It’s time for the first Major of the season, and as usual, there are plenty of interesting storylines to follow as the action unfolds amidst the blooming azaleas and dogwoods of Augusta National Golf Club this weekend.
And as we have always done in a Major week, let’s have a look at some of the more interesting sub-plots that are expected to develop over the next four days.
The effect of Tiger’s absence:
The attendance at the Masters will not be affected by his absence, and that is because the limited numbers of tickets released to the public have long sold out. But it will have an impact on TV Ratings, and it will dent the bottom line of the scalpers.
A report on Yahoo! said the daily tickets, sold by Augusta National for $75, were selling for $1,165 in the secondary market on the day of Tiger’s announcement that he won’t be playing the Masters. The next day, the price had dropped to $940. That’s almost 20 per cent down.
Battle for No1 ranking
Obviously, the biggest story of the week is who walks away with the Green Jacket on Sunday, but there is something more at stake, at least for world No2 Adam Scott, No3 Henrik Stenson and No4 Jason Day.
So, here is what they have got to do to topple Tiger’s 54-week reign on the top: Scott needs to finish joint third with one other player, or better; Stenson joint second with one other player, or win, and Day needs an outright win.
The rampaging rookies
Only three players have won the Masters playing the Augusta National Golf Club for the first time – Horton Smith in the first Masters in 1934, Gene Sarazen in 1935 and Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979.
Obviously, you’ve got to leave Smith and Sarazen out of the equation since they were the first two winners, but the stats clearly do not favour glory for a rookie. The last to come close was Jason Day in 2011, when he finished second to Charl Schwartzel by two shots.
But this year’s group of Masters first-timers is exceptionally talented, and there is every chance one of the 24 might just sneak into the Butler’s Cabin with last year’s winner Adam Scott.
If I had to name a few who have a chance this week, I’d put young Jordan Spieth first and foremost, followed by the current FedEx Cup leader Jimmy Walker. Spieth’s simply sensational, and Walker has been so very consistent this season.
European chances
The last European to win was Jose Maria Olazabal in 1999, and the last Englishman to do so was Nick Faldo in 1996.
Of the 97 players teeing off thisweek – the biggest Masters field since 2011 when 99 played – there are 36 European Tour members, which obviously includes several South Africans and other non-European nationalities.
The best chance, looking at the run of form they have had recently and reputation, looks restricted to Sergio Garcia (13 top-20s in his last 13 starts), Rory McIlroy (uplifting final round of 65 before catching the flight to Augusta), Graeme McDowell (consistent start to the season), Henrik Stenson (we know what he is capable of in big tournaments) and Lee Westwood, who seems to be trending in the right direction with regards to his form.
Aussie surge
Three players from Down Under – Steven Bowditch, Matt Jones and John Senden – wontheir way into the Masters this year, increasing their number in Augusta to seven.
With Scott and Day being named as pre-tournament favourites, the Aussies are an understandably proud lot and extremely excited about the next four days.
Eisenhower Tree
Augusta National’s most famous tree is no more. It could not be saved after sustaining damage during an ice storm earlier this year.
The 65-foot loblolly pine was a little over 200 yards down the tee on the 17th hole and became famous when former President Dwight Eisenhower tried to get it chopped down after hitting it repeatedly during his rounds.
But that hasn’t stopped fans from visiting the area and taking pictures of the spot and it was even trending on Twitter at the start of the week.
