If Retief Goosen had his way, the weather forecast for this week's Masters Tournament would include zero precipitation and the irrigation system for Augusta National Golf Club would somehow go on the fritz.

Goosen, hitting an iron on the third hole, said he would be most satisfied if there is no rain this week and Augusta National's greens stay firm and fast. (Michael Holahan/Staff)

The South African would give anything to keep the greens firm and fast, just like the conditions that helped him win two U.S. Opens.

"The quicker they are, the better," he said Tuesday. "My stroke seems to be better on fast greens. I like to keep the putter moving smoothly and slowly. On slow greens, you have to hit it a lot more. I can judge the pace a lot better on very quick greens."

Phil Mickelson can attest.

Two months after Mickelson won the 2004 Masters, Goosen scuttled his run at back-to-back majors by using precision putting and outlasting him by two strokes at Shinnecock Hills for his second U.S. Open crown.

"I use Retief as an example of what a fast-green putter should be," Mickelson said. "He's got some of the best touches that I've ever seen on fast greens. I don't know why that is. I know he did not enjoy having the greens be slightly slower last week at the BellSouth."

The greens at TPC at Sugarloaf might not have been up to speed for Goosen, but that didn't prevent the 37-year-old from finishing at 14-under par and tied for fourth. His final-round 66 capped eight consecutive rounds under par since the final day of the Bay Hill Invitational, when he shot 76. He enters his eighth Masters ranked No. 3 in the world and tees off at 9:50 a.m. Thursday with Todd Hamilton and 2003 Masters champion Mike Weir.

Gary Player (center) gestures as he walks down the second fairway with Retief Goosen during Tuesday's practice round. Goosen said his timing is improving. (Michael Holahan/Staff)

"You can definitely put his name up there as a contender," said fellow South African Ernie Els, who practiced with Goosen on Tuesday along with countrymen Trevor Immelman and Gary Player.

Goosen said he didn't play golf for about six weeks during the off-season. He needed time off to refocus and re-energize. When he eventually went back to the range, the practice green and the course, he was compelled to work harder. It paid off at The Players Championship, where he birdied 19 holes and finished six shots behind winner Stephen Ames.

"I started at Doral, practicing a lot harder on my game and working on my swing," he said. "My timing seemed to be a little off, but it's getting better and better, especially last Sunday. I drove the ball nicely and it gave me a little bit of confidence. It's good to feel that I'm starting to hit the ball well."

Goosen averaged 307 yards off the tee at Sugarloaf. If that type of distance continues at Augusta National, Goosen will be pleased.