He is focusing on swinging harder with his driver to gain additional yardage, particularly to improve his performance on 200-yard approaches that have troubled him in the past.

He is committed to continuing his participation in the Masters under a lifetime exemption, expressing a desire to avoid embarrassing himself or the prestigious venue.

Last year, Couples faced challenges at the Masters, struggling with back pain and shooting scores of 80 and 76, which he attributed to a lack of swing speed and control.

In preparation for this year's tournament, Couples has been experimenting with a new swing technique that he started practicing in his basement.

The upcoming Masters tournament at Augusta National Golf Club will be a significant milestone for Fred Couples, marking his 40th appearance.

After a discussion with Masters Chief Tournament Officer Steve Ethun, Couples felt a sense of relief about his playing status, comparing the news to winning the lottery.

To enhance his game, Couples has also made adjustments to his equipment, adding easier-to-strike fairway metals and hybrids to his bag.

His recent performance at the Hoag Classic, where he shot rounds of 67 and 65, has given him confidence heading into the Masters.