Storylines 1 Crouching Tiger » The last two years at the Masters, Tiger Woods has been off form and still finished tied for fourth. Such is the way that Augusta speaks to Woods’ skill set — his length off the tee, his ability to hit approach shots high and his creativity around the greens. This time, Woods, 36, enters on a high, winning two weeks ago at Bay Hill, and he is the runaway leader on the PGA Tour in several key statistical measures, including scoring average (68.3), total driving and all-around. Woods has four green jackets but hasn’t captured one since 2005. He appears primed for another.
2 Raring Rory » When he was last seen at Augusta, Rory McIlroy, 22, suffered one of the most harrowing collapses in tournament history, stumbling to a final-round 80 after leading by four strokes. But since then, McIlroy has claimed an eight-stroke victory at the U.S. Open and one more title each on the European and PGA tours. In 80 tournament rounds since, McIlroy has shot no worse than 76. In five events this year, he has finished no worse than fifth. “I’m in a great place,” McIlroy told reporters. “I’m coming back here a much more experienced player and feel like a much better player.”
3 Conditions » Augusta always plays hard and fast. But this year the course has been softened by the weather. On Tuesday, Tiger Woods complained that every drive was a “mud ball.” The wetness and Augusta’s preference for cutting fairways toward the tees will eliminate roll, giving long hitters an added advantage. While still lightning fast, the greens are now receptive to approach shots, so there will less of a premium on precision. In addition, because of the early spring, the course’s famed azaleas have already come and gone. Don’t be surprised if the lords of Augusta import some beautiful bloomers.
4 Overdue Brits » While three different players from Northern Ireland have captured majors over the last two seasons, three players from the other side of the Irish Sea have underachieved in golf’s biggest events. No. 1 Luke Donald, 34, has never seriously challenged in a major and needs one to legitimize his world golf ranking. In finishing second or third in five of the last 10 majors, No. 3 Lee Westwood, 38, has begun to challenge countryman Colin Montgomerie for the dubious distinction of best player without a major. No. 9 Justin Rose, 31, has never done better than fifth in a major.
Fit for a green jacket
Which players, in the prime of their careers, have the stuff to win their first green jacket this week? No. 4 Hunter Mahan is the highest-ranked American and is coming off a victory Sunday at the Houston Open. No. 10 Webb Simpson has two wins in the last eight months, and No. 26 Mark Wilson has three over the last 16 months. No. 16 Bubba Watson has the length and creativity to compete at Augusta.
Under the radar
Curiously overlooked is Keegan Bradley, the last player to win a major, who has the length for Augusta. Same for No. 17 Bill Haas, the defending FedEx Cup champ. Jason Day, Adam Scott and Geoff Ogilvy are better-known countrymen, but John Senden has the stuff to end Australia’s Masters drought, ranking fifth all-around. The wet conditions only can help long hitters Kyle Stanley, Martin Laird, Robert Garrigus, J.B. Holmes, Gary Woodland and Alvaro Quiros.
Last year
South African Charl Schwartzel became the first player to win the Masters with a birdie-birdie-birdie-birdie finish, ending a dizzying Sunday scramble in which eight players held or were tied for the lead on the back nine. Among the contenders were Tiger Woods — who put a charge into Augusta with a front-nine 31 — and Jason Day and Adam Scott, who tied for second in trying to become the first player from Australia to win the Masters.
By the numbers
6 Masters titles for Jack Nicklaus, a record. Tiger Woods (four) and Phil Mickelson (three) are the only 2012 players with more than two.
16 Years of age for the youngest player to compete in the Masters, Matteo Manassero, who also made the cut that year (2010).
18 Consecutive Masters appearances for Ernie Els, a streak broken this year when the South African was not extended an invitation.
63 Course record at Augusta National, set by Nick Price in 1986 and duplicated by Greg Norman in 1997. Neither player won.
