The Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. Many view it as golf’s greatest prize.

It’s where 89 of the world’s best golfers compete for the illustrious green jacket, and to write their names among all-time greats – like Palmer, Nicklaus, Ballesteros, Faldo and Woods.

And Southport’s Tommy Fleetwood will hope to capture a maiden PGA Tour title in style by winning this week.

Fleetwood has been close to capturing a maiden title before, most notably in 2018 and 2019 where he finished second at the US Open and Open Championship respectively.

Fleetwood has been forced into a last-minute caddy change though.

Long time caddy Ian Finnis has stepped aside to recover from a long term chest infection.

Fleetwood has turned to ‘Mr Augusta’ Gray Moore to caddy for him.

Moore, a 30-year veteran, has worked with Tom Watson in the past as well as offering advice to Fleetwood when he first entered the tour.

Fleetwood is in the 30th and final group in round one alongside American’s Collin Morikawa and 2020 Masters Champion Dustin Johnson.

They will tee-off at 2pm EDT or 7pm UK time.

Elsewhere, Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy hopes to end his wait for an elusive Masters title.

McIlroy has already captured the US Open, Open Championship and two PGA Championship titles early in his career.

The World Number 2 is hotly tipped to win the green jacket. And McIlroy has been given legendary approval this week as well.

Tiger Woods spoke ahead of the Masters of Rory’s chances.

“No question, he’ll do it at some point.

“Rory’s too talented, too good… He’ll get it done. It’s just a matter of when.

“I think that Rory will be a great Masters champion one day, and it could be this week.”

McIlroy was courteous in response: “It’s nice to hear, in my opinion, the best player ever to play the game say something like that.”

McIlroy is in Group 14, which will tee-off at 10:42 EDT or 3:42 BST.

He’s partnered with American’s Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele.

(Featured Image under R&A Licence)

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