Jason Day confident ahead of 2012 Masters

Australian Jason Day is looking to go one better at the 2012 Masters at Augusta National in Georgia

Jason Day, 2011 US Masters
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Jason Day is looking to improve on his second-place finish at the 2011 Masters and capture his maiden Green Jacket this year at Augusta National.

The boisterous Queenslander played a significant part in last year's tournament, pushing Charl Schwartzel every step of the way.

He birdied the last two holes to finish on 13-under-par, only to be outdone by the heroics of the South African.

He is also hoping to become the first Australian to win the Masters, something that provides him with extra motivation.

Hopes of an Australian success are at an all time high given the performance of the Australian contingent at last year's Masters.

Adam Scott was also in contention, until a bogey at the 17th put paid to his chances of victory.

Day said: "I'd absolutely love to be the first guy to win it from Australia, it's certainly a driving force.

"Its probably the hardest thing left for Australia to do. It brings an extra element to it for sure.

"Wining any Major would be great but winning the Masters, and being the first from Australia would be an unbelievable career right there."

The notoriously feisty world number 11 is mindful, however, of getting too far ahead of himself.

"I think the key for me is to relax and try and not have too many distractions off the course," said Day.

"I want to win, but I don't expect to go to Augusta and win."

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Nick Bonfield
Features Editor

Nick Bonfield joined Golf Monthly in 2012 after graduating from Exeter University and earning an NCTJ-accredited journalism diploma from News Associates in Wimbledon. He is responsible for managing production of the magazine, sub-editing, writing, commissioning and coordinating all features across print and online. Most of his online work is opinion-based and typically centres around the Majors and significant events in the global golfing calendar. Nick has been an avid golf fan since the age of ten and became obsessed with the professional game after watching Mike Weir and Shaun Micheel win The Masters and PGA Championship respectively in 2003. In his time with Golf Monthly, he's interviewed the likes of Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Jose Maria Olazabal, Henrik Stenson, Padraig Harrington, Lee Westwood and Billy Horschel and has ghost-written columns for Westwood, Wayne Riley, Matthew Southgate, Chris Wood and Eddie Pepperell. Nick is a 12-handicap golfer and his favourite courses include Old Head, Sunningdale New, Penha Longha, Valderrama and Bearwood Lakes. If you have a feature pitch for Nick, please email nick.bonfield@futurenet.com with 'Pitch' in the subject line. Nick is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade M1 Fairway wood: TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 Hybrid: Ping Crossover Irons (4-9): Nike Vapor Speed Wedges: Cleveland CBX Full Face, 56˚, Titleist Vokey SM4, 60˚ Putter: testing in progress! Ball: TaylorMade TP5x