It is golf's most revered institution in the US, and this year's Masters tournament is set to prove essential viewing for even the most casual of golf fans, if only because of Tiger Woods' decision to make his comeback at Augusta.
But though it's the world No. 1 who is set to prove the focal point, might one of golf's older guard deliver the goods, even as Woods delivers the headlines? In the last few weeks, Ernie Els has rediscovered the winning habit, with victories at both the WGC-CA Championship and the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
After a barren 2009, there was a perception that Els' star was very much in the descendant - but with the South African winning back-to-back tournaments in the last month, Els' confidence will be sky-high as he bids to win the coveted green jacket. The Big Easy has come close before, finishing second twice at the major in 2000 and 2004 - might he be gearing up to go one better this time?
With Woods still surely rusty after his long lay-off from tournament play, and other top players like Phil Mickelson, Steve Stricker and Lee Westwood all putting in less than stellar performances so far this season, Els looks to have a decent shot at claiming one of golf's greatest prizes. Of course, at 40 years old Els is still relatively sprightly; perhaps there's an older hand who can win the Masters in 2010?
Last year, 59-year-old Tom Watson came desperately close to pulling off a similar shock at the Open, before finally being edged out by Stewart Cink in a play-off. Watson also lines up here at the Masters, but the veteran is realistic about his chances, recognising he no longer has the length to compete with the younger players at Augusta.
But the eight-time major winner believes there's still another older man who may be capable of out-firing the younger guns. Watson insists he's earnest when suggesting that the 50-year-old Fred Couples can win the tournament.
A look at Couples' recent history sheds some light on Watson's belief in the man nicknamed Boom Boom. Debuting on the Champions Tour at the start of this year, so far Couples has three victories from four starts (he came second in that debut tournament - to Watson). Couples' most recent win came last weekend, when he won the Cap Cana Championship in the Dominican Republic, carding a course record of 62 on the final day, racking up 11 birdies.
True, the competition on the over-fifties tour may not be as intense as on the regular PGA. But even if it's fanciful or romantic to believe that Couples can regain the major he won back in 1992 (the only major of Couples' career), we'd be sorely tempted to back the man to at least finish in the top 10.
Couples came close back in 2006, finishing third behind victor Phil Mickelson and Tim Clark. The way he's playing at the moment, perhaps Augusta can provide an opportunity for one last almighty hurrah - even if the loudest cheers (and jeers) remain reserved for Tiger.
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