5 most anticipated match-ups of the 2018 Masters

1. Anyone vs. Tiger Woods

There’s seemingly no other way to predict must see Masters match-ups other than any pairing involving the infamous Tiger Woods. Since his return to the world of golf following a three year battle with back problems, he seems to be in top form heading into his 21st appearance at Augusta National.

A four-time Masters winner, Woods won his first green jacket in just his third appearance in 1997. He would go on to claim back-to-back Masters in 2001 and 2002 as well as another in 2005. In his 20 Masters tournaments, Woods has placed top-ten 13 times.

Many were unsure if Woods would ever tee it up again after a fourth back surgery derailed his 2017 comeback. This past December, Woods made his return at the Hero World Challenge where he shot eight-under to tie for ninth place. Despite the positive start many were still left wondering if the back would hold up to a full schedule.

Since January, Woods has entered five tournaments including four in a five-week stretch from February to March. Outside of a missed cut at the Genesis Open, Woods’ worst finish was a tie for 23rd at the Farmers Insurance Open. In his past three events, Woods has finished 12th, tied for second and tied for fifth.

His second-place showing at the Valspar Championship not only boosted the PGA’s viewership ratings but Woods’ own Masters odds. With an experience unrivaled by many at the Masters, Woods’ recent level of play and knowledge of the course gives fans hope of seeing four days of Tiger in April, especially if he continues to putt the ball as well as he has the past month.

When reviewing Woods’ potential Masters match-ups it’s easy to make a case for the throwback battle against Mickelson. It’s exciting to fantasize about the new versus old battles against guys like Spieth and Thomas. We can even hope and pray for the Masters 2015 rematch between Woods and McIlroy — this time with both men fighting at the top of the leaderboard.

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Former Masters champions and contenders including Bubba Watson, Sergio Garcia, Justin Rose and many others would be more than up to the challenge of dueling Woods on the tee box. With so many options in front of us, one thing is clear: if Woods is wearing red on Sunday anywhere within striking distance, the world will be watching.