It's that time of year again on the golfing calender. Can the most celebrated sportsman on the planet begin his quest all over again to win all four Majors in one season?

If Tiger Woods can do it he will also pull himself to within one trophy of equalling the great Jack Nicklaus's record of 18 Majors. Like Nicklaus, Woods has enjoyed more success at the US Masters and the USPGA (going for his fifth green jacket).

Woods has held all four titles at the same time - a feat which was nicknamed the "Tigerslam" - unfortunately they were not all won in the same year.

'One thing the media's blanket coverage of Tiger's every move does do is reduce the pressure on the other guys looking to make their own bit of history'


One thing that the media's blanket coverage of Tiger's every move does do is reduce the pressure on the other guys looking to make their own bit of history. Yet Woods has a canny ability to ride the storm of what must be intense pressure - at least, he has done so far.

Having been the centre of attention since appearing aged three with Bob Hope on national television, Woods has been scrutinised, lauded, criticised, praised and dazed by almost every entertainment juggernaut on earth. Only this morning world number three Ernie Els was praising Woods, saying: "He is certainly one of a kind."

Tiger is the heavy favourite to win and the fact that Augusta National Golf Club is a course that favours the big-hitters points in the general direction of a few players.

The green keepers have added more rough and a few more trees at specific holes in an attempt to rein in the power players, but a few others who aren't considered long-hitters have fared well at the course in the past.

Short-hitters Justin Leonard and Chris DiMarco contested a 2004 play-off with Vijay Singh. Zach Johnson's victory last year is also a reminder that the Augusta course is a different proposition since 1997 when Woods was runaway winner. However, it's still a course that is far more birdie-friendly than perhaps any other Major.

Phil Mickelson, Singh, Woods, Els and Retief Goosen will be the ones to watch. The fast-sloping greens of Augusta are where the winners emerge and the losers slip off. Accuracy of the second shot to the correct area of the green is of paramount importance. Mickelson was spot on when he said: "Your short game has to be impeccable because these are the most demanding greens we will ever face."

Augusta is the one course on the planet that actually looks like a computer game and it leads to an almost surreal feeling when watching it. The whole course is kept in such pristine condition that it is easy to mistake it all for looking fake.

One thing that is not fake, however, is Tiger's determination to do what no other man has. Could he do it? Of course he could, but the pressure this time will be truly immense.

I believe that this quest is the most formidible feat to attempt to complete in sport. Golf may not be as physically demanding or dangerous as other sports but the mentality required in the most frustrating game ever invented is sky high.

And that's why I have a sneaking feeling that, this year, an outsider may just steal his thunder.