Rory McIlroy is in fearsome form as he arrives at Augusta National chasing a rare career Grand Slam, but a renewed Tiger Woods could have something to say about the Northern Ireland star's bid for a breakthrough Masters win.

"I don't think I've ever started a season this well in terms of finishes, and even stats&nbsp;wise, looking at all my stats, they are right up there with some of the best years that I've had," said McIlroy, whose seven top-10 finishes in seven starts this year include a victory at the US PGA Tour's prestigious Players Championship in March.

He owns top-10 Masters finishes the past four years, including a tie for fifth behind American Patrick Reed last year, and with more than a decade of experience on a course where local know-how is key, says there's no reason he can't become the sixth man to win all four of golf's major professional titles.

"I've shot enough good scores around here over the years that if I can put my best effort forward, I'm going to have a good chance to do well here," McIlroy said.

Plenty of his peers agree.

"Rory is playing unbelievable golf," said Spain's Jon Rahm. "I mean, he's playing the best golf he has played in a long time ... Really good golf and it seems like his putting has been lot better. If Rory is hitting the ball the way he is, and he putts good, he's tough to beat."

Hard to handicap

Soaking rain on Monday and Tuesday could heighten long-hitting McIlroy's chances, making the course play longer. The diminished practice time could also play in favor of experienced Masters campaigners.

Rahm noted the difficulty of handicapping the first major championship of the year.

Each of the last four winners -- and seven of the last eight -- have been first-time major winners, a trend Rahm certainly hopes to continue.

But with experience at a premium, multiple winners including Woods, Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson must always be judged a threat.

World number one Justin Rose and second-ranked Dustin Johnson will be aiming to bulk up resumes highlighted by one US Open win apiece and fourth-ranked Brooks Koepka, the reigning US Open and PGA Champion, has a chance to become the third golfer of the modern era to capture three of four consecutive majors.

"There's so many different ways to do it and there's so many different things that you can do right," Rahm said. "It's one of those weeks where anybody can win at any given point."

And this year, that emphatically includes Woods, who carries not just the hope he had last year -- in his first Masters since spinal fusion surgery -- but real belief that he can claim a fifth green jacket.

"I just feel like I've improved a lot over the past 12, 14 months," said Woods, whose injury return was in its embryonic stages when he teed it up last year.&nbsp;

From a tie for 32nd, he would go on to contend in two majors and win the US PGA Tour championship and says he's "proven to myself that I can play at this level again".

Woods, 43, admits he would never have foreseen the major drought that has followed his 14th major victory at the 2008 US Open.

"After I won my 14th, I felt like I still had plenty more major championships that I could win, but unfortunately I just didn't do it," he said. "I put myself there with chances on the back nine on various Sundays and just haven't done it.

"Hopefully this year, I put myself there again and, hopefully, I'll get it done."

Rory McIlroy is in fearsome form as he arrives at Augusta National chasing a rare career Grand Slam, but a renewed Tiger Woods could have something to say about the Northern Ireland star's bid for a breakthrough Masters win.

