[Masters] Im Sungjae 'Again 2020', Matsuyama 'Title Defense'... Will Woods Participate?

World No.1 Scheffler and No.2 Rahm Face Off in Full Battle at Masters Opening Night on 7th; McIlroy Challenges 'Career Grand Slam'

Im Sung-jae is playing a practice round ahead of the Masters opening on the night of the 7th. Augusta, USA=Getty Images/Multibits

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Again 2020."

World No. 26 Im Sung-jae (23) is advancing toward a major championship victory. On the night of the 7th (Korean time), the 'Masters,' the 'Tournament of Masters,' begins its grand journey at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, USA (Par 72, 7,510 yards). Hideki Matsuyama (Japan) aims to defend his title, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler (USA) pursues his fourth win, and Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) challenges the 'Career Grand Slam' by sweeping the four different major championships. Another point of interest is whether the 'Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods (USA) will participate.

▲ Im Sung-jae: "Course strategies differ between autumn and spring" = In March 2020, he achieved his first PGA Tour victory at the Honda Classic in just his 50th event. Notably, he finished second in the 'Autumn Masters,' which was postponed to November due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He drew even more attention by competing in the final group against Dustin Johnson (USA) on the last day. It is rather surprising that he missed the cut last April after struggling with a 5-over par in the first round and 8-over par in the second round.

His performance remains strong, as evidenced by his victory at the Shriners Open in October, which counts toward the 2022 season. He has transformed into a 'Georgia resident' by purchasing a home just two hours by car from Augusta, and this time he completed his warm-up early. Kim Si-woo (27) and Lee Kyoung-hoon (31) are accompanying him. Kim Si-woo is reviewing the 'know-how' from his six consecutive appearances since 2017, and Lee Kyoung-hoon is targeting a 'tied 12th place' to secure a ticket for next year.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler challenges for a major victory at the Masters. Augusta, USA=Getty Images/Multibitz

▲ Scheffler vs Rahm: "I am the No. 1 favorite" = Matsuyama recalls the thrilling memory of becoming the 'first Asian Masters champion.' Scheffler's momentum is fierce. Following his victory at the Phoenix Open in February, he won the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Dell Technologies Match Play consecutively in March, securing three wins in his last five events. These wins span regular tournaments, invitationals, and match play, showing his evolving form.

World No. 2 Jon Rahm, Collin Morikawa (USA), Viktor Hovland (Norway), and 'Playoff (PO) champion' Patrick Cantlay (USA) have joined the competition for the title. Dustin Johnson holds the tournament record low score (20-under 268) from 2020 and is particularly strong at Augusta National. McIlroy is eyeing the final piece to become the sixth 'Career Grand Slam' winner in global golf history. 'The Hulk' Bryson DeChambeau's wrist injury remains a variable.

The "Golf Emperor" Tiger Woods is adjusting his shot feel during the Masters practice round while contemplating his participation. Augusta, USA = Getty Images / Multibitz

▲ Woods: "Decision on participation will be made later" = Woods arrived in Augusta with big news. The Masters guarantees lifetime entry to past champions, and there is no deadline for registration. Last week, he crossed over to Augusta with his son Charlie and participated in practice rounds with Justin Thomas, Billy Horschel, Fred Couples (all USA), among others, still weighing his decision to compete. He stated, "I will decide as the tournament approaches."

Woods suffered severe injuries last February in a car accident in Los Angeles County, California, breaking both legs. He spent three months bedridden and underwent a phased rehabilitation process involving wheelchairs and crutches. In December, he demonstrated his resilience by finishing second with his son Charlie in the 'family competition' PNC Championship. The golf world eagerly awaits Woods' comeback. The press conference at midnight on the 6th is highly anticipated.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.