Masters' jinx

The US Masters at Augusta is preceded by a traditional par-3 competition. Most top stars love to participate, but there is also a jinx attached to it. No winner of the par-3 competition has ever won the coveted Green Jacket the same week.

But Padraig Harrington couldn't be bothered. The affable Irishman won the traditional event for the second time. Last year, Harrington tied with David Toms for the trophy. Harrington, Tiger Woods and Eduardo Romero all carded four-under 23s at the nine-hole par-3 course at Augusta National, with Harrington beating Romero in a playoff. Woods had a previous commitment and, hence, withdrew.

Player on Wei

South African legend Gary Player feels that the presence of a player like the 14-year-old Michelle Wie at the US Masters would be a big plus for the tournament and the game. He was quoted as saying, "I think it would be the greatest thing that could ever happen to Augusta. I think the spectators would love it. I would watch her and I don't understand why some of the pros are anti-women."

Interestingly, Player's nephew caddies for Wie. Player also supported Annika Sorenstam's appearance on the PGA Tour last year.

Free telecast

The Masters will see a commercial free telecast for the second year in a row after the Masters committee decided to protect several exclusive members and their companies from a consumer backlash orchestrated by the Martha Burk of the National Council of Women's Organisation.

Burk's planned protest at the gates of Magnolia Lane, the famous entrance to Augusta, was successfully thwarted last year. This year, Burk has launched a new campaign targeting members associated with the club. Augusta chairman Hootie Johnson, who is not otherwise averse to Michelle Wie playing at the Masters said he will not be "forced" into admitting a female member.