Defending Masters champion Charl Schwartzel has said that he is more than ready to retain his Augusta crown.

The South African was a surprise winner last year with the 2011 tournament perhaps most famous for the dramatic collapse of Rory McIlroy.

Schwartzel stormed to the top of the leaderboard with four birdies on the last four holes as McIlroy threw away his four-shot lead at the turn.

Schwartzel, 27, has said that he will not crack under the expectation of returning to the Georgia course.

"I have a different mind‑set coming into this event knowing that you've won," he told a news conference on Tuesday.

"I almost expect myself to win. I feel like I'm playing good enough. I feel like if I've done it before, why can't I do it again."

Schwartzel has been paired with American duo Keegan Bradley and Kelly Kraft for the opening round.