Carlos Monarrez looks at five things to watch at the Masters:
Tiger's back
Whether you love him or hate him, admit it: You can't take your eyes off Tiger Woods. He's golf's version of Don Draper. He just makes everything else more interesting when he's in the mix. And, friends, I'm here to tell you that with three wins in his bag, a hot putter and the No. 1 world ranking on his shoulders, he's in the mix. Bet on him winning his 15th major this week.
The other guys
Tiger's most likely pursuers - Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy and defending champ Bubba Watson - haven't exactly been lighting it up. Lefty has been quiet since he won in February, McIlroy has been nearly nonexistent and Watson has gotten more attention for his hovercraft golf cart than for his chances this week.
But watch out for Rory
Since his 2011 final-round collapse, and his subsequent atonement in the U.S. Open, he proved his mental mettle. He knows how to win and he has a great attitude. Heck, he's even bringing along his girlfriend, tennis player Caroline Wozniacki, and plans to have her caddy for him in the Par-3 contest.
Don't bet on Bubba
In case you're thinking about it, don't. Bubba's got some tough sledding if he wants to slip on the green jacket again this year. There has been only one back-to-back champion in the past 22 years: Tiger in 2001-02.
Ladies' tee
Augusta National finally admitted its first female members last summer. This week, it would be nice to see Condoleezza Rice or Darla Moore in her green member's jacket walking the grounds and closing the book on a dark chapter in the club's history.
• Read more articles by CARLOS MONARREZ
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