Rory McIlroy is in fearsome form as he arrives at Augusta National chasing a rare career Grand Slam, but a renewed Tiger Woods could have something to say about the Northern Ireland star's bid for a breakthrough Masters win. "I don't think I've ever started a season this well in terms of finishes, and even stats wise, looking at all my stats, they are right up there with some of the best years that I've had," said McIlroy, whose seven top-10 finishes in seven starts this year include a victory at the US PGA Tour's prestigious Players Championship in March. He owns top-10 Masters finishes the past four years, including a tie for fifth behind American Patrick Reed last year, and with more than a decade of experience on a course where local know-how is key, says there's no reason he can't become the sixth man to win all four of golf's major professional titles. "I've shot enough good scores around here over the years that if I can put my best effort forward, I'm going to have a good chance to do well here," McIlroy said. Plenty of his peers agree. "Rory is playing unbelievable golf," said Spain's Jon Rahm. "I mean, he's playing the best golf he has played in a long time ... Really good golf and it seems like his putting has been lot better. If Rory is hitting the ball the way he is, and he putts good, he's tough to beat." Hard to handicap Soaking rain on Monday and Tuesday could heighten long-hitting McIlroy's chances, making the course play longer. The diminished practice time could also play in favor of experienced Masters campaigners. Rahm noted the difficulty of handicapping the first major championship of the year. Each of the last four winners -- and seven of the last eight -- have been first-time major winners, a trend Rahm certainly hopes to continue. But with experience at a premium, multiple winners including Woods, Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson must always be judged a threat. World number one Justin Rose and second-ranked Dustin Johnson will be aiming to bulk up resumes highlighted by one US Open win apiece and fourth-ranked Brooks Koepka, the reigning US Open and PGA Champion, has a chance to become the third golfer of the modern era to capture three of four consecutive majors. "There's so many different ways to do it and there's so many different things that you can do right," Rahm said. "It's one of those weeks where anybody can win at any given point." And this year, that emphatically includes Woods, who carries not just the hope he had last year -- in his first Masters since spinal fusion surgery -- but real belief that he can claim a fifth green jacket. "I just feel like I've improved a lot over the past 12, 14 months," said Woods, whose injury return was in its embryonic stages when he teed it up last year. From a tie for 32nd, he would go on to contend in two majors and win the US PGA Tour championship and says he's "proven to myself that I can play at this level again". Woods, 43, admits he would never have foreseen the major drought that has followed his 14th major victory at the 2008 US Open. "After I won my 14th, I felt like I still had plenty more major championships that I could win, but unfortunately I just didn't do it," he said. "I put myself there with chances on the back nine on various Sundays and just haven't done it. "Hopefully this year, I put myself there again and, hopefully, I'll get it done."

Rory McIlroy powers into Masters with Tiger Woods among many poised to pounce

Spain&#39;s Sergio Garcia ended nearly two decades of major disappointment when he beat England&#39;s Justin Rose in a playoff to win the US&nbsp;Masters on Sunday, donning the Green Jacket on the 60th birthday of his hero, the late Seve Ballesteros.

After 73 majors, four heartbreaking runner-up finishes and years of self doubt, Garcia finally delivered the long awaited title when his 10-foot birdie putt at the first extra hole dropped into the cup at the par-four 18th, triggering a massive cheer from a gallery that had been on the edge of their seats.

Deadlocked after nine holes, the two friends and rivals produced an enthralling back nine showdown worthy of any Masters champion.

Garcia and Rose finished tied on nine under par at the end of regulation and sent the year&#39;s first major to a playoff when both missed birdie putts and settled for pars at the 72nd hole.

It marked the first Masters playoff since Adam Scott beat Angel Cabrera to become the first Australian to wear the Green Jacket in 2013 at Augusta National.&nbsp;

(Reuters) 
 
&nbsp;

Sergio Garcia claims dramatic first major win at Masters after up and down duel with Justin Rose

Spain's Sergio Garcia ended nearly two decades of major disappointment when he beat England's Justin Rose in a playoff to win the US Masters on Sunday, donning the Green Jacket on the 60th birthday of his hero, the late Seve Ballesteros. After 73 majors, four heartbreaking runner-up finishes and years of self doubt, Garcia finally delivered the long awaited title when his 10-foot birdie putt at the first extra hole dropped into the cup at the par-four 18th, triggering a massive cheer from a gallery that had been on the edge of their seats. Deadlocked after nine holes, the two friends and rivals produced an enthralling back nine showdown worthy of any Masters champion. Garcia and Rose finished tied on nine under par at the end of regulation and sent the year's first major to a playoff when both missed birdie putts and settled for pars at the 72nd hole. It marked the first Masters playoff since Adam Scott beat Angel Cabrera to become the first Australian to wear the Green Jacket in 2013 at Augusta National. (Reuters)

Garcia outduels Rose to claim dramatic Masters win

Unheralded Charley Hoffman snatched the first-round lead at the Masters on Thursday as high winds punished the world&#39;s top golfers and favorite Dustin Johnson withdrew injured.

