The Who, What, Where of The US Masters 2017

One of the most thrilling golf events in the sporting calendar, The US Masters is essential viewing for any golf fan.

What does The US Masters 2017 have in store? Who will flounder? And who will be given the iconic green jacket? Here are a few of our predictions for the intense competition in Augusta National.

1: McIlroy will be one to watch

Rory McIlroy, the pride of Ulster, will want this one badly. In the previous three Masters, he’s finished T8, fourth and T10 respectively. One of the finest young golfers of his generation, he always bounces back, even after his occasional slumps, and this is one of the few major titles that’s exceeded his grasp in recent years. The talent, (ahem) drive and the fact that he had a remarkable 2016 will mark him as one to watch in this tournament.

2: Dustin Johnston will continue his ascent

Dustin Johnson might not have appeared on as many magazine (or videogame!) covers as Tiger Woods or Rory McIlroy, but the young American is making serious waves on the circuits. He came 3rd in Pebble Beach this year and only one week later took top prize on the Genesis.

3: Hideki Matsuyama may win

Any discussion of golfers on top form would be incomplete without mentioning Hideki Matsuyama. The Japanese golfer was only playing the amateur circuit as recent as 2011 and he’s still only 25 years old. It’s not just that he’s won four major tournaments in a short space of time in 2016 (almost consecutively); it’s the margin with which he’s won. In those four wins, his margin of victory was a staggering 19 shots. Matsuyama was always a strong tee-to-green player, but now that he’s learned how to putt, he’s almost unstoppable.

4: It will be an unmissable event

The Masters, an invite-only competition on an iconic stretch of green, is always an intense, thrilling tournament. But this year should be especially gripping, as established stars, rising players and some old icons keen for a comeback will be vying for that big prize.

The Masters will take place from April 6th to the 9th. Highlights will be broadcast on BBC2 and the entire event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.