round of 65 to climb to seven under.
The 40-year-old Hoffman will start round two four shots ahead of William McGirt (69),with Englishman Lee Westwood (70) a shot back in third at two under.
Arriving at the Masters as the most in-form Australian, world No.27 Leishman is buoyed by his recent US PGA Tour win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational as well as another two top-10s this season.
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"I'm feeling good, in a good spot off the course, game is probably the best it has ever been coming in to the Masters," said Leishman.
"I am enjoying my golf and that is a big part of playing well."
Leishman, who mastered his craft in the coastal winds of Warrnambool, Victoria, welcomed the 35km/h gusts predicted for Friday as he looks to better a best finish of fourth place at the 2013 Masters.
"You can only play in the conditions you are given and I enjoy playing in the wind, I really enjoyed it today," said Leishman.
"I like the fact that if you play well, even par and one-over are good scores.
"We get used to shooting low numbers a lot (on Tour), not playing in too much wind over here, so this is great, I am enjoying it."
