While the world will be watching Tiger and Rory – DJ is my man to beat!
The Masters is one of those events that we look forward to each year. But this year’s tournament promises to get the juices flowing even more than most.
This year, golf is so lucky to have three compelling storylines that would make for wonderful drama over four days.
Headlining it all, Tiger Woods is back at The Masters for the first time in three years. But he’s not just back, he is playing better than virtually everyone imagined.
He was second at the Valspar Championship in Tampa, then followed that up with a fifth-place finish at Bay Hill. And we all know what his record is like at Augusta.
All the players will have half an eye on what Tiger is doing from the moment he tees off. They will certainly know if his name gets on one of those big leaderboards.
The TV ratings have gone through the roof as his comeback has gathered momentum, and there has been a buzz around the whole sport.
Imagine what it would be like if he’s in contention next Sunday evening to claim Major No. 15 and his first for a decade.
At 47, Phil Mickelson would become the oldest Masters Champion. And he has played his most- consistent golf for years so far this season.
If he can take down World No. 2 Justin Thomas in a play- off at the WGC event in Mexico, why can’t he win a fourth Green Jacket?
Then there is Rory Mcilroy, and his continuing quest to claim his career Grand Slam.
This is his fourth attempt, but the win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational was the perfect tune-up.
No one could live with him during his 64 in the final round. If he can find that magic around Augusta, it would take something very special to stop him.
Those are the three main acts, but we’re lucky to have a wonderful supporting cast, too.
Justin Thomas and Jon Rahm lead the way f or th e new generation. The American already has a US PGA success under his belt and is a natural winner.
Rahm has blitzed his way through the pro ranks in less than two years, and now the Spaniard is desperate to follow in the footsteps of Seve Ballesteros, Jose Maria Olazabal and Sergio Garcia as a Masters Champion.
I’m not sure anyone has enjoyed their year in the Green Jacket more than Sergio. He’s had a permanent smile on his face, and why not?
He broke his Major duck, got married to Angela and welcomed their first child, daughter Azalea.
But it’s asking a lot to think he will do it again. Justin Rose was almost the forgotten man after losing the play- off in the midst of Garcia’s glory.
We forget h ow to u g h a competitor Justin is and he’s been playing some good, steady golf.
Without winning, he has a very good record at Augusta and he will aim to be there or thereabouts again come Sunday.
Paul Casey returned to the winners’ circle in great style when he pipped Tiger at the Valspar, so he’ll be in confident mood.
It’s only a second Masters appearance each for Tyrrell Hatton and Tommy Fleetwood, and while it feels too soon for either of them to win, I would expect a good showing and for the pair to use it as a further stepping stone in their careers.
There are probably 10 or 15 other golfers I could mention, and I haven’t forgotten Dustin Johnson.
The World No. 1 should be desperate to make up for last year when he had to pull out on the Thursday after injuring himself on the stairs at home.
Johnson has the game for Augusta. We know all about his prodigious driving and that can open up the flags which are tucked away on the treacherous greens.
Plus he’s a great putter, and his laid- back temperament should see him cope with the pressure of The Masters.
The attention will be elsewhere in the build-up, but I think he’s the man to beat.
With the bad weather we’ve had in the UK recently, turning on the TV to see Augusta bathed in sunshine, the perfect green fairways and the azaleas in full bloom will feel like another world.
What a week we have in prospect. So sit back and cancel all plans from Thursday onwards!