No shortage of storylines at this year’s Masters

A longshot to win, Seattle native Fred Couples would become the oldest Masters champion at 55. (AP)

With the question of Tiger Wood’s participation now answered, golf’s most anticipated tournament kicks off this week with no shortage of storylines.

Yes, Tiger is in – the question is, for how long? Woods says he feels like his game is finally in a spot where he can compete and win, although many wonder if he will even make the cut. With the attention now shifting from injury to ability, it’s likely his performance this week will be the only indication of whether or not he’s back for good. For now.

All eyes will be on world No. 1 Rory McIlroy as he looks to make history as the seventh male golfer (13th counting both the men and women) to complete a career grand slam. McIlroy is currently favored to win at 11/2.

With a win, Bubba Watson would join the elite eight who have already won the Masters three or more times. He would also be only the second player in Masters history to win three times in a four-year span. Watson says that Augusta National is a good fit for his style. Add to that, a top-15 finish or better in every tournament that he’s played in this year, and win No. 3 could be very likely.

At 21 years old, Jordan Spieth has already claimed four professional wins and 25 top-10 finishes. In his first attempt playing in last year’s Masters, Spieth nearly accomplished what hadn’t been done in 35 years – a rookie win. With two recent second-place finishes and a current career-high No.4 world ranking, Spieth has earned his place as a favorite.

We can’t leave out Northwest natives Ryan Moore and Fred Couples. Moore is playing well right now. With one win and three top-10 finishes already this season, he currently ranks 11th in the FedExCup Standings. And while the odds are less likely for Couples, a win for the 55-year-old would not only make him the oldest Masters champion – breaking Jack Nicklaus’ record set at the age of 46 – but would also mark the longest stretch between wins at 23 years.