Hard to look beyond the hotpots at Augusta National

Two or three or more of the best players win tournaments in the months leading to April, golf fans hear the familiar, soothing notes of “Augusta” in TV spots and declare that this is shaping up to be the best Masters of them all.

No doubt, there has been enough happen in 12 weeks to start counting the days to this week.

Dustin Johnson started the year with an eight-shot victory that featured a 432½-yard drive on a 433-yard hole. He remains at No1 in the world. Two players have had a mathematical chance to replace him, most recently Justin Thomas, who was one match away.