TRIUMPHANT Armitage ace Rob Rock headed back to the Middle East this week with one goal in mind – sealing a spot at golf's most exclusive major, The Masters.

Rock's stunning victory over the world's elite at the HSBC Championship in Abu Dhabi two weeks ago catapulted him into the world's top 60.

But only the top 50 are guaranteed a spot in Augusta in April to slug it out for the famous Green Jacket.

To climb those extra few ranking spots, Rock knows he needs to follow up his Abu Dhabi win with more good performances – starting at the Dubai Desert Classic this weekend and the Accenture Matchplay in Arizona at the end of the month.

Rock told Mercury Sport: "I need to play well in the next three tournaments to make sure I get in the Masters.

"I'm not usually one for setting goals but this is a bit different.

"You have to finish in the top 20 to score world ranking points so that's got to be the bare minimum.

"I'm looking forward to the World Matchplay after that because I haven't played in one as a pro. It's a strange week because you can play one round and go home or you can be there all week."

Rock has admitted he was taken aback by the reaction of his fellow pros to his HSBC triumph, when he saw off the challenges of Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.

He added: "I was surprised how many of them actually watched it because when you are done playing, you usually pick up your stuff and get out of there.

"Virtually everybody I've seen has had something nice to say.

"The reaction I've got from the pros and caddies has been overwhelming – it was a real eye-opener as to how that tournament went down with other people."

Rock tees off at 8.20am GMT today (Thursday) alongside McIlroy and Alvaro Quiros.