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The article from the BBC Sport website, titled "The Masters 2024: Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler in focus," provides a detailed preview of the upcoming Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. The piece focuses on three key players: Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Scottie Scheffler, analyzing their current form, past performances at the Masters, and their prospects for the 2024 tournament. The article also touches on other notable contenders and the unique challenges presented by Augusta National.

Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods, a five-time Masters champion, is a central figure in the article. Despite his age and recent injury struggles, Woods remains a significant draw for fans and a potential contender. The article highlights his remarkable comeback at the 2019 Masters, where he secured his fifth green jacket, a victory that was celebrated as one of the greatest comebacks in sports history. Since then, Woods has faced numerous health challenges, including a severe car accident in 2021 that threatened his career. However, he has shown resilience, returning to competitive golf and making the cut at the Masters in 2022 and 2023.

The article discusses Woods' preparation for the 2024 Masters, noting his limited tournament schedule due to his ongoing recovery. Despite these limitations, Woods has been practicing at Augusta National, and his familiarity with the course gives him a unique advantage. The piece also mentions Woods' recent performance at the Genesis Invitational, where he showed flashes of his former brilliance but ultimately withdrew due to illness. The article concludes that while Woods may not be the favorite to win, his presence at the Masters adds a layer of excitement and unpredictability.

Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy, another focal point of the article, is highlighted for his quest to complete the career Grand Slam. McIlroy has won four major championships but has yet to secure a victory at the Masters, the only major missing from his collection. The article delves into McIlroy's past performances at Augusta, noting his near-misses and the psychological pressure he faces each year.

The piece discusses McIlroy's recent form, which has been inconsistent but showed signs of improvement leading up to the Masters. His victory at the Dubai Desert Classic earlier in the year and a strong showing at the Players Championship are highlighted as positive indicators. The article also mentions McIlroy's work with his coach, Pete Cowen, to refine his swing and mental approach, particularly at Augusta.

The article emphasizes the importance of McIlroy's performance at the Masters, not only for his career but also for the narrative of the tournament. A victory would cement his status as one of the greatest golfers of his generation and add a dramatic chapter to the history of the Masters.

Scottie Scheffler

Scottie Scheffler, the defending champion, is the third player profiled in the article. The piece praises Scheffler's consistency and dominance in recent years, noting his multiple victories on the PGA Tour and his rise to the top of the world rankings. The article discusses Scheffler's performance at the 2023 Masters, where he showcased his exceptional ball-striking and putting to secure a convincing victory.

The article also examines Scheffler's preparation for the 2024 Masters, highlighting his strong start to the season with wins at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Players Championship. His ability to handle pressure and his familiarity with Augusta National are cited as key factors in his favor. The piece also mentions Scheffler's mental approach, which has been a significant part of his success, and his work with his coach, Randy Smith, to maintain his form.

The article concludes that Scheffler is the favorite to win the Masters again, given his current form and past success at Augusta. However, it also acknowledges the unpredictable nature of the tournament and the potential for other players to challenge him.

Other Contenders

The article briefly touches on other notable contenders for the 2024 Masters, including Jon Rahm, who won the Masters in 2023, and Brooks Koepka, who has been in excellent form on the LIV Golf tour. The piece also mentions the potential for surprise winners, citing past examples of lesser-known players who have triumphed at Augusta.

Challenges of Augusta National

The article discusses the unique challenges presented by Augusta National, emphasizing the course's demanding layout and the importance of course management. The piece highlights the significance of the par-5s, particularly the 13th and 15th holes, which can be pivotal in determining the outcome of the tournament. The article also mentions the importance of putting on Augusta's famously fast greens and the need for players to adapt to changing weather conditions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive preview of the 2024 Masters, focusing on the key players and the unique challenges of Augusta National. The piece emphasizes the excitement and unpredictability of the tournament, with Woods, McIlroy, and Scheffler as central figures in the narrative. The article also acknowledges the potential for other players to make an impact and the importance of course management and mental resilience in achieving success at the Masters.

Overall, the article offers a detailed and engaging look at the upcoming Masters Tournament, providing readers with insights into the players, the course, and the history of one of golf's most prestigious events.

Read the Full BBC Article at:
[ https://www.bbc.com/sport/golf/articles/cdx59pq4wwyo ]