With coronavirus restrictions looking to come to an end, and normality back on the horizon, the sports world can prepare itself for an exciting spring packed with plenty of big events. The football season is reaching its business end and tennis fans are preparing for the next Grand Slam, while those that enjoy golf can gear up for the Masters — the first major of the year.
On the surface, golf can appear overwhelming for some with the number of tournaments throughout the year, and the latest golf betting odds can be hard to keep track of. However, this year’s competition is set to be the most competitive in years and with a full set of spectators expected to be in attendance, now is as good a time as any to get to grips with the US Masters. Read on to find out more.
When is it?
The tournament usually runs on the first weekend of April, with this year’s taking place between April 7th-10th. Due to covid restrictions, the 2020 edition of the tournament was rescheduled for November, with Dustin Johnson winning in record-breaking fashion, but only getting seven months as current holder.
Where is the Masters played?
The competition takes place at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. The course has held the Masters for over 80 years and attracts the best golfers from all around the world, meaning lots of foreign players have won the competition.
What does the winner get?
On top of the prize money — roughly around $11,500,000 — the winner receives an illustrious green jacket, one of the most sought after awards due to their exclusivity. Since 1945 the winner of the Masters would receive their jacket as well as a replica trophy of the clubhouse, special invitational access to the Masters every year and get to choose the menu for the champion dinner! Theoretically, 82-year-old Jack Nicklaus could tee-up in Augusta this year if he wanted, having won the Masters a record six times during his prime between the 1960s and 1980s.
Who is the current champion?
Last year saw Hideki Matsuyama become the first Asian golfer to win the Masters with a memorable one-stroke victory that dispatched of Will Zalatoris and Jordan Spieth. The Japanese international was something of an outsider, especially with how comfortably Johnson won the tournament a few months before, but pulled off a remarkable underdog story that now leaves him on the periphery of the top ten in the world rankings, and has paved the way for more Asian participation in golf.
“I am really happy. My nerves really didn’t start on the back nine, it was right from the start and right until the very last putt,” said Matsuyama after his victory.
“Hopefully I will be a pioneer and many other Japanese players will follow and I am glad to open the floodgates.”
Who will win it this year?
The Masters this year is looking increasingly tough to call. With rumours that Tiger Woods could still be playing, the rise of current world number one Scottie Scheffler and the constant threat of Players champion Cameron Smith, there are plenty of narratives to try and digest. US Open winner Jon Rahm is currently the favourite at 10/1, but the Spaniard will definitely have his work cut out for him in a star-studded list of golfers. Rest assured, the Masters this year will provide some entertainment.