Taking a look at the Masters and its players

PLOTS AND SUBPLOTS

1. Tiger Woods might be all the way back. Coming off his first official PGA Tour win in 30 months, could a first major title since 2008 be far behind?

2. Return of Rory McIlroy. He defeated the demons from his 2011 Masters meltdown with a runaway win at the U.S. Open. Now he's trying to conquer Augusta.

3. Phil Mickelson's favorite week. He beat Woods head-to-head at Pebble Beach, and he's in his comfort zone, trying to tie Woods with a fourth green jacket.

4. Who's No. 1? Luke Donald is the world's top-ranked player, but few will see him as the best until he wins a major.

5. Bumper crop of rookies. Who is to say this can't be won by Keegan Bradley, Webb Simpson or Kyle Stanley, despite the fact they've never played in the Masters before? They're all winners on tour.