The world’s most prestigious Golf tournament tee’d off at Augusta National Golf Club on Monday. The elite of the golfing world will be tested to the very limits of their abilities on this notoriously tricky course as they battle it out for the $1.35 million first prize, and more importantly, the hallowed green jacket and the chance to make a little bit of history. With Tiger Woods having made a recent and dramatic return to the sport, this years tournament promises to a gripping encounter and Sport.co.uk takes a gander at the contenders for this years title.
Tiger Woods is back! After a lengthy spell out with a serious knee injury, he announced his return in fine style, winning the prestigious Arnold Palmer Invitiational 2 weeks ago. The sport has been struggling with his absence as he is without doubt the biggest box office attraction on offer, and he is always in contention for all the tournaments he plays in. The 4 time Masters winner arrives as the pre-tournament favourite as he tries to edge closer to breaking Jack Nicklau’s records of 6 masters wins, and 18 Major titles.
Fellow American Phil Mickleson is also in with a chance of winning in Augusta as he looks to secure his 3rd green jacket. The rivalry he shares with Woods is sure to be re-ignited, and he’s looking forward to it, having said that he’s “excited to have him back”. If nothing else, the battle between the two will provide some talking points and heated debate throughout the tournament.
Flying the flag for Europe, Padraig Harrington arrives in Augusta with the prospect of winning his 3rd straight major after his wins at the Open and USPGA last year. The so-called ‘Paddy Slam’ is a distinct possibility and he will want to improve on last years 5th place finish to keep his dream alive. Following on from Trevor Immelman’s victory last year, he has the best chance in helping turn the tide of American dominance in the tournament in recent years.
Pushing him all the way however will be fellow European Sergio Garcia. Currently number 3 in the world rankings, Garcia has never won a major tournament and is sure to do everything in his power to try and remedy this at Augusta this year.
Australian Geoff Ogilvy has quietly gone about climbing the rankings, currently lying in 4th position. Having won the Open in 2006, he will be looking to cement his place at Golf’s top table with a strong showing at Augusta.
What of last year’s winner, Trevor Immelman? His form has been patchy to say the least with his best finish a rather mediocre 19th this year. He has done little this season for any one to expect him to join Nicklaus, Faldo & Woods in winning back to back Masters titles.
2000 Champion Vijay Singh is of course in with a chance of winning, along with South African Retief Goosen who finished second in 2002 &2007. There has also been some excitement surrounding young American debutant Anthony Kim
Taking a look at the homegrown talent, the name on everybody’s lips at the moment is young Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy. At the tender age of 19, he won his first title in Dubai in February, and has climbed to the heady heights of 17th in the world rankings. It would take something special to win on his masters debut, but in golf, anything can happen as Immeleman proved last year.
Flamboyant showman Ian Poulter is sure to be a talking point this year, although sadly, it is his outfits more than his golf that makes the headlines. Paul Casey is also on form having won his first PGA Tour title on Sunday moving him up to 6th in the rankings. He also has the best record out of the current group of British players, with 11th, 10th & 6th place finishes in 3 of his 4 masters tournaments.
Whatever the outcome, Golf’s first Major of the year is sure to inspire the excitement and nerve jangling thrills that have made it the most celebrated and esteemed tournament in the world. With easter weekend coming up, its time to take charge charge of the sofa and the remote and to sit back and enjoy the spectacle that is The Masters.