Hoffman, 40, posted a seven-under par 65 in conditions described by one former Masters winner as &#39;borderline&#39; unplayable. He took a four-stroke lead on a day of high drama that saw world number one Johnson pull out following a freak accident. &nbsp;

Johnson had a serious fall on the eve of the tournament and despite showing up at the course and practicing his swing ahead of his scheduled tee time, decided the pain from a lower back injury would prevent him from competing at his best.

&quot;I&#39;m very sad I have to do it but it&#39;s just a freak accident. I wanted to try and play but I&#39;m not going to be able to compete,&quot; he said.

&quot;It just sucks.&quot;

Hoffman, with one top-10 finish this year, put together a run of four birdies over the back nine to open an impressive lead over fellow American William McGirt.

England&#39;s Lee Westwood, 43, still looking for a major title after 75 starts, was in third place a shot further back on 70 on a day when top contenders suffered in difficult conditions on the 7,435-yard Augusta National course.

Reigning US Open champion Johnson had been the oddsmakers&#39; favorite in the year&#39;s first major golf championship after winning his three prior starts but hurt himself in a fall down stairs Wednesday at a rental house.

Without the world number one, Northern Ireland&#39;s second-ranked Rory McIlroy and Australian world number three Jason Day were tipped to be key contenders for the title.

However, neither had it their own way in the opening round, played in sodden blustery conditions.

Nor did another top contender, former Masters champion Jordon Spieth, who suffered a repeat of last year&#39;s quadruple-bogey disaster.

Beyond tough&nbsp;

The 2013 Masters champion, Adam Scott of Australia, said the conditions were beyond tough.

&quot;It&#39;s very difficult conditions and borderline (unplayable),&quot; he said after returning a three-over 75.

Steady but swirling winds above 20 mph (32 kph) with gusts twice that speed&nbsp;sending tee shots and approaches soaring off target and&nbsp;even kept balls rolling on greens.

Four-time major champion McIlroy appeared to be struggling in the wind and was three-over after the front nine.&nbsp;

He opened with a bogey on the first hole and dropped shots on the third and fifth to make the turn in 39. But on the way back he sank three birdies to salvage a 72 and a share of 12th place.&nbsp;

He was one shot behind England&#39;s 2013 US Open champion Justin Rose, who was in an eight-way share of fourth on 71.

Day also suffered in the conditions, returning a two-over 74 with a double-bogey on the 11th hole to share 26th place.

For 2015 Masters champion Spieth, the day turned sour on the back nine in a near repeat of the quadruple-bogey nightmare that cost him back-to-back titles last year.

The American, twice a Masters runner-up, had been five shots ahead on the final day last year before he imploded after taking seven shots on the par-3 12th.

This time out, he negotiated the 12th hole in regulation but took a nine on the par-5 15th, ballooning his score before sinking a birdie at 16 to limit the damage to finish on 3-over 75.

Spieth said the bogey blowout put him under pressure for the following three days.

&quot;I feel like I need to snag something tomorrow,&quot; he said.

One man who thrived in the conditions was former Masters champion Phil Mickelson, who fired a 71.&nbsp;

The 46-year-old US left-hander will replace Jack Nicklaus as the oldest winner in Masters history if he can collect a fourth green jacket on Sunday.

