OPINION: It's that time of year again…
Actually, it's November and we are preparing for the US Masters. Because of COVID19, the illustrious tournament at Augusta has had to be moved from its traditional April slot to the end of the year.
With no fans in attendance and a completely different season, the event will certainly look different, but when the players take that coveted drive down Magnolia Lane, the feeling will be no different.
Here are three to watch this week:
Xander Schauffele
The American has been knocking on the door of a Major title for the past two years - runner-up at the 2019 Masters and the 2018 Open Championship, third at the US Open last year and 10th at the latest Major, the PGA Championship.
He finished one shot behind Tiger Woods last year and is the complete golfer, with no weakness and a calm head. His first Major is a case of when, not if.
TAB: $15
Bryson DeChambeau
The reigning US Open champion is the obvious favourite heading into this tournament and rightly so.
His length is undeniable and he can get hot with the putter, but the question still remains how will his 'new' power game fit Augusta. He's yet to finish inside the top 20 at the Masters, he has a clear plan here and if he pulls it off, he will be very hard to get close to, but will he?
Not so sure.
TAB: $8.50
Dustin Johnson
'DJ' has been one of the hottest golfers on the planet this season, finishing no worse than sixth in his last six starts and reigning imperiously over the Tour Championship, before he was sidelined by COVID-19.
The world No.1 was tied second to Tiger Woods here last year and was the hot favourite leading into the tournament here in 2017, before freakishly falling down the stairs and having to withdraw.
A win this week would not surprise.
TAB: $10
Sleepers
Matthew Wolff
Golf's rising star of golf is contesting his third Major championship, fresh off a runner-up finish at the US Open, after leading through three rounds.
He hits it long and straight, and is fearless. Huge potential, but unseen at Augusta.
TAB: $34
Rickie Fowler
Best to stay away from Fowler when predicting a Major winner...
On the other hand, if he was ever going to win a Major, it will be at Augusta, where he was runner-up in 2018 and tied ninth last year.
He feels comfortable out there and if he can get the putter going, he will go close once again.
TAB: $61
Patrick Reed
The golfer everybody loves to hate won well earlier this year in Mexico and has been solid since.
He was champion just two years ago and won't struggle for motivation, so a strong performance here wouldn't surprise.
TAB: $29
Tiger Woods
The GOAT is defending his green jacket and the big question is how will he go?
While it would be great to see him defend it, based on what he's shown lately, that seems unlikely.
Since winning last year, he has missed the cuts in three of the last five Majors. He's the best iron player maybe ever and he will need all of that.
He is still Tiger Woods and thrives at Augusta - it's his playground - and he will show glimpses of brilliance, but don't expect a return to glory.
TAB: $34
Luke Robinson is a Newshub sports reporter.
