Golf's first major of the year, the US Masters, gets under way today, with a number of players holding realistic hopes of wearing the famous green jacket come Sunday night. Jordan Speith begins the defence of his title at 17:48 (UAE time), whilst world number one Jason Day tees off at 21:06. Rory McIlroy is off at 22:01, as he starts his campaign for the career grand slam by winning the only major missing from his collection. To do so he’ll have to end Europe’s winless streak at Augusta, which goes back to 1999. Other European’s hoping to end that record are Henrik Stenson, Justin Rose and Paul Casey. Phil Mickelson is seeking a fourth Masters and Bubba Watson a third, whilst South Africa will be confident of another title with Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel and Branden Grace in the field. As well as Day, Australia’s challenge will come from Adam Scott and Marc Leishman.

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