The
Masters Tournament is one of the most prestigious golf events in the world,
held annually at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, USA. The tournament
draws in the best golfers from around the world, all vying for the coveted
green jacket. As the 2021 Masters Tournament begins, there are several things
to watch for in this year’s event. Here, we will discuss what to
watch for as the Masters begins in Georgia.
The
Favorites:
One
of the most exciting things to watch for at the Masters is the battle between
the top golfers in the world. As the tournament begins, there are several
favorites to win the green jacket, including Dustin Johnson, Rory McIlroy, and
Justin Thomas.
Dustin
Johnson is the defending champion, having won the 2020 Masters with a
record-breaking score of 20 under par. Johnson is known for his power and
accuracy off the tee, and he will be looking to repeat his success this year.
Rory
McIlroy is another favorite to win the Masters, having previously won the
tournament in 2012. McIlroy is known for his aggressive style of play and his
ability to hit long drives. He has struggled with his form in recent years, but
he has shown signs of improvement in the lead-up to this year’s event.
Justin
Thomas is another top golfer to watch for at the Masters. Thomas has had a
strong season so far, with several top-five finishes, including a win at The
Players Championship. He has a solid all-around game and is considered one of
the best putters in the world.
The
Course:
Augusta
National Golf Club is known for its beautiful scenery, challenging holes, and
tricky greens. The course has undergone several changes in recent years,
including the addition of new tees and the removal of trees to open up the
course.
One
of the most challenging holes on the course is the 12th, known as “Golden
Bell.” This par-3 hole requires a precise shot over Rae’s Creek to a green
that is surrounded by bunkers.
Another
challenging hole is the 18th, a par-4 hole that requires a long drive and a
precise approach shot to a green that slopes from back to front.
The
course conditions will also be a factor to watch for at the Masters. The greens
at Augusta National are notoriously fast and difficult to read, which can make
putting a challenge for even the best golfers in the world.
The
Weather:
The
weather is always a factor to watch for at the Masters. While the tournament is
held in April, the weather in Georgia can be unpredictable, with sudden
rainstorms and gusty winds.
The
forecast for this year’s tournament looks favorable, with mostly sunny skies
and temperatures in the mid-70s for the first two days of the tournament.
However, the weather can change quickly, and a sudden storm or wind gust can
affect the outcome of the tournament.
The
Spectators:
This
year’s Masters Tournament will be played with a limited number of spectators
due to COVID-19 safety protocols. The Augusta National Golf Club has announced
that a limited number of patrons will be allowed on the course each day, with
strict safety measures in place.
While
the reduced number of spectators may change the atmosphere of the event, it is
important to note that the Masters will still be broadcasted live around the
world, allowing fans to watch from the comfort of their homes.
The
Storylines:
Every
Masters Tournament has its share of storylines, and this year’s event is no
exception. One of the most notable storylines is the return of Tiger Woods, who
will not be playing in the tournament due to the injuries sustained in a car
crash earlier this year.
Another
storyline to watch for is the performance of the younger golfers on the PGA
Tour. Players like Collin Morikawa, Matthew Wolff, and Viktor Hovland have all
had strong showings in recent tournaments and could make a run for the green
jacket.
Another
storyline to watch for is the performance of the international players in the
field. The Masters has a history of international winners, including Adam
Scott, Sergio Garcia, and Danny Willett. This year, players like Hideki
Matsuyama, Jon Rahm, and Lee Westwood will be representing their countries and
looking to add their names to the list of Masters champions.
As
the Masters begins in Georgia, there are several things to watch for. The
battle between the top golfers in the world, the challenges of Augusta National
Golf Club, the unpredictable weather, and the limited number of spectators will
all play a role in determining the outcome of the tournament. With exciting
storylines and a field of talented golfers, the 2021 Masters promises to be an
exciting event for golf fans around the world.