Robert Allenby ready to step up a level

Robert Allenby believes he is ready to capture a major after becoming the first player to win Australia's triple crown.

Allenby beat American Bubba Watson in a playoff to claim the Australian Masters on Sunday after landing the Australian Open and Australian PGA Championship the previous two weeks.

The 34-year-old Allenby said his three victories had given him the confidence he needed to step up and win a major next year.

"I've just got to take this week and remember it when (the U.S. Masters at) Augusta comes," the Australian told reporters on Monday.

"I have to try and just stay in the same frame of mind I've been in the last three weeks and bring out the same game. If I do I know I can win."

Allenby has been troubled by a hand problem for the past month but said the experience of battling injury and the pressure of trying to achieve the triple crown would put him in good stead.

"I was nervous on every single shot this week and it's the absolute truth," he said.

"But I kept telling myself 'you've got to be strong'. It's a long, long way from Thursday morning to Sunday afternoon, it's a marathon.

"I can't imagine ever having to play three weeks of unbelievable golf. I came down not expecting to really win at all and I've walked away with three of them, it's quite remarkable."

December 12, 2005

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