Golf-Snedeker eyes major impact in 2008

KAPALUA, Hawaii, Dec 31 (Reuters) - American Brandt Snedeker has set his sights on golf's biggest events in 2008 after being voted PGA Tour rookie of the year in his maiden campaign.

Snedeker, whose glittering 2007 season included victory at the Wyndham Championship and more than $2.8 million in earnings, is eager to experience the thrill of major contention.

"I want to be there on Saturdays and Sundays and see what it's like," the 27-year-old from Tennessee told reporters at Kapalua's Plantation Course on Monday during preparation for the 2008 PGA Tour's opening event.

"Get myself under some fire and see how I react. We get to play against the best in the world and (you) see where your game stacks up. It's obviously something that's very special.

"Last year my main goal was to keep a job for this year (2008). This year I want to put myself in contention a lot, give myself a lot of chances to win and be there in some majors."

Snedeker, who booked his place in the elite field for this week's Mercedes-Benz Championship with his maiden Tour victory in August, has refined his tournament strategy.

"I have a much more specific game plan, a much more specific regimen of what I need to do to get ready," he said. "More than anything else, it's about learning to go through a week out here on Tour.

LEARNING PROCESS

"Learning how to go through Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday so that by Thursday you're ready to go, you're prepared and you're not run down."