The first major of 2012 gets underway this week as the US Masters takes centre stage from Thursday evening, with the biggest names in golf doing battle for victory at Augusta, as Paddy Power announce a scintillating deal for punters. (see below)
Amongst an extremely competitive field, two names are dominating the build-up – Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. Not only are they the two favourites for success this week, but they are the two most discussed players in the sport.
Woods is considered by many as the greatest player of all time and he returned to winning ways last month, leading to many suggesting that he could be getting back to some of his best form. If he does, he is clearly going to be competitive in Augusta.
As for McIlroy, he is the most exciting young player since Woods emerged onto the scene and this week he returns to the scene of a dramatic collapse this time last year.
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The Northern Irishman was leading going into the final round of the 2011 Masters, but struggled to see things though and eventually finished well down the leader board. He has since gone on to win the US Open of course, but the US Masters is a tournament he would love to win.
Away from these two, there are of course many other potential winners and this includes Phil Mickelson. The American may not be the force he once was, but he can never be ruled out in major tournaments.
There are then a group of British players that will be looking to be in contention right until the very end. This includes Luke Donald and Lee Westwood who have both had spells as World No.1 in the last couple of years.
The other major contender as far as the betting is concerned is Hunter Mahan. He has never been in as good a form as he is right now and on the back victory in the WGC Accenture Match Play, he has climbed to No.4 in the world rankings.
Overall, it should be a fantastic four days of golf as the best players in golf aim for success in one of the greatest tournaments in sport. Coverage begins from 7pm on Thursday evening.