The Masters finally arrives, and the golf world takes notice

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The Masters flag is displayed on the second hole during a practice round in preparation for the Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club Monday, April 8, 2024, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

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An Azalea blooms along the sixth hole during a practice round in preparation for the Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club Tuesday, April 9, 2024, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

AUGUSTA NATIONAL GOLF CLUB

THE MASTERS

Site: Augusta, Georgia.

Course: Augusta National GC. Yardage: 7,555. Par: 72.

Prize money: TBA ($18 million in 2023).

Television: Thursday-Friday, 3-7:30 p.m. (ESPN); Saturday, 3-7 p.m. (CBS); Sunday, 2-7 p.m. (CBS).

Defending champion: Jon Rahm.

Notes: The Masters is the first time all the major champions over the last five years are competing together since the British Open last July. ... Jon Rahm will try to join Tiger Woods, Nick Faldo and Jack Nicklaus as the only back-to-back winners. ... Rory McIlroy tries for the 10th time to complete the career Grand Slam. The last to do it was Woods, who added the last leg at the British Open in 2000 on his first try. ... Among the newcomers to the Masters are U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark and Ludvig Aberg, the No. 9 player in the world. The last player to win the Masters on his first attempt was Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979. ... Woods has played only 24 holes in one tournament going into the Masters. ... Scottie Scheffler is the biggest betting favorite at the Masters since Tiger Woods in 2013. ... Clark and Scheffler (twice) are the only winners this year who were among the top 10 in the world when they won.

Not PARSE.LY: Golf