Justin Rose has insisted that course knowledge is a key factor at Augusta ahead of Thursday's opening round in The Masters.

The Englishman believes that playing on the famous course over the years gives a group of more experienced players a clear advantage in the first Major of the year.

"I think Augusta is different," Rose told reporters. "There's so much course knowledge that you build up through the years that definitely swings the pendulum in the favour of the more experienced player.

"I would say 15 guys separate themselves a lot from the field. Always you can have the unknowns that can happen, but I would say 15 guys are pretty strong favourites."

Rose's best finish in The Masters was a tie for fifth in 2007.