So, The Masters is finally here.

Does it get any better?

I’ve never been to Augusta National and it’s something I hope to do at some point.

I covered horse racing as a journalist for 10 years and regularly attended the Kentucky Derby. I can honestly say that it never got dull.

Seeing Churchill Downs and the Twin Spires gave me a true understanding of a true sports landmark.

I’m sure it’s the same with Augusta National. I can only imagine what the course looks like. I’m told the wonderful scenes you see on TV do not really do it justice, and that in person, the undulations of the lush greens, the azaleas in full bloom, Amen Corner and the various bridges named after immortals of the game are collective works of art.

I’ve also heard journalists talk about the egg salad sandwiches as if they are delicacies. I’ve eaten egg salad sandwiches many times and never thought of them as anything special. But I guess ordinary food can mean much more when you’re eating at some place special.

So having waxed poetic about golf’s Vatican, it’s time to dive deep into this year’s tournament, although I want to go back to last year’s for a brief moment. The reminder of Rory McIlroy (TaylorMade TP5) falling to his knees and convulsing in sheer jubilation when he finally won his career Grand Slam was one of those moments that will be indelibly marked in time.

I don’t see any story line of that magnitude heading into this year’s tournament. But if Gary Woodland (Titleist Pro V1) was to somehow win it, that would be even more amazing. People who follow professional golf will say Woodland’s victory at the Texas Children’s Houston was something that transcended sports; it was more about life. Having not won a tournament since the U.S. Open in 2019 would have been an accomplishment in and of itself. But it became so much more because Woodland had gone through brain surgery and then had to deal with post-traumatic stress disorder. Add it all up, it was epic. I honestly believe there are enough touchpoints to create a movie. Can you imagine how Woodland’s life story would become even more incredible if he won the Masters? I’m sure Woodland’s recent victory will be played up by The Golf Channel and CBS because the audience will be far bigger than people who watch the week-to-week tournaments. That’s the magnitude of the Masters.

I have a hard time picking Woodland to win beyond just sentimentality and emotion. If it was just that, I would pick him in a heartbeat. His form is good enough to win, and performances in the last two PGA events have factored in significantly in the winners of the Masters in the last 10 or so years.

Of course, Scottie Scheffler (Titleist Pro V1) will be the favorite to win based on the fact he’s a multiple winner of the tournament. But his form in recent weeks has been less than stellar. So, in a sense, it makes it more interesting if you don’t have a clearcut favorite. I’m sure the fact Scheffler just became a father for a second time will be a story that some people will say may give him added incentive this year, but ultimately it will all come down to playing consistently for four days and executing all his shots. And what about the fact he has not played in a tournament in a month? He is taking a different route than in past years, but if he finds his old form no one will be able to keep up to him.

And what of McIlroy? How can he possibly have the same motivation after having successfully climbed the Mount Everest of golf? Well, winning in two years in a row would under line his greatness and put him in rare company. He tailed off after winning the Masters last year, and understandably so. You can’t maintain that level without some falloff. But I’m sure his competitive juices will make him want to win again. And there won’t be the pressure compared to when he was trying so hard to finally win it.

I’m sure LIV Golf’s Jon Rahm (Callaway Chrome Tour X), who won the Masters, and Bryson DeChambeau (Titleist Pro V1x), who is searching for his first win, will be getting serious looks from bettors.

In the PG Golf pool, I would lean heavily on Xander Schauffele, but I’ve used him the maximum two times so far. If he wins, I’ll be cursing. The same with Cameron Young (Titleist Pro V1x). I’ve used him twice and won with him in The Players Championship. Honestly, I think his time is now. And I’m sticking with my theory that players who participated in last year’s Ryder Cup will win often this year.

If he isn’t physically exhausted from his runner-up finish in the Valero Texas Open and essentially having to play almost two full rounds on Sunday in the rain, Robert McIntryre (Titleist Pro V1) is certainly worth a look. So, too, is Matt Fitzpatrick (Titleist Pro V1x), who has looked good in his last two tournaments.

Now that I look at the tournament, I think it’s wide open as to who will win.

Enjoy The Masters.