(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Ahhhh The Masters is upon us. It's that first major of the year. It's the event that gets the average golfer cleaning out his golf bag and replacing last years spikes. Trips to knetgolf.com to find some cheap balls, and to clubfinders.com to replace that hybrid you wrapped around a tree last year in the peak of fall's frustrations (or for some of us winter's woes).
There are many questions surrounding this years Masters golf tournament in Augusta, GA. I have selected ten questions that are on my mind, and will break each of them down for you.
Is this the MOST anticipated major?
One could argue that this may be the most anticipated major of all time. All eyes will be focused on whom else, Tiger Woods. I would say most people are expecting Tiger to win this event, myself included.
I think what he did at Arnie's place two weeks ago was one incredible set up for what should prove to be a fantastic Masters, and an even more fantastic Tiger hunt for the rest of the field. This years field is stellar and as usual it is filled with the world's very best.
Overall, I think that The Masters is definitely the most anticipated major every year. Let's face it, it is the premier major of the year. It's the one that occurs when many areas of the country are starting to see daffodils pop up, and warmth is starting to thaw out winters gripping chill.
Not everyone lives in Southern Cali, or Florida where golf can be enjoyed all winter long. The Masters fits the mood of golf for the average Joe looking to hit the range and get the rusty hinges working again. With the stoic history and scenic backdrop of springtime in Augusta, Georgia this is most certainly the most anticipated major on the PGA Tour each year.
How many strokes will Tiger win by?
Notice how the question was not, "Will Tiger win?"
I have a strong feeling that Tiger Woods is going to absolutely dominate this years Masters event. I think the entire PGA and worldwide scene is still in absolute awe of how this man has roared back to his old self. He gradually improved each week and won at Bay Hill to top it all off.
This week at The Masters I expect Tigers' foot to stay on the gas pedal starting on Thursday. That foot will only be coming off, to kick the persons ass out of his way that is a notch above him on the leader board. It would not surprise me to see Tiger win this year by a margin of at least three strokes come Sunday.
What about Sergio Garcia? Will he contend for his first major?
Not this week he won't.
Will a European win the Masters this year?
In my opinion, no. We haven't seen a Masters champion from over the pond since Jose Maria Olazabal in 1999. I would watch for some strong efforts from the Euros however. I think that of all the European players, Paul Casey is looking the strongest to contend. I know he just won last week at the Shell Houston Open, but he is my Euro to watch this week.
I also expect Rory McIlroy to make things very interesting. After all he did grace the cover of SI's Masters Preview edition this week. By the way, have you seen how far that 19-year-old crushes the ball?! Very Tigeresque circa 1997.
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