LANARKSHIRE swing king Alan McCloskey reckons street wise Stephen Gallacher can make a real impact at this week's Masters.

Bothwell Castle professional McCloskey is back at Augusta National for a second time with his star client and insists the Ryder Cup player is not here just to make up the numbers.

Gallacher's maiden Masters last April was one of fluctuating fortunes. The 40-year-old was in the upper echelons of the leaderboard at the halfway stage and was coasting along nicely after solid rounds of 71 and 72.

Augusta National was never going to let him off lightly, though, and an 81 during the third round was a reminder of the beast that lurks amid the beauty. The Scot repaired some of that damage with a spirited closing round of 70 to put the tin lid on an eye-opening experience and McCloskey knows that Gallacher has learned some valuable lessons.

He said: "There's a big benefit for Stephen this year as it is his second Masters and the more you come here the more you learn and the more you appreciate the subtleties of the course. So we've done a lot of practice the last few days out on the back nine and his game is in great shape. We're all happy and now we're just waiting for the gun to fire.

"Stephen is like every other golfer and they're all good enough to be here this week and he's good enough to get the job done.

"Maybe we won't see some of the older guys and past champions in contention but as for the younger guys are concerned, any one of them has got a chance."

Despite the pressure and the heat of the battle, McCloskey is urging his pupil to enjoy the occasion.

He added: "The best thing I can say to Stevie is to go out there on that first tee with a big smile on your face as these are the best days of his golfing life. For me as a coach that is hugely important.

"As for myself, I am just loving being back here. When I was young, I was going to win the Masters 10 times and more often than Gary Player and I was nearly 100 years of age before I got here for the first time. Being here is just phenomenal and I am just having a ball."