Wednesday 30 March 2016 13:47, UK
Ewen Murray reflects on an outstanding start to the golfing year and looks ahead to the Masters, where he believes Rory McIlroy can become the sixth man to complete a career Grand Slam of majors.
The golfing year is in full flow with the Desert Swing behind us as well as two World Golf Championships, yet it is this magical spell at the beginning of April which heralds the season for many golfers, not just here in Britain, but around the globe.
The reason for that of course is the imminent arrival of the most anticipated tournament in our sport, the Masters from Augusta National.
The tall Georgia Pines frame its fabled fairways, while almost on cue, the Azaleas light up the borders of golf's Garden of Eden. It's been said many times before, there is nothing like The Masters. Looking into a crystal ball doesn't give much away, but whose turn will it be to slip on the Green Jacket in the Butler Cabin come April 10th?
That of course I cannot confirm, but this is the most wide open Masters in many a year. It's been a splendid start to 2016 on all tours. Rickie Fowler, last year's Players champion, opened up with a win in Abu Dhabi. South African, Branden Grace, successfully defended his Qatar title in style.
Great players thrive on pressure and Rory will feel plenty of that as he looks to join Player, Nicklaus, Woods, Sarazen and Hogan in golf's most-elite club
Stateside in March, the Aussies have renamed Australia Day, "Australia Month", due to the extraordinary exploits of Adam Scott and Jason Day. Scott steered his way to the Honda and Cadillac, while Day was King at Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill before his demolition of several top stars in the WGC-Dell Match Play in Austin, Texas.
Last year's Master, Jordan Spieth, began his year in Hawaii where it was business as usual. His 30 under par total over four days handing him the Tournament of Champions. Two-time Masters winner Bubba Watson graced Riviera and Louis Oosthuizen won Down Under, while Danny Willett took his place on golf's top table with a thrilling victory in the Dubai desert and followed that up with a sound performance at Doral.
All of these wins are impressive, but the players will tell you that, while these victories offer fond memories, they are part of their history. The Masters will have featured regularly in their boyhood dreams. This is the one, this is the ultimate prize.
Having mentioned some of those who have entered the winners circle this year, there are many who have come agonisingly close without success. If you add the following names to those listed above, it makes you realise how difficult it is to pick a winner at Augusta. Patrick Reed, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Jimmy Walker - all top American golfers, yet not one USA player holds a World Golf Championship title as we speak, although two of them hold three of golf's four majors.
With Australia dominating the PGA Tour, Scott and Day lead the FedExCup rankings and they go to Augusta in sensational form. With that comes the eyes of the world, the focus of media attention, and that adds a little extra pressure. For many, it's tough to see past them in picking this year's winner.
Europe has produced a talented and spirited young wave of talent who have bashed a few doors down recently, and they rightfully take their place at Augusta. Andy Sullivan has improved beyond all recognition and will relish the challenge the course presents. Raphael Cabrera-Bello came of age in Texas to force his way into his first Masters.
Justin Rose continues to make the game look easier than it is. Ian Poulter showed some form last week in Puerto Rico, Sergio Garcia has enjoyed a decent start to the year, and Henrik Stenson is well rested ahead of the year's first major.
From the Far East, Hideki Matsuyama will not be overawed if he is in position on Sunday and neither will South Korean, Ben An. The 2011 Masters champion, Charl Schwartzel has won three times in four months. Shane Lowry raised his game to be a WGC winner and is not far away from taking the next step.
Now you've digested that, you'll realise how open this year's tournament is, and if any one of these players were to slip on the most valuable garment made, it really would not be a surprise. Never before has strength gone so deep in the professional game and my opinion is that our sport has never been in better shape.
Talking of opinions, you will have your own and I wish you well with your choices. Time for my tips and for those of you who regularly read my offerings, I'll understand if you want to look away now!
I believe Rory McIlroy will be the sixth man to hold the career Grand Slam in a few days time. He's agitated and a touch frustrated and that's perfect heading to Georgia. He's been close, but he has no wins since the final event of the European Tour last November. No shame in that, but in his world, top-fives mean little.
His putting has developed nicely since his change of grip, his driving is magnificent as his his long irons. He chips and pitches as well as most and I suspect he will work hard in the days ahead on his short irons. They are not a weakness, just not as strong as the other departments.
Great players thrive on pressure and he will feel plenty of that as he looks to join Player, Nicklaus, Woods, Sarazen and Ben Hogan in golf's most-elite club. He had a handsome lead going into the final round in 2011 and let it slip. He's five years older and wiser and, after a mini barren run, I believe his time is now.
My outsider comes from Australia. I think Marc Leishman is an underrated player and has had some form on this course. Twelve months ago, his world came crashing down as his wife Audrey was seriously ill with toxic shock syndrome. It was touch and go for several weeks, for him, light became dark, and missing The Masters meant nothing.
Since that difficult time, dark has become light again. For him, it put everything into perspective and having enjoyed a good Masters in 2014, I think he will contend again.
Having just arrived back from Austin, there is no time to waste in looking forward to visiting this golfing heaven again. Rich Beem and Butch Harmon will be joining the commentary team. I've missed Butch and both he and Rich, the 2002 PGA Champion, are outstanding broadcasters. Rich will play in the Par Three competition on the Wednesday as Augusta welcomes back all of the major champions with open arms. It's part of their rich tradition.
You will be counting the days to the moment when Sky beam the live pictures into your homes and golf clubs. Then we shall see the best players in the world tackle the severe questions this venue asks. The games finest exponents, sporting pressure at its optimum played on golf's most elegant setting.
And all for a jacket that is green in colour. What a canvas.
