AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — A brief look at the Masters:
Tournament: The 86th Masters.
Dates: April 7-10.
Site: Augusta National Golf Club.
Length: 7,510 yards.
Par: 36-36—72.
Purse: To be determined ($11.5 million in 2021).
Field: 91 players (six amateurs), with one spot open for Texas Open winner.
Cut: Top 50 and ties.
Defending champion: Hideki Matsuyama.
Last year: Matsuyama became the first Masters champion from Japan with his one-shot victory over Will Zalatoris. Staked to a four-shot lead at the start of the final round, he widened his lead to six shots. Xander Schauffele narrowed the gap to two shots until hitting into the water on the 16th hole. Matsuyama’s victory came 10 years after he was low amateur, having earned his spot at Augusta National by winning the Asia-Pacific Amateur. The most poignant moment was his caddie replacing the pin at No. 18, removing his cap and bowing to the course.
Tiger tales: Five-time champion Tiger Woods has not played since the Masters in November 2020 as he recovers from serious leg injuries suffered in a February 2021 car crash. His plane was spotted in Augusta, Georgia, on March 29. He has until the opening round to decide whether to play.
Saudi tales: The distraction and disruption of a Saudi-funded rival league has dominated headlines in the spring. The top 10 players in the world have said they are sticking with the PGA Tour. Greg Norman then announced an eight-tournament schedule with $20 million purses.
Grand Slam, Act VIII: Rory McIlroy tries for the eighth time to win the Masters and complete the career Grand Slam.
Now on the tee: Two-time champion Tom Watson joins Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player as honorary starters.
Course changes: Tees have been moved back 15 yards and to the left on No. 11 and several trees on the right were removed. Tees were moved back 20 yards on No. 15.
The odds ( FanDuel Sportsbook ): Jon Rahm (+950), Collin Morikawa (+1100), Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas (+1200), Cameron Smith, Dustin Johnson (+1400), Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler (+1600), Brooks Koepka, Viktor Hovland, Xander Schauffele (+1800), Hideki Matsuyama (+2900), Tiger Woods (+5000).
Key statistic: Sam Burn is the fourth player since 2013 to have won three times in a PGA Tour season before making his Masters debut. Collin Morikawa (2020) tied for 44th, Jimmy Walker (2014) tied for eighth and Patrick Reed (2014) missed the cut.
Noteworthy: Ten of the top 12 players in the world ranking are 30 or younger.
Quoteworthy: “It’s the ultimate test. It intimidates you all day — really, really intimidates you. And if you can handle it, that’s very impressive.” — Padraig Harrington.
Television: Thursday-Friday, 3-7:30 p.m. (ESPN); Saturday, 3-7 p.m. (CBS); Sunday, 2-7 p.m. (CBS).
Interactive: Masters.com. Live video channels from the 4th, 5th and 6th holes, Amen Corner, the 15th hole, 16th hole and a featured group. Estimated times — hole Nos. 4,5 and 6 from 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the weekend; Amen Corner (Nos. 11, 12 and 13) from 10:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and from 11:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the weekend; Nos. 15 and 16 from 11:45 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on the weekend; and featured group from 9:15 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and from 10:15 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the weekend. The Masters iPad application will display the video channels and a live digital simulcast of CBS Sports’ weekend coverage.
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