(AFP)

Charley Hoffman has a four-shot lead, while former champion Spieth had a nightmare in the back nine

Unheralded Charley Hoffman snatched the first-round lead at the Masters on Thursday as high winds punished the world's top golfers and favorite Dustin Johnson withdrew injured. Hoffman, 40, posted a seven-under par 65 in conditions described by one former Masters winner as 'borderline' unplayable. He took a four-stroke lead on a day of high drama that saw world number one Johnson pull out following a freak accident. Johnson had a serious fall on the eve of the tournament and despite showing up at the course and practicing his swing ahead of his scheduled tee time, decided the pain from a lower back injury would prevent him from competing at his best. "I'm very sad I have to do it but it's just a freak accident. I wanted to try and play but I'm not going to be able to compete," he said. "It just sucks." Hoffman, with one top-10 finish this year, put together a run of four birdies over the back nine to open an impressive lead over fellow American William McGirt. England's Lee Westwood, 43, still looking for a major title after 75 starts, was in third place a shot further back on 70 on a day when top contenders suffered in difficult conditions on the 7,435-yard Augusta National course. Reigning US Open champion Johnson had been the oddsmakers' favorite in the year's first major golf championship after winning his three prior starts but hurt himself in a fall down stairs Wednesday at a rental house. Without the world number one, Northern Ireland's second-ranked Rory McIlroy and Australian world number three Jason Day were tipped to be key contenders for the title. However, neither had it their own way in the opening round, played in sodden blustery conditions. Nor did another top contender, former Masters champion Jordon Spieth, who suffered a repeat of last year's quadruple-bogey disaster. Beyond tough The 2013 Masters champion, Adam Scott of Australia, said the conditions were beyond tough. "It's very difficult conditions and borderline (unplayable)," he said after returning a three-over 75. Steady but swirling winds above 20 mph (32 kph) with gusts twice that speed sending tee shots and approaches soaring off target and even kept balls rolling on greens. Four-time major champion McIlroy appeared to be struggling in the wind and was three-over after the front nine. He opened with a bogey on the first hole and dropped shots on the third and fifth to make the turn in 39. But on the way back he sank three birdies to salvage a 72 and a share of 12th place. He was one shot behind England's 2013 US Open champion Justin Rose, who was in an eight-way share of fourth on 71. Day also suffered in the conditions, returning a two-over 74 with a double-bogey on the 11th hole to share 26th place. For 2015 Masters champion Spieth, the day turned sour on the back nine in a near repeat of the quadruple-bogey nightmare that cost him back-to-back titles last year. The American, twice a Masters runner-up, had been five shots ahead on the final day last year before he imploded after taking seven shots on the par-3 12th. This time out, he negotiated the 12th hole in regulation but took a nine on the par-5 15th, ballooning his score before sinking a birdie at 16 to limit the damage to finish on 3-over 75. Spieth said the bogey blowout put him under pressure for the following three days. "I feel like I need to snag something tomorrow," he said. One man who thrived in the conditions was former Masters champion Phil Mickelson, who fired a 71. The 46-year-old US left-hander will replace Jack Nicklaus as the oldest winner in Masters history if he can collect a fourth green jacket on Sunday. (AFP)

Masters: Unheralded Hoffman tops day 1 leaderboard

World number one Dustin Johnson could miss the Masters after injuring his lower back in a fall Wednesday on a staircase at a rented home.

The American star, who has not withdrawn from the year&#39;s first major championship starting Thursday, was&nbsp;the oddsmakers&#39; favorite after winning his past three starts.

&quot;Dustin Johnson&#39;s availability for The Masters is in jeopardy after the World&#39;s No. 1 golfer injured his lower back following a fall on a staircase,&quot; his agent David Winkle said.

&quot;At roughly 3:00 p.m. today, Dustin took a serious fall on a staircase in his Augusta rental home,&quot; he added.

Winkle said the US Open champion &quot;landed very hard on his lower back&quot; and was taking &nbsp;anti-inflammatory medication and using ice treatment in the hope of being able to play in the tournament.

Johnson is scheduled to tee off for his first round at 2:03 p.m. Thursday, the last tee time of the day.

