Australian golfer Scott Hend says a dream US Masters debut is his source of motivation at this week's World Golf Championship event in Mexico.
Hend is currently ranked world No.68, meaning a strong result at the 77-man event could catapult him into the top 50 golfers who receive an invitation to Augusta National.
"I really want to play the Masters; it's been a goal I've been trying to achieve for a long time and hopefully I can take care of that this week," Hend said.
The 43-year-old also has the opportunity to sneak into the top-64 players required to contest the WGC matchplay tournament in Austin, Texas - the last tournament before the Masters field is finalised on March 27.
"I've got a couple of weeks to force myself back into the top 60. The opportunity is right there in front of me and I control my own destiny," he said.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"There are some good points on offer here in Mexico, I play the India Open next week and I'd love to play the match play."
Townsville product Hend, in Mexico City courtesy of winning the 2016 Asian Tour money list, says Club de Golf Chapultepec's location of 7800 feet above sea level has forced a conservative game-plan.
"This golf course isn't really a driver course; it's narrow and with the altitude carrying the ball further I'm going to play conservatively for the first two rounds at least," said Hend.
"It's very frustrating for me because I like to be really aggressive. It seems this golf course won't provide a great score for someone who is ultra aggressive."
The WGC event in Mexico City is a 77-man event with no cut and features 49 of the world's top 50 golfers, with only world No.2 Jason Day absent, with illness.
Australian world No.7 Adam Scott is the defending champion, and is joined by countrymen Hend, Marcus Fraser, Matthew Griffin and Sam Brazel.
