In 1930, at the age of 28, the legendary amateur Bobby Jones won the Grand Slam of golf, consisting of the Open and Amateur championships of Britain and America. He duly retired from competitive golf with the aim of creating the 'perfect' golf course on which to host his own tournament. He searched high and low for a piece of land on which to build his dream layout, but the second he laid eyes upon an old flower nursery in Augusta, Georgia -- with Rae's Creek twisting through the pines and azaleas -- he knew he'd found his place.

Together with the famed golf course architect Dr. Alister MacKenzie, they designed a true masterpiece. The first tournament was staged in 1934, and was won by Horton Smith, but what really catapulted the Masters into the public eye was a defining moment in golf history in 1935. Trailing coming down the back nine on the Sunday, Gene Sarazen hit 'the shot that was heard around the world' -- a four-wood straight into the cup for a double eagle -- and then went on to win in a play-off.

Since then, the tournament has gone from strength to strength, with the list of winners reading like a Who's Who of golf : Sarazen, Byron Nelson, Sam Snead, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer (four times), Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus (six times -- a record), Tom Watson, Severiano Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Tiger Woods (four wins and counting!).

Contenders
Unlike most golf tournaments, entry to the Masters is by invitation only, as the committee tries to keep the field select. Whereas it's not uncommon for 150-plus to tee off in other events, only 97 players will be participating this week. Here are the five players I think have the best chance of winning:

Tiger Woods - The clear favourite with nine wins in his last 11 starts on the US Tour, and four previous wins at Augusta, including the all-time scoring record of 270. The bookmakers are pricing him at anywhere from even money to 6/4, which is ridiculously short for a golfer in a Major. But that shows how good the guy is. On current form, I can't see him losing unless he really has an off week. Tiger has it all, hits it a mile, is the best iron player in history, has a superb short game and is the best putter on tour. He also has the strongest mentally.

Phil Mickelson - The winner in 2004 and 2006. The left-hander's game plan last year to play with two drivers (one for a draw, and one for a fade) was inspired. The guy's short game is so good, it verges on artistic. For years he had that monkey on his back about being 'the best player to have never won a Major', but now he's freed himself of that tag, he seems a threat in every Major in which he tees it up. He's in decent form as well, with a win already this year at Pebble Beach. Expect him to be there or thereabouts on Sunday.

Vijay Singh - The Fijian is a winning machine with 31 victories on the US Tour (a record for a non-American) He's a previous Masters winner from 2000 and a multiple Major winner with three in total. So if he can put himself in a winning position come Sunday, he'll know where the finishing line is. Tee to green he's as good as anyone, but his putting can be suspect. If he gets the short stick working this week, he will be a real threat.

Adam Scott - On a high after winning the Houston open last week, the world number three has a real chance this week. His length off the tee is a huge advantage. His record at Augusta isn't great, with only one top-ten finish, but he's maturing nicely, and at 26 years of age, a major breakthrough is surely not far off.

Sergio Garcia - I find it staggering that a guy of his ability has still to break his Major duck. He's had chances, and many high finishes, but never won one of the big four. I think as a pure ball striker, he could well be the best in the world (or at least second to Tiger). Great touch around the greens. The problem... his putting has been appalling for the last couple of years. He knows it, everyone knows it, and now its become mental. You can see the lack of confidence when he strikes the putt. I like Sergio a lot... he brings so much energy and enthusiasm to the game. I'll be cheering if he pulls on the green jacket on Sunday night.

Other guys to keep an eye on are Jim Furyk, Geoff Ogilvy, Charles Howell, Henrik Stenson, Ernie Els, Paul Casey and Luke Donald. It should make great viewing... enjoy the show.

Who's your fancy for the 2007 Masters? Let Sportingo have your thoughts on the Augusta field.