Johnson is no stranger to freak accidents as he withdrew from The Masters in 2012 after his agent said he injured his back lifting a jet-ski.

(AFP)

World number one Dustin Johnson could miss the Masters after injuring his lower back in a fall Wednesday on a staircase at a rented home. The American star, who has not withdrawn from the year's first major championship starting Thursday, was the oddsmakers' favorite after winning his past three starts. "Dustin Johnson's availability for The Masters is in jeopardy after the World's No. 1 golfer injured his lower back following a fall on a staircase," his agent David Winkle said. "At roughly 3:00 p.m. today, Dustin took a serious fall on a staircase in his Augusta rental home," he added. Winkle said the US Open champion "landed very hard on his lower back" and was taking anti-inflammatory medication and using ice treatment in the hope of being able to play in the tournament. Johnson is scheduled to tee off for his first round at 2:03 p.m. Thursday, the last tee time of the day. Johnson is no stranger to freak accidents as he withdrew from The Masters in 2012 after his agent said he injured his back lifting a jet-ski. (AFP)

Favourite Dustin Johnson may miss Masters after falling down the stairs

Tiger Woods said Monday he is confident that his battered 41-year-old body can withstand the rigours of playing in four golf tournaments over the next five weeks.

The 14-time major winner, who returned to golf in December at the Hero World Challenge following a 15-month injury layoff, has committed to a hectic schedule which will see him open his 2017 season at this week&#39;s Farmers Insurance Open in San Diego.

&quot;I have played one time in the last 18 months,&quot; American Woods said during a news conference Monday at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles. &quot;I just need to get in some tournament golf. I am looking forward to it.&quot;&nbsp;

After the Farmers at the Torrey Pines course, Woods will fly off to United Arab Emirates for the Dubai Desert Classic from February 2-5, followed by the Genesis Open at Riviera on February 16-19.&nbsp;

He then travels home to Florida to take part in the Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens (February 23-26).

The Farmers Open will be Woods&#39; first full field tournament since undergoing back surgery in 2015.&nbsp;

Asked if he is physically up to the task with all the injuries he has endured the past several years, Woods said: &quot;That is a concern but I am looking forward to it. I feel I am strong enough to handle the workload.&nbsp;

Ready fo the Masters

&quot;I sat out long enough. I have been on the sidelines so long.&quot;

Woods admitted Monday that he once doubted whether he would ever return to golf.

&quot;There was a time when I didn&#39;t know if I could ever swing a golf club again and play with my kids,&quot; he said.

The former world number one Woods may be far from his top form, but he says he still has his sights set on competing in the majors and his first order of business is the Masters in April.&nbsp;

&quot;I am hoping to get everything right so I can play,&quot; he said. &quot;I am thinking about it (Masters) now.&quot;

Woods has won the PGA Tour&#39;s Torrey Pines tournament seven times in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2013.

&quot;It was the first PGA tournament I went to,&quot; Woods said. &quot;So I got exposed to pro golf there.&quot;

Woods last won a major title at the 2008 US Open at Torrey Pines by beating Rocco Mediate in an epic 19-hole playoff despite playing with a gimpy left knee that later required surgery.

His last PGA title was at the 2013 WGC event in Akron, Ohio.

When he tees it up at historic Riviera in just over three weeks it will be his first appearance in the event in 11 years.

&quot;I have always loved playing this course. I just never played it well,&quot; Woods said. &quot;I played here as a junior, an amateur and a professional. It is special place.&quot;

Last month, Tiger Woods played golf with then-President-elect Donald Trump at Trump International Golf Club in Florida.

Woods described Trump as a big hitter and said the 70-year-old was able to walk the entire 18 holes with him.

