Wednesday 8 April 2015 14:03, UK
Ewen Murray looks forward to the Masters with huge anticipation of another Augusta classic, and high hopes for Rory, Justin and the young American brigade.
It's a beautiful spring morning as I write these words high above the Bristol Channel heading west to Atlanta in Georgia. The first major of our golfing season is all but upon us and The Masters I'm sure will produce another magnificent tournament.
Never before has this event been so wide open and with many of the best players in the world heading to Augusta in excellent form, it's harder than ever to select a winner.
America's young wave of talent have much expectation on their shoulders, yet several of them will contend over the four days and no doubt a few will be in the mix come Sunday evening.
Our own Rory McIlroy, stands on the precipice of greatness and a first Green Jacket would make him only the sixth player in the history of our game to complete the Grand Slam.
Tiger Woods, No 1 in our sport for so many years, starts this week at 111th in the world rankings and begins yet another comeback. With four victories over this magical golf course, a fifth would be one of the stories of the century. It's just another sub plot in which I believe will be a Masters to remember.
Rose can bloom
One of our major winners, Justin Rose, has led the Masters before after rounds one, two and three, but not yet four. He has been quiet of late, but having witnessed his memorable win at Merion in the US Open, he has the credentials and class to succeed here. Coming into the week with less expectation than others may be to his advantage.
Henrik Stenson is in good form and the only thing missing in his CV is a major. Nearing 40, he has experience and now patience. A victory here would surprise few.
This is the only major title America holds right now and the home fans will be confident they can hang onto it. Hardly surprising when you look at the wealth of young talent they have.
Bubba Watson, winner in two of the last three Masters has the game and the knowledge of this course to continue his impressive form. In Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed they have born winners. Jimmy Walker has won five times in the last 18 months.
Dustin Johnson has recovered well from his hiatus, and J B Holmes, fresh off his victory in Houston, has four top 10s in his last six events, two of these as runner-up. Rickie Fowler's four top fives in the last four majors suggests he will only improve.
Aussie challenge
Australia has 2013 winner Adam Scott and another mid-twenty starlet Jason Day to fly their flag and from the land of the Rising Sun, Hideki Matsuyama can give Japan something to cheer about.
There are of course many others from many countries that have what's needed to succeed amid the tall Georgia pines. I believe this is the most anticipated Masters for many years.
With Tiger's return, my wish would be that we see his shots when he is contending, but not if he isn't. So often in recent years, the main event has been his comeback, whether good or bad. The American networks I feel at times show too much of him, just because he's there, when others are more worthy of airtime.
The television play-by-play feed is all done by the host broadcaster, in this week's case, CBS. Sky's interviews, in vision, commentary and features are their own. One thing that will please many of you is that this week, there are four commercial breaks an hour, all of them lasting just 60 seconds.
As a youngster, I was always watching the clock on the opening day counting the seconds until the pictures were beamed live from this golfing Garden of Eden. I suspect in this modern day, many of you do exactly the same.
A team to be proud of
When that time comes, my colleague and friend of nearly three decades, David Livingstone, will introduce the 2015 Masters. Alongside him will be a wealth of talent. Butch Harmon and successful European Ryder Cup captains, Colin Montgomerie and Paul McGinley.
Sky's Masters would not be complete without the game's greatest ever player and six-time Masters Champion, the evergreen Jack Nicklaus. As an appetiser, we will have the par three competition on Wednesday evening before Jack, Gary and Arnold open up the tournament on Thursday, although sadly, Palmer will be unable to hit off the tee after dislocating his shoulder.
So there we have it. Not long to go now. You will have your own favourites and will be willing them on from Thursday through Sunday. Enjoy all of the drama over the five days.
The actors are superb, but then again, so is the theatre.
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