Ian Poulter has backed Bubba Watson to retain his Masters crown next weekend.

The American won his second Masters title in three years last year as he recorded a three-shot victory over Jordan Spieth and Jonas Blixt.

Poulter believes that the course at Augusta National Golf Club is suited to Watson's style of play, leading him to tip the 36-year-old to claim the green jacket again this year.

"When you hit it 340 yards and a slight cut off every tee, I'd like to play that golf course as my course to play," he is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News.

"He is the favourite. It just sets up to his game, so you'd expect to see him on the board come Sunday."

The 2015 Masters gets underway on Thursday, although poor weather has been forecast.