The Masters Storylines

With the par-3 Tournament looming tomorrow, let's get some of this week's key storylines out of the way this afternoon.

I'll start with PGA Tour correspondent Helen Ross, who addresses the chances of a Paddy Slam and the impacts of a Tiger-proofed Augusta in this notebook.

After all his tragic failures on the world's biggest stage, Greg Norman is taking this week quite seriously after a strong week at the Shell Houston Open, writes Melanie Hauser. His son, Gregory, has the bag duty for Norman at Augusta.

Youth, of all things, has been the talk of Augusta this week, from Irish phenom Rory Mcllroy to 29-year-old defending champion Trevor Immelman. It seems everyone is trying to understand which star youngster will rise to the occasion in 2009.

The PGA Tour has created a "one-stop" source to comprehend all aspects of Tiger Woods' 66 career victories, from photos to a brief synopsis of each individual triumph. Will they add the 67th this week at Augusta on Sunday? Almost everyone over at the Sand Trap thinks so, with only one bold prediction of Stewart Cink in comparison to Woods majority confidence.

Immelman's relative lack of press and attention this week can only happen in "Tiger World," writes Sports Illustrated's Gary Van Sickle. His lead today was honest and accurate:

"This can only happen in Tiger World. Only here, near the epicenter of Tigermania, can a man remain off the radar after winning the Masters, the game's most glorious event."

Colleague Damon Hack leads this PGA Tour Confidential by pondering the following: Phil Mickelson toast this week following a brutal outing at the Shell Houston Open?

"He was my Masters pick, but now I'm worried," writes Hack.

I don't necessarily agree that Lefty's week will be forgettable at best. He traditionally plays pretty solidly at Augusta and some extreme work with Butch Harmon over the weekend should help to clear his mind and build confidence leading into Thursday's opening round. SI wondered Monday whether Mickelson is, in fact, overcoached. Many of the Top 100 teaching professionals in the country had some great insight in response to the magazine's question.

Golfweek.com has a great video feature about how to spend $6 on concessions at Augusta National. A slew of writers picked former Masters champion Zach Johnson in the category of "Ace up my sleeve" for fantasy golf purposes this week. One writer, Jeff Babineau, highlighted Johnson's skill with the flatstick as a reason to like the Cedar Rapids native's chances this week.

Calling the Champion's Dinner the highlight of the week, Immelman's menu included "babotie, a mincemeat dish, with chicken skewers called sosaties, a spinach salad, milk tart for dessert and wines from vineyards near his Cape Town home," according to the Associated Press.

Lastly, a writer from Canada.com says the Masters have lost that Sunday magic, highlighting one of the many predominant thoughts from greats like Gary Player this week.

Enjoy the links and I'll be back with more coverage Wednesday.