Trevor Immelman, who says winning the Masters in April has changed his life in ways he never imagined, warmed up for the US Open with a confidence-boosting playoff appearance on Sunday.

Immelman's storming finish at the St. Jude championship on Sunday saw him battle his way into a three-way playoff, losing at the second extra hole to Justin Leonard.

It was a welcome return to form for the 28-year-old, who had struggled since his surprise Masters triumph.

"I think once you win a big tournament your expectation level rises," Immelman said.

"I've never played when I had too high of expectations, because I put too much pressure on myself and go to tournaments and want to win too badly, instead of going out there and free-wheeling it a little bit more."

After the Masters Immelman missed the cut in the Byron Nelson Championship and Wachovia Championship.

"You've got to do what feels right to you and make sure that at the end of the day, playing good golf is my priority.

"So I've got to make sure that the way I handle it still works with the amount of time that I need to put in to get ready for events," added Immelman, whose Masters triumph followed a health scare in December, when doctors removed a benign tumor from his diaphragm.

Immelman showed signs his game was coming around again at the Memorial. He was tied for 30th at the Memorial but finished with his best round shooting 69 on the final day.

It was the first time he had shot under par since winning the Masters.

Immelman captured the 2008 Masters by three shots over four-time champ Tiger Woods, becoming the first South African since Gary Player in 1978 to win at Augusta National.

He also ended any hope that Woods had of winning all four majors in 2008.

Shortly after the Masters Woods had knee surgery, but the 13-time major champion remains a favourite for the US Open starting Thursday at Torrey Pines.

Immelman didn't get a sneak preview of Torrey Pines by playing earlier this year in the Buick Invitational.

But Immelman has had past success at the San Diego area course.

Immelman won the 1998 US Amateur Public Links championship at Torrey Pines, beating Jason Dufner 3 and 2 in a 36-hole final.

Immelman, known for his sweet swing, will need plenty of poise, perseverance and good course management to tame Torrey Pines South, which will be the longest US Open course by some 300 yards.

AFP