Westwood admits, only half in jest, that he has "always been a slow learner" but his is a career that could define the term "slow burner".

The 36-year-old was the European number one in 2008 and reached number four in the world - and was seemingly poised to take the major baton from Faldo. But lean years followed, and he plummeted down the rankings, reaching a nadir of 252nd, before steadily clawing his way back.

"Your talent and ability never leaves you - it's confidence more than anything. Sometimes you start to panic and listen to too many people and it's a vicious circle," he said.

Now, in his 17th season on Tour, Westwood is once again Europe's top player, and he's back at fourth in the world. He's still searching for a first major title, but he is inching ever closer.

He missed out on a play-off by a stroke to finish third at the US Open in 2008 and was third in both the Open and USPGA last year.

Despite the disappointment each time, he says he gained precious experience of the sharp end of a major which he hopes to be able to draw on next time he is in contention on the final day. (If he does win on Sunday, he could shed the fast-looming "best player never to win a major" tag before he even properly receives it.)

"A major's the only thing really missing in my career," he said. "I know I've got the game, I know I've got the temperament. It's just going that one step further and finishing it off."

Eleven years ago he led the Masters standing on the 10th tee in the final round, only to fade to finish tied sixth.

"That's the first time I had ever experienced a lead in a major so it's bound to come as a bit of a shock," he admitted.

But triumph and disaster washes over the Westwood of today in equal measure. His coach Pete Cowen says his mental strength is one of his key weapons.

"As I've got older I'm a lot more patient and mature than I used to be," said Westwood. "I know now not to panic when things go wrong. Everybody is going to have the odd mistake. It's just minimising those mistakes and bouncing back from them."

If Westwood is England's Steady Eddie - he has hit 81% of greens in regulation over two rounds at Augusta so far - Poulter is Flash Harry, relying more on a good short game and a hot putter.

But his confident manner and colourful appearance believe a player who is blossoming into
a serious competitor.

He became the butt of jokes for a while after his comments a few years ago about how when he is at his best "it will be only me and Tiger".

But Poulter made us take note when he finished second in the 2008 Open at Royal Birkdale, and then went on later the same year to repay captain Faldo's faith in him as a wildcard when he top-scored for Europe in the losing Ryder Cup match at Valhalla.

He has since won his maiden title in America at the WGC Match Play earlier this year - beating the other Englishman in the top 10, Paul Casey, in the final. And he is living up to the hype after coming into the Masters as many people's idea of a serious contender.

"In the last 18 months I've put a lot of work into my game," said the 34-year-old. "My putting, I'm very confident with that in my hand. If putts aren't going in they are having a look and burning the edges. And it has helped a lot to win on this side of the pond."

Vindication for the ribbing he took over his Tiger comments, then?

"Sure, if I win this week I'll probably go number two [in the world], which would be lovely," he laughed. "So I guess it's a work in progress."

But before English golf starts breaking out the bunting for a new major champion, we should just remind ourselves that this is only halfway.

A collection of very talented players are within a stroke of luck or a holed putt of the lead. And one of them has sealed 14 major deals, including four at Augusta. Eddie and Harry, watch out.