THE LOWDOWN ON THIS YEAR’S MAJORS...

The Masters

Augusta, Georgia Date April 8-11

Par 72 Yardage 7,475 Purse $11.5m Defending champion Dustin Johnson

The first Major of the year returns to its traditional April slot, and will see the return of the Par-3 Tournament, as well as fans (we hope). Lee Elder, the first black man to play in the Masters, has already been invited to join Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player as an honorary starter, and there’s still talk they may move the tee back on the 13th. US Open

Torrey Pines (South Course), California Date June 17-20 Par 71 Yardage 7,643 Purse $12.5m

Defending champion Bryson Dechambeau

The last and only time Torrey Pines hosted a Major was one of the most memorable, ending with Tiger winning the 2008 US Open, his eighth victory at Torrey Pines, on one leg. The new-look course has undergone a $14m overhaul, and players will be able to get a sneak preview at the Farmers Insurance Open, from January 28-31. US PGA Championship

Kiawah Island, South Carolina Date May 20-23 Par 72 Yardage 7,848 Purse $11m Defending champion Collin Morikawa

Best known for staging the ‘War on the Shore’ Ryder Cup in 1991, Kiawah’s Ocean Course runs on a ribbon of sand dunes that stretch along the Atlantic Ocean. Almost identical in character to most Open Championship venues, according to its creator, Pete Dye, “there is no other golf course in the northern hemisphere that has as many seaside holes.” Open Championship

Royal St George’s, Kent

Date July 15-18 Par 70

Yardage 7,204 Purse $10.75m Defending champion Shane Lowry

After a two-year wait, Shane Lowry will finally defend the Claret Jug in the very eagerly anticipated 149th Open. Royal St George’s remains the only venue on the current rota in southern England and was used by Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond under the name “Royal St Marks” in his 1959 novel, Goldfinger.

Put simply, we cannot wait.