The Masters kicks off golf’s major calendar this week, with the world’s best players descending on Augusta National.
Here the PA news agency provides an armchair fan’s guide of what to look out for in Georgia.
Why is the Masters a big deal?
When is the Masters?
First round featured groups:
10:30 a.m. Jon Rahm, Matt Fitzpatrick, Nick Dunlap
10:54 a.m. Wyndham Clark, Viktor Hovland, Cameron Smith
1:24 p.m. Tiger Woods, Jason Day, Max Homa
2:00 p.m. Dustin Johnson, Collin Morikawa, Tommy Fleetwood #themasters
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 9, 2024
The action starts on Thursday when, weather permitting, Erik van Rooyen will hit the opening tee shot at 0800 local time (1300BST). The final group of Dustin Johnson, Collin Morikawa and Tommy Fleetwood will get under way six hours later. Rory McIlroy will have pre-tournament favourite Scottie Scheffler for company when he begins his 10th bid to complete the career grand slam. McIlroy, who finished second behind Scheffler in the 2022 Masters, will play alongside the world number one and Xander Schauffele for the first two days, teeing off at 1042 local time (1542BST) on Thursday.
Are LIV players involved?
Jargon Busting
The 2024 Champions Dinner portrait. #themasters pic.twitter.com/wT5sUChP10
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 10, 2024
The Masters has several unique features worth looking out for. Previous winners gather for a Champions Dinner on the Tuesday of Masters week, with the menu chosen by the defending champion – this year tapas and Basque ribeye steak were among the dishes served by Rahm. The winner receives a green jacket, which is presented in the Butler Cabin away from the patrons – which is the term used for spectators at Augusta. Players will be keen to keep their ball out of Rae’s Creek, which winds through the course at Amen Corner – the nickname given to the 11th, 12th and 13th holes and a crucial stretch where Masters dreams can be made or unravel at an alarming rate.
Players to look out for
