Many are calling it the most anticipated Masters tournament of the last two decades, and with storylines aplenty, WADE PRETORIUS picks out the ones to follow closest.
1. DJ under the radar?
What a difference 12 months makes, Dustin Johnson’s much-publicized slip, which forced him out of last year’s event is now a thing of the past. But also erased, is his electric form of a year ago. On the back of three wins, he was a shoe-in for the title at Augusta. Still the world’s leading player, Johnson isn’t the name being spoken about so freely this time around. He’s up there for sure but Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose and Bubba Watson are all getting their fair share of favouritism for 2018’s Green Jacket. DJ remains supremely confident, and going in under the radar, could be the kind of easy start he needs.
2. Sergio’s back!
Sergio Garcia defends this week, and does bring some decent form into the event, even if he’s focus has been off the course the past few months. He returns with the privileges of a past champion and new equipment after swapping TaylorMade for Callaway and looks to join Woods, Nick Faldo and Jack Nicklaus as players win back to back titles.
3. In search of the Slam
McIlroy is chasing his own piece of history this year as he bids to join the elite club of players who have won all four Majors. The Northern Irishman is right in the mix as one of the pre-tournament favourites, as he looks to win the event he held in the palm of his hand in 2011 but for his back nine implosion.
4. Tiger talk
Quite incredibly Woods is among the favourites this week. This time last year, he needed assistance walking and couldn’t swing a club. Now, he arrives in confident mood and is chasing his fifth Green Jacket on the back of some steady play this season.
5. Time to slay the demons
Jordan Spieth has quickly become an Augusta favourite after his win and two-second place finishes, but all eyes will be on him when he reaches the 12th hole; the scene of his meltdown in 2016. Spieth will need to exorcise the demons of Masters past and should he do so, he’ll be very hard to beat.
