Major preview: The Masters

It’s finally here! It’s officially Masters week and there is so much to look forward to as the world’s best golfers descend on Augusta.

The annual trip to Georgia always throws up some interesting story lines and 2014 is no different. Tiger Woods is missing, and it is arguably the most open contest since he burst onto the scene. And at the rate the PGA Tour has been creating first-time winners, don’t be shocked if there’s a surprise champion come Sunday night.

In Woods’ absence, McIlroy has taken on the mantle as favourite heading into the week, and an impressive 65 in the final round of the Shell Houston Open suggests he’s well up for the fight.

A second place finish last year has done his title credentials no harm, but his game did suffer throughout the rest of 2013 and there are still question marks as to whether he is back to his best or not. ‘He’s getting there’ is probably the consensus, and he’s definitely in with a chance this week.

Will this be the week when Garcia steps up to the plate and writes his name into golfing folklore? He’s in good form, and a third place finish at the Shell Houston Open will have done him no harm.

According to the bookies, Adam Scott is a real contender to become the fourth person ever to win back-to-back Masters titles. His form would suggest he is, too, but it’s a really tough ask for someone who has only won one major in his whole career. He is the reigning champion, though, and will head into the week full of confidence. The Aussie definitely has a chance, but it’s a tough ask. Expect him to finish the week with a solid top-10 to his name.

Injuries have been the big talking point leading up to this week, with both Phil Mickelson and Jason Day fighting to be fit in time to play. Mickelson has been struggling with his back since the start of the year, and is as unpredictable as ever when it comes to form. He could win, he could miss the cut, we’ll just have to wait and see on that one. He appeared in good spirits following his round in Houston. “I felt good all week. I didn’t feel any discomfort swinging and playing and the game is not far off, and I’m looking forward to my favourite week of the year.”

Day has a good record at Augusta and was in contention right to the wire last year, finishing in third place. Like Mickelson, though, he has been struggling with injury in the build-up so it’s hard to predict how he will finish the week.

Matt Kuchar, Bubba Watson, Dustin Johnson, Henrik Stenson, and Sergio Garcia are all in with a chance, too. Will this be the week when Garcia steps up to the plate and writes his name into golfing folklore? He’s in good form, and a third place finish at the Shell Houston Open will have done him no harm. He has a chance of getting that coveted green jacket, but both confidence and temperament are key if he is going to get it.

As ever, the pristine manicured setting of Augusta National will grace our screens with its natural beauty, here’s hoping we get an enthralling finish on Sunday night just like last year.

Who is your tip for the Masters?

Do you agree with Craig Dennett’s assessment of the key players to watch this week? Who is your tip to win? Let us know in the comments section below.