Ewen Murray explains why this year's edition of the Masters may be even better than the last...
Days of 'dull' Masters are long gone, says Ewen...
From start to finish, The Masters is one of the greatest tournaments on earth.
skysports.com will bring you all the drama as it unfolds and, of course, you can watch all four days live on Sky Sports in the company of our revered commentary team.
From range to clubhouse, tee to green, it's an experience not to be missed - particularly in 3D, says Sky Sports commentator Ewen Murray...
skysports.com: Last year you covered the Masters 'like never before'. How tough will it be to improve on that this year?
Ewen: Sky's first Masters was a huge success for so many reasons. Contrary to what some may think, the powers that be at Augusta are always keen to see their tournament at the forefront of modern technology and having the Masters on Sky in 3D for the first time was a big step forward. Around 53,000 viewers were able to see last year's Masters that way; that figure is considerably more this time round.
It's always been Sky's policy never to stand still and rest on our laurels - and the addition of Jack Nicklaus to our team this year is a huge boost to our coverage. Colin Montgomerie will be alongside Bruce Critchley, Butch Harmon and myself calling the shots as they happen from the sumptuous fairways.
skysports.com: We saw excellence and disaster on the course at last year's Masters. Which moments stand out in your memory?
Ewen: After a spell of, dare I say, dull Masters, the tournament Chairman, the excellent Billy Payne, gave us the Masters back. The course was set up the way it was designed and that brought back birdies and eagles, whoops and hollers to the back nine.
On Sunday last year, we had the final round charge of Tiger Woods with one of our own out in front. Australian, Adam Scott was there as was his countryman Jason Day. Bo Van Pelt was the surprise package until Charl Schwartzel became the first man to close out the tournament with four birdies. The last-round demise of Rory McIlroy was sad to watch, but one must remember his tender years and it was the first time he had experienced the white-hot atmosphere of Augusta. This year will be different. Like him I'm sure, that poor day hurt me as a viewer and I was annoyed at those who knew better should say the things they did. It's easy to criticise. But as bad as that day was, I was thrilled to put the words over his Congressional masterpiece. Last year's Masters was superb, but with so many of the world's top players playing well currently, this year's edition may be even better.
skysports.com: There have been many changes to the course over the years. Would you recommend any more?
Ewen: Down the years, especially in the last decade, there have been many changes to Augusta. They had no choice to lengthen the course as modern equipment changed so quickly. A mistake, which incidentally was rectified almost immediately, was to grow rough. That stopped the balls running into the trees and took away much of the uniqueness Augusta enjoyed. With the greens once again receptive, Augusta is just fine the way it is today.
skysports.com: Who has impressed you in the 2012 season so far - and could they go well at the Masters?
Ewen: So many players have impressed so many over the past season. From the consistency of Luke Donald, the majesty of the way McIlroy plays the game, to the resurgence of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson in the early part of the season. Kyle Stanley and Keegan Bradley are the pick of the modern crop stateside and now that Y.E. Yang has given a major to Asia, the floodgates will surely open in that part of the world in the ensuing years.
One young Korean has particularly caught my eye during the past six months. For Bae Sang-moon, this year's Masters may well come a little too early, but he has immense talent and like all of his country's people he possesses a calm nature and steely nerve. With so many of the top players enjoying good form, I think the winner will come from one of the household names.
skysports.com: So who is your favourite?
Ewen: Top of that list is Tiger Woods. In one of my columns at the end of last year, I said he would win the Masters and I'm staying with that. For the best part of three years he has had serious injuries along with all of the other self-inflicted problems. I thought if he could have a spell injury-free and with that a decent run of tournaments, he would find his way back. He duly did in Orlando. Whoever beats him over the four magical days in the Georgia pines will have an addition to their wardrobe.
For full channel details and times for Sky's coverage of The Masters, simply click here.
Don't forget that in addition to following the Masters on skysports.com, TV Sky Sports subscribers can watch it live on their phones, pc's and tablet devices via Sky Go.
The Sky Sports app for iPad features a bespoke Masters companion experience, including news stories from the tournament, leaderboards and live video feeds from Augusta via Sky Go.
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