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When is it on? The first men’s Major of the year, the 2022 US Masters, will begin at Augusta National, Georgia on Thursday morning (Thursday afternoon Irish time). Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and, for the first time, Tom Watson will kick off the tournament as per tradition as honorary starters. The tournament will run until Sunday afternoon (Sunday night in Ireland).
How can I follow it all? The Masters is being broadcast exclusively on Sky Sports and Now all week. Feature group coverage will begin at 2pm on Thursday, with full coverage from 7.30pm. Round-by-round highlights will be available on BBC Two from midnight. And you can follow every day’s action via The Irish Times Sport live blog.
What are the Irish prospects? Ireland has a considerable presence in the Masters this year, with four players - Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, Pádraig Harrington and Séamus Power. McIlroy is looking to complete the career Grand Slam and end a Major drought that stretches back to 2014. Harrington is playing in his 16th Masters, while Lowry will be looking to improve his best Masters finish of tied 21st last year. It is Power’s first Major and the Waterford man will be looking to continue his excellent form on the PGA Tour this season.
And what of Tiger Woods? The sporting world is eagerly anticipating the decision of Tiger Woods to tee it up at Augusta, with the five-time champion not having played in a top-level event since being involved in a serious car crash in February of last year. Woods says it will be a “game-time” decision on whether he plays on Thursday. However, he has practised on the course for the past two days. Former coach Butch Harmon says it will come down if he feels he is fit to walk the significant hills of Augusta for four days.
Who are the favourites? The current Masters favourite in the bookies is Spaniard Jon Rahm, who was world number one until last week and the winner of last year’s US Open. Next in the betting is American Justin Thomas, followed by 2020 champion Dustin Johnson, Players’ champion Cameron Smith and new number one Scottie Scheffler. With no player currently better than 11/1 in the betting, it is one of the most open Masters in years.
Who else should you watch out for? Norwegian Viktor Hovland has won three times since November and may represent Europe’s best chance aside from Rahm. The 2015 winner Jordan Spieth has finished in the top three of the Masters five times already at age 28, so is always a threat, while two-time major winner Collin Morikawa is one to watch with his peerless ball-striking. Last year’s winner Hideki Matsuyama will look to become only the fourth player to defend the Masters title.
What are the tee-times? The tee-times will be revealed later on Tuesday.
Have there been any course changes to Augusta this year? The length of the par-four 11th hole has been increased by 15 yards, meaning it now plays 10 yards longer than the par-five 13th, while 20 yards have been added to the par-five 15th. A number of green complexes have been altered, most notably the 13th green.
Any notable figures missing? Three-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson continues his absence from professional golf following the fallout from his Saudi Golf League manoeuvre. Regular contenders Rickie Fowler and Jason Day failed to qualify for the event, as did veterans Henrik Stenson, Ian Poulter and Matt Kuchar.
What is the Masters winner’s prize? The 2022 Masters champion will receive $2.07 million (€1.89 million), but perhaps more significantly, the winner receives the priceless green jacket, along with a lifetime invitation to play in the Masters, a replica of the Masters champion’s trophy that permanently resides at Augusta National, and a gold medal.
What is the weather forecast? Significant rain is expected at Augusta National on Tuesday and Wednesday which should soften the course, as thunderstorms could linger into Thursday. The rest of the weekend is looking dry, as wind is expected pick up on Friday, with gusts of up to 40km/h.