Five questions heading into the Masters
— -- AUGUSTA, Ga. -- By Sunday evening, one player in this week's 98-man field will have sports' most exclusive jacket draped over his shoulders. In a PGA Tour season that has already provided multitudes of drama even before the first major, here are five of the biggest storylines entering the 79th edition of this event.
1. Can Rory join the club?
The list of players to win all four majors includes Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and nobody else. But for the first time since Woods won the Open Championship 15 years ago, the club could welcome a new member this week.
Rory McIlroy has enjoyed chances here in the past -- notably in 2011, when he turned a Sunday lead entering the back nine into a walk among the cabins left of the 10th hole -- but it's a course that appears tailor-made for him.
He understands what this means, too. About an hour after clinching the PGA Championship last year, McIlroy reeled off the correct number of days until the start of this one. "Not that I'm counting," he said with a smile.
A win here, though, wouldn't just clinch the career Grand Slam. It would give him three majors in a row, meaning we would all soon be inundated with the term RorySlam going into the U.S. Open.
2. Will the real Tiger Woods please stand up?
Hey, at least I waited until No. 2 on this list before bringing him up ...
For years, Woods was the most fascinating figure at the Masters because of the distinct possibility that he could lap the field. Now he remains fascinating, but for much different reasons.
Rumors abound as to the current state of Woods' game, but based on the 47½ holes we've seen him play in competition this year -- and none in the past nine weeks -- expectations should be severely lowered.
He will be chasing a fifth Masters title and 15th major this week, but in reality, Woods should hope for a few days of improvement -- just something upon which he can build for the remainder of the season. And yet, even with lowered expectations, the great unknown will be fascinating to see unfold on this stage.
3. Weather or not?
For all the control that green-jacketed officials wield over this tournament, they've never been able to placate Mother Nature. The forecast here often means little, but this week's prediction calls for a chance of thunderstorms nearly every day.
While the sub-air systems underneath these greens will vacuum away the moisture, wet conditions will favor long hitters and -- in one of the more underrated traits of major contenders -- high-ball hitters. And of course, any potential delays could provide an advantage for those getting the luck of the draw.
4. Does Bubba have what it takes ... again?
Here is the entire list of players who have won three Masters titles in a four-year span: Jack Nicklaus.
Last year's champion could join some rarefied company should he claim another win this week. Based on this year's results, it's not such a long shot, either.
Watson's finishes this year include a second, a third, a 10th and a 14th. And if you believe in these things, check out his pattern: Prior to each of his previous Masters wins, Bubba nearly won at Doral, but finished second. This year? He was third. Could be an omen.
5. Which young superstar will challenge for the title?
Already this year, talented 20-somethings Jason Day, Patrick Reed, Jordan Spieth and Brooks Koepka have won titles -- and none of 'em is a one-hit wonder.
Along with McIlroy, Rickie Fowler, Hideki Matsuyama and others, these players form the nucleus of what some have deemed the future of golf. The reality, though, is that these guys are the present.
Expect a handful of these names to be on the leaderboard this Sunday afternoon -- and for many Sunday afternoons to come here in Augusta.