It is great to be back for the first major of the season. Hopefully a historic week at Augusta will give us the right kick start to the majors and the green jacket will find a home this side of the pond.
We have four players competing this week and all will fancy their chances to get amongst the mix come Sunday.
Padraig Harrington on paper is the outsider but, along with Shane Lowry, the veteran finished tied-fourth at the USPGA last May to receive an invitation this week.
He will return after a very promising second place last week, his best finish to date on the Champions Tour at the Rapiscan System Classic in Mississippi.
Seamus Power will make his first trip to the hallowed turf of Augusta National after a remarkable season to date. He is firmly inside the top 20 on the Fed EX and leading the Irish challenge this season on the PGA Tour.
Yes, as a rookie the statistics show that he is unlikely to triumph, but if he can somehow bring his regular season form into this week and not get too excited about his first major then anything is possible.
It may help him that qualifying for the Masters was not very high on his list of goals for this year, so he can play with some freedom.
Seamus should be immensely proud from where he has come in the last two year almost outside the top 500 in the world ranking to make his first major start.
I had the chance to spend a day with him last month at the K Club when he was announced as our touring professional. He is a great ambassador and a wonderful player.
Rory McIlroy arrived with the least hype for years but also seems to be out of sorts with his game. He needs a victory to complete the career Grand Slam but perhaps the weight of expectation will help him this week.
Of course a missed cut in Texas was not the preparation he was hoping for but he will have parked that and moved on - and the soft weather forecast might help his cause.
Rory still seems to be searching for something, or trying to get back to seeing the game pre Pete Cowen. I hope he can find some old sparkle because it is still there and if he gets it right he can be a part of the final round shake-up.
Shane Lowry has returned to Augusta National with his best form and with consistency in his game and he should be buoyed by his chances.
His overall game is in great shape and, statistically, he should be in the mix. The wet weather will help too as I think a faster course plays into the hands of players with better course experience.
The pre-tournament preparation is not going to reflect the challenge of the tournament as conditions will change dramatically. How guys prep could be key to staying fresh and ready.
I feel very confident that Shane could have a week to remember.
