Everything you need to know about The Masters at Augusta National

Course Augusta National, Georgia

Prize money $11m ($1.9m to the winner)
Length 7,435 yards Par 72 Field 87

Course records – 72 holes 270 Tiger Woods (1997), Jordan Spieth (2015) 18 holes 63 Nick Price (1986), Greg Norman (1996)

The cut The top 50 players (plus ties) qualify for the final 36 holes, along with anyone within ten shots of the lead.

Course winners taking part Bernhard Langer (twice), Larry Mize, Sandy Lyle, Ian Woosnam, Fred Couples, Tiger Woods (four times), Mark O'Meara, Jose Maria Olazabal (twice), Vijay Singh, Mike Weir, Phil Mickelson (three times), Zach Johnson, Trevor Immelman, Angel Cabrera, Charl Schwartzel, Bubba Watson, Adam Scott, Jordan Spieth, Danny Willett, Sergio Garcia.

When to bet By 1.30pm on Thursday.
Where to watch Live on Sky Sports at 7pm Thursday and Friday, live on Sky Sports and BBC2 on Saturday and Sunday.

Time difference Georgia is five hours behind the UK and Ireland.

Last week – Houston Open 1 I Poulter (100-1), 2 B Hossler (160-1), T3 J Spieth (12-1), E Grillo (60-1), 5 S Ryder (500-1), T6 H Stenson (14-1), K Mitchell (160-1).

Course overview Home of the Masters since 1934, Augusta is the only Major venue which is used every season.

The yardage increased in the early 2000s in an attempt to combat technological advances. In 2001, the course measured 6,925 yards from the championship tees, but that had been extended to 7,270 yards by 2002, peaking at 7,445 yards in 2006.

Generous fairways and token rough, known only as the 'second-cut' by Augusta officials, encourage aggressive driving, but the course demands accurate iron shots to the fastest greens in golf. Avoiding three-putts is hugely challenging given the pace and severity of the undulations. Sound course management is required to find the easiest spots from which to putt.

The two short par fives on the back nine, the 13th and 15th, are classic risk-reward holes where the Masters is often won or lost. Eagles are achievable, but greenside water hazards are lurking to punish muffed approaches.

The story of last year Sergio Garcia was two shots behind with six holes to play, looking likely to remain the 'best player never to have won a Major', but the Spaniard eagled the 15th hole to draw level with Justin Rose boarding the 16th tee. Rose birdied the 16th, but bogeyed the 17th, before both parred the 18th, meaning a playoff.

Garcia dominated the first extra hole, draining a birdie putt from 12 feet to win a Major for the first time in 74 attempts.

Weather forecast Wednesday thunderstorms are forecast, with further rain expected on Saturday, so the course should not get too dry. Moderate breezes throughout.

Type of player suited to the challenge Length off the tee is a significant advantage, especially when the track is softened by rain. Only two of the last 18 Masters have been won by short hitters - Mike Weir in 2003 and Zach Johnson in 2007.

Powerhouses are able to attack the small targets with lofted clubs in their hand. Accurate approaches are the key to success.

Key attribute Accuracy.

Steve Palmer's verdict

Jeremy Chapman's verdict

The return of Tiger Woods

Top Amateur & Debutant

Specials

Course guide

Player guide part one

Player guide part two

The Masters quiz

Follow us on Twitter