Masters Preview

What with it being the start of golf's first major tomorrow, and the fact I haven't done a post in over two weeks, I thought I would do a preview of the Masters.

Obviously the biggest news heading into the tournament is that Tiger Woods feels he's back to his best form, the form that saw him hold all four majors at the same time following the 2001 Masters. If Woods is back to his best, it is ominous for the rest of the field as he can tame Augusta year in year out. The bookies seem to agree with Woods, with best price being 5-1. However, I don't feel Woods will walk away with another green jacket for his wardrobe this weekend. I can't put my finger on it, but there is something about Woods at the minute which makes me feel he can't win another major. Famous last words.

The second favourite is last year's winner that never was - Rory McIlroy. Will he have learnt from last year's horror show? He bounced back in the next major, the US Open, to win that whilst setting numerous records. He has also gone on to be World No.1, albeit rather briefly. So judging by that, he has. However, there could well be seeds of doubt in the back of Rory's mind whilst playing the first round which could hamper him. Much like Felipe Massa has never been the same Formula 1 driver since his horror crash, McIlroy might like confidence in playing Augusta after it brutally chewed him up and spat him out last year. His first round will be vital - survive it unscathed and he could well be a contender come Sunday.

However, I believe that Charl Schwartzel will be presenting the green jacket to an Aussie come Sunday. Jason Day finished runner-up to Schwartzel last year on his Masters debut. He then followed it up with another second place finish at the US Open, so the boy clearly has major potential within him. I also believe he has the short game required to beat Augusta. I just hope I have not cursed him, as most of my previous tips for the Masters have failed to perform miserably.

Like any major though, there could always be the potential for an unknown to storm to victory. He could play the best four rounds of his life this weekend and have his name forever written in the history books. Players like Ben Curtis, Shaun Micheel & Louis Oosthuizen got surprise victories in majors through playing their best golf, and also through good fortune along the way. Whatever the result, all we can do is hope for another great edition of the most prestigious major in golf.