Graeme McDowell is on the verge of doing something really “big” in the game but those who fancy a Masters flutter on the pride of Portrush should save their cash for another day.

There’s no such thing as a sure thing in golf and while Paul McGinley believes the stars will align and Rory McIlroy will soon put together a performance for the ages, there is no guarantee it will happen in the Masters.

Shane Lowry has the game to come of age on his Masters debut today, both Pádraig Harrington and Darren Clarke agree, but for all the talents the newest Irish participant possesses, making them come alive at Augusta National is the biggest challenge of all.

For the rookies in the Masters’ field, like our own Shane Lowry, these past few days have been all about the realisation of one of their golfing dreams.

Four-time Augusta National champion Arnold Palmer confidently expects to be welcoming Rory McIlroy to next year’s Masters Champions dinner.

He’s in Sydney to defend his Australian Open crown, but Rory McIlroy admits not a day goes by when he’s not thinking about the bigger picture.

World number one Rory McIlroy admits he is annoyed to still be spending time on legal battles rather than the golf course, but insists it will have no impact on his bid to complete the career grand slam.

It is fair to say Graeme McDowell has not always anticipated an early April drive up Magnolia Lane to Augusta National as eagerly as most who get the invitation to play the Masters.

Rory McIlroy believes almost three-quarters of the 97-strong field can win the US Masters, while Justin Rose neatly summed up an unpredictable season so far.

Rory McIlroy could find little to celebrate in settling for a share of ninth place in the 25th anniversary Dubai Desert Classic.

Our correspondent travelled to the Masters without clubs, golf shoes and with a chronic shoulder problem. But when his name came out of the press lottery for 18 holes at Augusta National last Monday, nothing could stop him.

Graeme McDowell could have been speaking for the entire European contingent when he summed up his efforts at this year’s Masters.

Nothing is as cold and heartless as time. It waits for no man. Or so goes the saying.

When Tiger Wood’s drives up Magnolia Lane this week, he will once again demonstrate a swagger and aura not seen from him since his last major success in 2008.

Before a ball is struck in anger Peter Williamson considers eight topics which look set to dominate the 2013 golf season

Chinese prodigy Guan Tianlang, 14, is set to become the youngest ever player at the Augusta Masters.

In the United States there is probably no more hallowed golfing ground than Augusta National.

Pádraig Harrington arrived at Augusta National clearly in an upbeat mood and boasting the best record in the Majors of any player in the past five years.

Graeme McDowell was pleased with his decision to contest the Shell Houston Open despite posting a highest score on American soil in three seasons.

I DON’T know what you had for your dinner last night but I, for one, was not served up a four-course delight of Spanish cuisine of which Filete de Res Mignon Pimento Ahumado Demi Glace was the high point.

FOR once the man in the black hat turned out to be the good guy.

ANYONE who thinks they’ve had a tough life should take time out to read up on Angel Cabrera.

PÁDRAIG HARRINGTON might only be one place ahead of Rory McIlroy in the world rankings but the gulf in experience between the three-time major winner and the young Ulsterman was evident as they prepared for next week’s Masters Tournament at the Shell Houston Open.

The South African man in black keeps turning up at Augusta to prove that staying active throughout life is a model all people should strive for. Simon Lewis reports

IT was probably a pointer in itself that Dermot Weld tossed newcomer Golden Arrow into Listed company on his debut in the Kerry Spring Water Rochestown Stakes at Cork yesterday.

WILLIE MULLINS’ Euro Leader has a decent chance of landing a competitive Kanturk Handicap Chase at Cork this afternoon.

WE have two cracking classics to look forward to at the Curragh this weekend, the 2000 Guineas and 1000 Guineas, as well as some strong supporting races, particularly the Group One Tattersalls Gold Cup.

GRAEME McDOWELL had little reason to stroll around in the glorious sunshine at Augusta National yesterday with the confidence of a man attempting to win the Masters green jacket at the first attempt.

Vijay Singh claims anybody wanting to win the Masters this week needs “the whole package” – and he believes he has it.

The planned protests against Augusta’s all-male membership policy look set to take place away from the main gates of the course.

The odds on South African Retief Goosen winning his second major title at this week’s Masters have come tumbling down after his four-stroke victory in the BellSouth Classic in Atlanta yesterday.