The US golfer won both the PGA Championship and The Open Championship in 2024 and is optimistic that he can move a step closer to a career Grand Slam at Augusta this week, even though his preparations have been hindered by a rib injury.

Asked if he could win the Green Jacket, Schauffele said: "Absolutely, yeah.

"I think I know what I'm capable of when I’m feeling good, when I’m not thinking of anything but getting the ball in the hole.

"It’s been a process to get back to that. I don’t have a ton of reps doing it, but there’s a lot for me to draw back on, sort of previous accomplishments to sort of let that confidence grow.

"I’ve never really dealt with injury before, so I’ve never really been sidelined.

"I’m trying to find all the positives to attach to the situation, and me not being hurt before and sitting at home thinking all these thoughts, watching everyone else play golf and sort of fly by me, it’s been very motivating.

"Just trying to use that to perform at a higher level."

The world number three says his major triumphs last year have shown him that he is able to compete with stars like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy.

Schauffele said: "There’s so many guys that have played at a really high level, and luckily I’ve learned that I can play at that level.

"[It’s] more motivating than anything else. They’ve been playing incredible golf. Rory has been playing unbelievably well this year with a couple of wins already and kind of breezing through what looks like hard golf courses.

"And it’s just what happens when you’re a really good player and you put things together. That’s sort of what happens. Luckily I was able to do that last year, and there’s no reason I can’t do it again."