Anticipation is building ahead of the Masters, which are set to get underway on Thursday.
It is set to be an intriguing tournament, with the battle between the PGA and LIV Golf continuing to rage on.
Mail Sport’s Mike Keegan brings you all the key talking points from Augusta.
Thomas and Spieth receive personalised Leeds shirts
Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth may only hold a minority investments in Leeds United but the American pair share a huge interest in the goings on at the Yorkshire club. So much so that fellow Whites supporter and caddie for Matt Fitzpatrick – Billy Foster – brought out personalised jerseys for both.
Thomas’s carries the number 34, which is a nod to his hero, the former Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz, while Spieth requested the number ‘00’. Foster also delivered Leeds hats, which featured US flags on the side.
Thomas and Spieth took their stakes at Elland Road following the takeover by 49ers Enterprises and, along with Foster, may well be keeping an eye on promotion-chasing Leeds’s clash with Sunderland on Tuesday.
Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas received personalised Leeds shirts ahead of the Masters
Augusta patrons given eye protection ahead of total eclipse
Augusta officials were well prepared for Monday’s total eclipse, with patrons handed free eye protection when they arrived at the course. Expect the Masters’-branded glasses, a throwback to the 3D films of the 1970s and 80s, to appear on Ebay in the near future.
Patrons were handed free eye protection at Augusta on Monday ahead of the total eclipse
Strong chance of showers and thunderstorms on Thursday
When the tournament kicks off on Thursday some eyes may again be on the skies. Last year, amid strong winds, patrons were sent scurrying for cover on the Saturday when three giant pine trees came crashing to the ground near the 17th.
Miraculously, while play was suspended, no serious injuries were reported. This year the forecast is much improved for Friday to Sunday – but for opening day there is an 80 per cent chance of showers and thunderstorms.
No Scots present at Masters for the first time since 1984
For the first time since 1984 no Scots will be present in the field. Nobody from the sport’s birthplace managed to win any of the eligible tournaments or find themselves in the world’s top 50, following the 1988 champ Sandy Lyle’s final appearance last year. Europe Ryder Cup star Robert MacIntyre came the closest, but his 80th place was not enough.
Robert MacIntyre came closest, but there will be no Scots present at the Masters this year
PGA group look to get the upper hand on LIV
PGA versus LIV appears to be the storyline ahead of this year’s Masters with 13 rebels in the field. Those representing the PGA may have grabbed an early upper hand when they arrived at Augusta National on Sunday to get some early practice in.
A group, which included Tiger Woods, headed out to hone their skills while those involved with LIV were instead in Florida for their Miami tournament at Trump National Doral.
Tiger Woods was amongst those representing PGA who looked to get some early practice in
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