I had my best outing on American soil at the World Golf Championship's CA Championship last week in Doral. In a tournament played on one of the most demanding golf courses in the world - famously known as the 'Blue Monster' because of how tough it is - and competing against one of the finest fields ever assembled, I finished fourth.

And while I think I could have done much better than the 14-under I eventually shot, it would have been difficult to catch up with Phil Mickelson, who won the tournament, and Nick Watney, who put up a great show before finishing runner-up.

I started the final day four shots behind Phil and Nick, and my best chance was if I got off to a hot start and the leaders did not. I did make a birdie on the opening hole, but two bogeys on the front nine meant I made the turn at one-under. By that time, both Phil and Nick had raced way ahead.

On the back nine, I realised that playing aggressively in the hope of catching the two Americans came with lots of risks on a course like Doral, and I concentrated on making sure that I posted a good finish, preferably in the top-five. And I am happy I managed to do just that.

In the end, I was a satisfied man. I played really well - I drove the ball beautifully all week, found most greens in regulation, and I believe I also topped the putting stats.

Putting was one aspect of my game I wasn't happy with when I played the Desert Swing of the European Tour. I am glad my touch was back in one of the biggest events on the global golfing calendar.

This finish does a lot of things for me. Firstly, it helped me reach my career-high world ranking of 29. It also pushed me inside the top-10 of the standings as far as making it to the International team for the President's Cup is concerned. And it has almost sealed my place for the year-ending $10 million Dubai World Championship.

Most importantly, it reinforced the belief that I can compete against the very best in the world. Following my win at last year's Singapore Open, where I had to ward off threats from Padraig Harrington and Ernie Els - both Major winners

I am now looking forward to a week of relaxed practice with some of my friends from the college days in Austin, Texas. After that, I play the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill, followed by the Shell Houston Open, and finally, the Masters.

I am now quite excited about the Masters. The finish at Doral has given me immense confidence, and I have complete faith in my swing.

And before I finish, I must mention how impressive Tiger Woods looked at Doral, especially during the weekend rounds. He narrowly missed several birdie putts, otherwise he would have come into contention. I think it is just a matter of time before everything clicks and he is back to his dominant best. That would be great news for the game.

Until next time, Jeev