Ames got help from psychologist

prior to the Players Championship, contributed to his capture of the prestigious golf event. Ames, along with his brother Robert who serves as his caddy, met with

Alan Fine just days before the first round at Sawgrass and discussed Ames’ focus and mental approach to each shot.

In addition, Fine also worked with Robert pointing out the need for him to be more supportive of his brother.

“In the past, Robert kind of got in the way,” Ames told the Winnipeg Sun.

“He put me in two minds standing over the golf ball. That was the big

thing Robert had to understand if I saw a golf shot, he had to try and let me hit it. The way I was hitting the golf ball this week made his job a lot easier.”

He added: “Obviously, the win was an exceptional one. It was a win that was very self-fulfilling and self-rewarding. I had to get my mind and everything else working together at once.” The 41-year-old Ames carded a final-round 67 on Sunday to capture the Players Championship, only his second title on the PGA Tour after

winning the Western Open in 2004.

With the victory, he gained a three-year automatic berth at the Masters which tees of

this week at Augusta National. He debuted there last year finishing 45th but says he will be trying a new approach to the year’s first major.

“I’m probably a better player when things get out of hand,” Ames said. “I’m very conservative and that’s the way I play golf.”

He continued: “I’m gonna have a different approach to Augusta now. I’m going to be

looking forward to see with my new frame of mind — what kind of performance I can

put on.” There was initially some doubt over Ames’ participation in the Masters after he

said Sunday that the tournament had not been in his plans after planning a family vacation. He confirmed on Monday however that after consulting his family, he would take part in the April 3-9 tournament.

“Some husbands and some guys take things for granted,” Ames said. “My first priority

in life has always been

my family.” (CMC)