Justin Rose today revealed he finally feels ready to become a Masters champion after taking the first-round lead of the season-opening major for the third time in as many appearances.

On his second appearance at Augusta National four years ago, Rose stayed in front until he wilted dramatically with a third-round 81.

He failed to qualify in 2005 or 2006 but last April he remained in contention until a double-bogey on the 71st hole saw him finish one shot behind American winner Zach Johnson.

Now a four-under-par 68 sees the 27-year-old Brit sharing top spot with South Africa's Trevor Immelman, and this time Rose is determined to press home his advantage over a stellar field that included world No1 Tiger Woods at level par.

"The more times you're up there the more comfortable you feel and the easier it becomes," Rose said. "Hopefully, this year I will give myself chances and what I learned last year will help me finish the job off a little better."

Rose came to Augusta fortified by form which made him Europe's top representative in the world rankings in ninth place.

His record of finishing inside the top 12 in all four majors last season was bettered only by Woods, and in November he captured the Volvo Masters to win European Tour order of merit.

He said: "There was possibly more pressure than I've ever played under and I came through and did the business.

"What I've learned is that there are 54 holes left and you've got to stay in the moment right until the back nine on Sunday. Then you have to see how you stack up and maybe re-evaluate things."

Rose was set to resume at 2pm local time in Georgia while Immelman, the player who beat him in the Nedbank Challenge at Sun City just before Christmas, was likely to have more favourable conditions in the morning.

The pair made a trip to Augusta National for early practice two weeks ago in the company of Ian Poulter, who is also in the hunt after a 70 that included a spectacular hole-in-one at the 16th.

Woods, who went into the event with his sights set on the Grand Slam of all four majors, failed to make a first-round birdie for the first time since 2003. His lone highlight was chipping in for an eagle three from 25 feet behind the 15th.

Though he is in a tie for 19th, four shots behind the two leaders, Woods said: "I played a lot better than my score indicates. I kept myself in the tournament. I'm right there."

Only 18 players broke par but that might be as good as it gets this week. There were a few surprises, such as Mark O'Meara, who celebrated the 10th anniversary of his green jacket with a 71, and a level-par 72 from Sandy Lyle, the 1988 champion.

Twice-champion Phil Mickelson putted in from off the green on the first hole on the way to a 71.