How Tiger can spoil the Masters in less than five hours

Just like every year, I can't wait for the Masters to begin in a couple of weeks.

But just like every year, I am also slightly anxious. Because ahead of every Major, but most of all this one, if Tiger opens up with a 67 then as far as I'm concerned it's all over bar the shouting.

Now let's get one thing clear - I'm not one of those morons who claims the game is somehow the poorer for this genius being in our midst. I consider it to be a privilege to be able to watch Tiger in his prime. I love watching him take control of a tournament and I am loving watching him in his inexorable journey towards overhauling Jack Nicklaus's tally of 18 Majors.

But when you can get a price of 6/5 on the field to win an event Tiger is playing in, as is the case at this week's WGC CA Championship, then there is a danger in the event being less than compelling. Just think how ridiculous it is that the bookies say it's more likely Tiger will win a given event then all the other players put together.

Now I have no problem with Tiger winning the Masters for a fifth time next month. But I do hope he doesn't do so on a wire-to-wire basis. Let's at least have some excitement before Zach Johnson presents him with the Green Jacket.

Any anyway, it isn't such a given that he will do so. At least not as much as many people seem to think.

It says here that Tiger will not win the Grand Slam this year. And let it also be said that in 11 pro appearances at Augusta to date, he has 'only' won four times. So maybe it won't be such a procession after all.

I certainly hope not. Because winning Major championships should not be easy. It's only Tiger who makes it look that way.

By Dan Murphy
Editor