Rod Pampling is confident he can surge up the Masters leaderboard on day two after playing his first competitive Augusta round in 10 years with a minor back injury.
The 47-year-old Queenslander entered the year's first major with niggle in his back but braved the pain and brutal winds for a gutsy two-over-par 74 on Thursday (Friday AEST).
Pampling sits nine shots back of first-round leader Charley Hoffman after he last played the Masters in 2007.
He said he tweaked his back on the practice fairway before the first round.
"(The back) went on me while hitting balls this morning. It's nothing major.
"I just had a quick treatment so I could (determine) where I could swing it and not arch my back too much," Pampling said.
Pampling, who earned his ticket to the Masters courtesy of his first US PGA Tour victory in 10 years in Las Vegas in November, is positive he can claw back into contention with a low score in the second round despite strong winds forecast for Friday.
"You can still have control when it's blowing 20-25 miles an hour. You can still score out there," he said.
"It's the same conditions (on Friday) so I don't have to reinvent the wheel same. It's the same game plan."
Pampling has a solid record at the Masters in three previous appearances, including a fifth place on debut in 2005 and a tie for 16th in 2006.
"It's a great feeling to be back at the Masters after 10 years; seeing the crowds of people lining the fairways," said Pampling.
"Augusta definitely suits my eye; I enjoy playing here. I like tree-lined golf courses and this is one of the best."
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