The Masters Up For Grabs

Many golfing fans are holding their breath, waiting to see what will come out in this year`s Masters. No one has won the title three consecutive years but now, Tiger Woods stands to make history.

Only three gofers, Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods, have won titles in a row. In 1965-1966 Jack Nicklaus became the first Masters’ champion to defend his title successively. He failed though in 1967, and Faldo ranked 12th. Faldo, however, swiped three other majors, the U.S. Open, British Open and PGA Championship. He even grabbed four titles in one year.

Woods has a couple of records with regard to the Masters. He became the youngest champion at the age of 21 and won another with the lowest number of strokes. His winning the green jacket this time will set yet another world record for the golfer.

It is too early to predict the results though. Woods has won three titles at the Augusta National Golf Club, so he is confident and ready. But, at the Masters, a "war of the stars" is played out, with every participant a promising candidate to win.

Ernie Els, David Love III and Vijay Singh will be the toughest opponents for Woods. Phil Mickelson and Colin Montgomerie too will do their best to make their lifelong dream of winning the coveted Masters title come true. Justine Rose and Charles Howell III also have been honing themselves up to show off their youthful prowess on the green. K. J. Choi will as well participate in this year`s Masters, showing that Koreans know a little about playing at this level.

Arriving at the course on April 2, Choi had previously golfed here twice. He said confidently, "I will prove myself a golfer at the Masters’ level." His caddie will help him, since he has experienced the Masters eight times now.

SBS and MBC-ESPN will provide live coverage of the first three rounds starting at 5 a.m. every day from April 11 to 13, with the 4th round at 3:30 a.m. on April 14.

Young-Sik Ahn ysahn@donga.com