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.
Tiger's Return
The biggest story of the week will be the return of Tiger Woods for the Masters.
It is 14 months since his horrific car crash that almost took his life, never mind his golfing career.
His Hall of Fame speech a couple of weeks back at the Players really emphasised how much he has changed and now how different his perspective is on life and golf and has led to a deeper meaning to what is important off the course.
Still, Tiger's ability to compete as a golfer will always be a part of him. What is certain is that he would not be here if he didn’t think he had a chance to add his sixth Masters.
Such a scenario does seem impossible - but then again, probably just getting here was impossible given where he was after the crash. I can’t wait to see him tee off tomorrow.
Tiger is the one and only player on the planet who can drum up the excitement that totally drowns out the other competitors. In February 2021 it seemed that his career and life as he knew it was changed forever. He then made an appearance hitting balls at the Hero tournament.
The pulses were then racing after his performance alongside his son Charlie at the Father and Son. Granted it was only two rounds in a buggy, but hope and expectation of a return increased.
That was over five months ago but his game looked remarkably good. His speed in practice last Sunday suggested that he has improved massively from then.
The big challenge is can he walk for 72 holes and more importantly can he cope with the elevation challenges with the lies around this famous terrain.
I firmly believe he can because he doesn’t do anything in half measures and his desire to prepare for the challenge is testament to his professionalism.
We must be thankful for small mercies in a sport that doesn’t provide too many superheroes. This will be a mini Everest for Tiger just to start, who knows what else will prevail.
World Number 1
I do feel the Tiger factor will take an enormous amount of glare away from the favourites this week and many will be thrilled to go about their business preparing for the first major of the year with the glare of the spotlight pointing elsewhere.
We have a new world number one in Scottie Scheffler and, for me, he is the favourite this week.
It is hugely relevant that Ted Scott is on Scheffler's bag - Scott was caddie to Bubba Watson’s two wins here - and he has two top 20 finishes in two starts, which is good course form.
He is the hottest golfer on the planet and will relish the heat of trying to win his first major.
Betting Slip
Matt Fitzpatrick 50/1
Weather might not suit but still fancy a big week.
Shane Lowry 33/1
Maybe an emotional selection but has a great chance.
Russell Henley 50/1
First round leader and e/w market. His accuracy from tee to green suggests he might spring a surprise.
Brooks Koepka 16/1
If his putter performs he will run very close and add to his four majors.
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