&quot;For a person who is 70 he hits it hard,&quot; said Woods. &quot;He keeps himself in pretty good shape. We walked all 18 holes and had a great time.&quot;

Asked if Trump could shoot a score of under 80 at the Riviera course, Woods paused, smiled and said, &quot;Not today. It is too wet out there.&quot;

In addition to finding his form, Woods will be facing in 2017 a new crop of rising young stars such as top ranked Aussie Jason Day, Japanese ace Hideki Matsuyama, four-time major winner Rory McIlroy, eight-time PGA Tour winner Jordan Spieth and the hottest player on the Tour Justin Thomas, who has won three tournaments so far this season.

Woods says he hasn&#39;t lost the fire and passion for the game that made him one of the best of all-time.&nbsp;

&quot;I am very excited about getting the season started. I miss playing and competing,&quot; said Woods, whose 14 major titles is second to only Jack Nicklaus&#39; record of 18.

(AFP)

The 14-time major winner will be looking to play four tourneys in the next five weeks following a 15-month injury layoff

Tiger Woods said Monday he is confident that his battered 41-year-old body can withstand the rigours of playing in four golf tournaments over the next five weeks. The 14-time major winner, who returned to golf in December at the Hero World Challenge following a 15-month injury layoff, has committed to a hectic schedule which will see him open his 2017 season at this week's Farmers Insurance Open in San Diego. "I have played one time in the last 18 months," American Woods said during a news conference Monday at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles. "I just need to get in some tournament golf. I am looking forward to it." After the Farmers at the Torrey Pines course, Woods will fly off to United Arab Emirates for the Dubai Desert Classic from February 2-5, followed by the Genesis Open at Riviera on February 16-19. He then travels home to Florida to take part in the Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens (February 23-26). The Farmers Open will be Woods' first full field tournament since undergoing back surgery in 2015. Asked if he is physically up to the task with all the injuries he has endured the past several years, Woods said: "That is a concern but I am looking forward to it. I feel I am strong enough to handle the workload. Ready fo the Masters "I sat out long enough. I have been on the sidelines so long." Woods admitted Monday that he once doubted whether he would ever return to golf. "There was a time when I didn't know if I could ever swing a golf club again and play with my kids," he said. The former world number one Woods may be far from his top form, but he says he still has his sights set on competing in the majors and his first order of business is the Masters in April. "I am hoping to get everything right so I can play," he said. "I am thinking about it (Masters) now." Woods has won the PGA Tour's Torrey Pines tournament seven times in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2013. "It was the first PGA tournament I went to," Woods said. "So I got exposed to pro golf there." Woods last won a major title at the 2008 US Open at Torrey Pines by beating Rocco Mediate in an epic 19-hole playoff despite playing with a gimpy left knee that later required surgery. His last PGA title was at the 2013 WGC event in Akron, Ohio. When he tees it up at historic Riviera in just over three weeks it will be his first appearance in the event in 11 years. "I have always loved playing this course. I just never played it well," Woods said. "I played here as a junior, an amateur and a professional. It is special place." Last month, Tiger Woods played golf with then-President-elect Donald Trump at Trump International Golf Club in Florida. Woods described Trump as a big hitter and said the 70-year-old was able to walk the entire 18 holes with him. "For a person who is 70 he hits it hard," said Woods. "He keeps himself in pretty good shape. We walked all 18 holes and had a great time." Asked if Trump could shoot a score of under 80 at the Riviera course, Woods paused, smiled and said, "Not today. It is too wet out there." In addition to finding his form, Woods will be facing in 2017 a new crop of rising young stars such as top ranked Aussie Jason Day, Japanese ace Hideki Matsuyama, four-time major winner Rory McIlroy, eight-time PGA Tour winner Jordan Spieth and the hottest player on the Tour Justin Thomas, who has won three tournaments so far this season. Woods says he hasn't lost the fire and passion for the game that made him one of the best of all-time. "I am very excited about getting the season started. I miss playing and competing," said Woods, whose 14 major titles is second to only Jack Nicklaus' record of 18. (AFP)

Tiger Woods shakes off rust to prepare for Tour grind

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