All has changed since 1997 but not always for the better

After the tweaking of the previous years, when nip/tuck surgery was performed on the course at Augusta National, a procedure that was to become known as "Tiger-proofing", the 2004 US Masters was important because it was the first time the course was playing fast and firm since major renovations were made - mostly in 2002 - under the careful direction of architect Tom Fazio.

No further changes to the course have been carried out for this year's tournament, although the weather gods (more than three inches of rain fell in one day alone in Augusta last week as thunderstorms hit the area) may decree the course doesn't play quite as fast and firm as the organising committee would like it to.

When Tiger Woods played his first Masters, as an amateur in 1995, the course measured 6,925 yards. In the years since the 2001 Masters, the courses was lengthened from 6,985 yards to 7,290 yards. In addition, some tees were moved to change the shot lines into landing areas, making them more demanding.

Several bunkers were also extended and, for really the first time in the tournament's history, rough was grown to a length that made it a factor.

"The course played longer, which is the first thing," observed Bernhard Langer, a two-time champion. "Then there is the rough . . . whenever you are in the rough, you cannot control the spin of the ball. For example, I was in the left rough at 17, hit a perfect pitching wedge from 120 yards and wound up making a bogey from over the green. That's the difference the rough now makes."

Indeed, not everyone is enamoured of the changes. "Augusta all changed in 1997 when Tiger destroyed it and they cut it up and made huge changes to the course," said Nick Faldo.

"They ruined it for me. It's all a great shame that it has changed . . . I think my days are over to win that one now. It's not impossible, but it sure would be difficult. Holes 14, 17 and 18 are just brutal."

Coming down the stretch, those holes - more than any - will likely determine the 2005 champion. The 14th is a par four of 440 yards, with trees on either side of the fairway to cause problems for any pulled or pushed tee-shots. This hole, though, is mainly about the green. It's as viciously undulating a putting surface as there is in golf.

The 17th is a par four of 425 yards. The first priority is to find the fairway off the tee, the next is to find the green. Simple really. Except it's not.

The green is guarded by bunkers, but the real penalty is anyone going too long. "There's very little chance of stopping your chip close to the hole unless it's all the way to the front," observed Jose Maria Olazabal.

Then, there is the 18th. Gone are the days of flying the fairway bunkers on the left as this uphill par four of 465 yards really bares its teeth, particularly under pressure. The one place you don't want to be off the tee is in the trees on the right.