The Masters 2012

Finally it has arrived...A golf and sporting event like no other...The greatest show on earth...The Masters!
I just love The Masters.Nothing about it has changed since I was a young lad watching it with my parents.Everything about it is so iconic,from the drive down Magnolia Lane towards the whitewashed clubhouse,to the course where each hole is named after the tree or shrub with which it has become associated,features on the course such as Eisenhower tree,Ike's Pond,Hogan Bridge,Rae's Creek,caddie's in white jumpsuits,Azalea's in full bloom and of course Amen Corner,a stretch of holes(11,12,13)that can make or break your chances of donning the green jacket(Just ask Rory).
The course itself is a par72 and 7435 yards long.You used to be able to spray a drive here and there but they have tightend up a few holes by moving tees or letting some tree's grow.A very undulating course and you don't need to be a long hitter to win here.A premium is on a good short game though as good approach shots can often end up off the green.You need to have alot of imagination to get your chips close as the greens are so fast with plenty of borrow and swales.
Before we take a look at who could win I want to point out where my bets will be placed this week!Paddy Powers offer of paying out on six places and money back if Tiger wins is unbeatable.Great to see a bookmaker be so punter friendly,well done Paddy!!
And so who's gonna win??

THE STARS OF THE SHOW
Tiger Woods 9/2 and Rory McIlroy 11/2
Well all the talk is about these two and we are in for a golfing feast if these two are locking horns come the back nine on Sunday.I won't be backing either as there price is to short for me and there are 95 other guys out there with chances too!But I do think Tiger will come out best and has the edge over McIlroy,Tiger having won this tournament 4 times before.And now the swag is back!!Head bobs,fist pumps,the look on his face that screams ''this game is so f*****g easy!''He could chew wee Rory up and spit him all over the slick Augusta greens,what would Ewan Murry from Sky Sports say about that?Sorry I'm getting a little pumped here...as I said before 9/2 is too skinny for me,so who else is out there?

SUPPORTING CAST
Luke Donald 16/1
Has everyone forgot about the world no1??The first time he played at Augusta in 2005 he came 3rd,was one shot back in 2007 until a triple bogey at the 9th finished that challenge and last year was right in the thick of things until he deposited his tee shot at the short 12th straight into Rae's Creek.He showed his steely nerve to win a four way playoff at The Transitions two weeks ago and reclaim the No1 spot.Word from Augusta is that the soft fairways will favour the long hitters and with more rain forcast this could be the only thing to stop Donald but I think his golden touch on and around the greens can compensate.

Justin Rose 33/1
The form horse coming into this week has to be Justin.A 5th at The Honda,a win at WGC Doral and 15th at Bay Hill recently has shot Rose up to 8th in the world rankings.His game looks really solid at the moment and stands 7th in all around ranking.Out of 4 apperences at Augusta he has finished 11th,20th,36th and 5th.He must be confident about his chances and I am too!

Nick Watney 50/1
Last year Nick was the hot horse coming into this tournament(18/1)Out of six start he had 5 top 10 finishes and one win at WGC Doral(near mirror image to Justin Rose this year).But unlike the cocky Rose,Watney seems to be a quite shy guy who does'ent like the camra in his face or reporters chasing him down to ask him if this year is to be his year!All the talk about him this time twelve months ago might have unsettled him and he finished a dissapponting 46th.This year however he's flying undetected under the radar.He has'ent kicked into top gear yet this season,but has been putting some good rounds together recently.11th in 08,19th in 09 and 7th in 2010 shows Nick's liking for the course.He's definatly got the game and talent to be in the mix come Sunday.

THE EXTRA'S
Brandt Snedeker 80/1
MY MAN!!!Love this guy,and I'll love him even more if he's trying the green jacket on come Sunday evening.Gave me a great thrill back in 08 when I had him backed at 250/1.He led at one stage on Sunday only to blow up under extreme pressure and finish a very respectable 3rd.He's a different animal these days and a class act.I really can't believe his price of 80/1.After hip surgery back in November he's come out all guns blazing so far this year.4 top 20s and a win at Torrey Pines already for Sneds shows he's in the form of his life.A couple of flat efforts on the florida swing has me a little worried but had been playing alot of tournaments recently.Took last weekend off and has hopefully recharged those battery's.People talk about peaking at the right time for The Masters and I hope Brandt has'ent peaked too soon but I'm sticking with him.Have been placing some coins on him since November so he stands to win me a small fortune.Also I stand to win a meal for two in a top class local eatery so come on Sneds,no pressure,bring home that bacon!

Bo Van Pelt 90/1
Some great stats this year for BVP...1st-strokes gained putting...1st-birdie average...12th scoring average...6th total driving...4th all around ranking.Out of 7 events played so far this year he has 4 top 10's.8th here at Augusta last year,having thrown all that info at ya you'd think I'm writing about a 10/1 shot!!90/1 give me lots of that,thanks Paddy!!

Charles Howell 150/1
Birthplace--Augusta Georgia
This guy has probably played Augusta more times than Tigers had waffle house waitresses and thats alot!!Once talked about as being a future world No1 but it just has'ent seemed to happen for Chucky yet.But I feel he's begining to show signs of why people held in such lofty thoughts.5 top 25s already this year and this week playing at your local,the price of 150/1 has me dreaming of how much money I'm going to win...Anyone know how hot it is in Barbados next week??

Whatever happens this week I know it's going to be epic,so many of the top players are playing unbelivable golf and a case can be made for many of them to win the first major of the year.All we have to do is sit back and watch!
My homebrewed beer is ready
My fridge is full of food
My shifts at work are swapped
My phone will be turned off
And my curtains will be pulled
See you all Monday morning
Georgia....Ohhhh Georgia
                                   BEST OF LUCK