Get ready for the US Masters
Golf fanatics everywhere are counting down the days to the first major tournament of 2011 - the US Masters.
The tournament was the brainchild of Bobby Jones who, along with course designer Alister MacKenzie (who sadly died before the first Masters was played) and Clifford Roberts, who later became Chairman of the club, realised his dream in the spring of 1934, when the very first "Augusta National Invitation" Tournament took place.
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Since 1940, the final round has always fallen on the second Sunday in April after which the winner receives the coveted Green Jacket from his champion predecessor.
This year the Masters tees off on April 4 and it is three-time winner Phil Mickelson who is defending his title.
Last year's nail-biting finale saw Mickelson claim his third Masters at the expense of Brit Lee Westwood, who is still reaching for that elusive first major victory.
Indeed, one must go back 11 years to find the last European winner, Spain's Jose Maria Olazabal who claimed his second title in 1999.
That said, Europe look to have a strong hand for the 2011 competition, currently holding the top four world places.
Martin Kaymer of Germany is currently in the number one spot, followed by Englishmen Lee Westwood and Luke Donald with Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell in fourth.
But while Westwood will no doubt display steely determination in his bid to break the majors hoodoo, McDowell could be the one to walk away with the Green Jacket - last June he became the first European to win the US Open since Tony Jacklin back in 1970.
Perhaps this year will see the European golfers break through and reign supreme at Augusta.
Who's your money on for the 2011 US Masters? Your answers below please...
