That's the verdict of two-time winner Severiano Ballesteros, and Olazabal, who stands second behind Tiger Woods in this year's US moneylist, believes he can handle the greater distances required to master the much-changed course this year.

The 36-year-old is producing some of the finest form of his career in the States this season, with victory at the Buick Invitational and top five finishes in seven of his other starts.

Already acknowledged to have just about the best short game there is, Olazabal is now adding driving consistency to his armoury and at an average drive of 280 yards this year he's more than upto meeting the demands of an extended Augusta.

''Augusta is playing much longer than when I won my two Masters but I feel equipped to handle that,'' said the 1994 and 1999 champion told the Sun newspaper.

''This course has been wonderful to me. It has so many great memories that I fill up with tears of pride every time I come here.

''Every professional dreams of winning Majors and this is where I achieved my lifetime's wish. My first win established me and the second was a big plus after my illness,'' he added.

His coach Butch Harmon, who also coaches Tiger Woods, said Olazabal had the determination to match anyone in Georgia this week.

''Ollie has the heart of a lion and is every bit a fierce competitor as Tiger. He doesn't quite have Tiger's talent but he has the same heart and desire.''