Westwood in the Masters mix

A “massive improvement” on the par fives helped Lee Westwood edge into contention for the Masters Tournament on a fascinating Saturday at Augusta.

Having bemoaned his lack of birdies on the first two days on the long holes, Westwood birdied all four en route to a two under par 70 to move within striking distance of the leaders heading into the final round.

Playing his 15th Masters and 63rd Major, Westwood was denied a green jacket by the brilliance of Phil Mickelson in 2010 and finished joint third two years later. He also took a two shot lead into the final round of The Open last year before finishing joint third and he is back in the frame once more for a tilt at the title.

As for his change in fortunes on the par fives, where he almost eagled the 15th with a terrific long range putt across the green, he said:  “Four under par today , so that was a massive improvement on the first two days.

“The par fives are no gimmes around here, but if you're going to shoot a low score then you've got to play them a couple under.  There's few birdie chances out there and I used all of them the first two days.”

As for his chances of victory, he said: “Anyone within five, even six shots of the lead going into the final round of the Masters is given a good chance, especially with the way the golf course is playing out here.  It's getting faster and firmer. “