The Masters, the first major of the 2015 season, just got way more interesting with the news that Tiger Woods is not only competing in it, but also looking sharp enough in the practice rounds to contend in it.

As is well known, the former world number one took himself out of competitive play after a couple of disastrous rounds earlier this year, when he not only struggled with his short game, but also seemed to have injured his back once again.

Woods took his own sweet time to announce that he would be playing the tournament but, once he did, there was a discernible shift in focus from Rory McIlroy’s bid to secure a career grand slam this week. And I think that will actually do the young Ulsterman a world of good.

Even though Woods and McIlroy are hogging the limelight, there is so much more to the Masters this year.

I thought it was very interesting when a recent survey by ESPN.com revealed defending champion Bubba Watson as the most unpopular colleague in a poll of 103 professional golfers. A few years ago, a similar poll found out Phil Mickelson was not the most liked fellow player on the Tour, but you just have to see his connection with the fans to believe how popular he is.

I think Bubba is just like Mickelson in more ways than one. To begin with, if he wins on Sunday he will match Mickelson’s record of three Green Jackets. Popular or not, both have such imaginative and unorthodox thinking on the golf course, they make the sport much more exciting for the paying public.

Then there is 21-year-old Jordan Spieth. He has been one of the most extraordinary stories in the game the last couple of years and, given his recent form — second or better in his last three starts — I’d say he is the current favourite despite his young age and his relative inexperience of Augusta National.

The other in-form players are Henrik Stenson, Dustin Johnson and Jimmy Walker. Even though Stenson is downplaying his chances because of the after-effects of the flu, I always say beware the sick golfer. Johnson has looked fresh and sharp since making his comeback, while Walker has rediscovered life in his late 30s and it seems he just can’t put a wrong step at the moment.

Going back to Woods, there is no reason to rule out his chances. Obviously, he is short on match practice and Augusta National is such a demanding course that your game has to be in perfect shape to contend for the title. And yet, having a good gameplan is also very important, and he knows how to go about his business on this track for sure.

Augusta is one place where McIlroy does not have a very good record, but the way he played the first 63 holes in 2011 shows what he is capable of. And he has the added benefit of experience, title wins, much improved physique and, above all, an unsatiated hunger for winning big events.

This is going to be one exciting tournament and, while I always want the best man to win, I confess I am a bit partial towards Anirban Lahiri. My fellow Indian is playing his first Masters and I am confident of a good result from him. Anirban has a wise head on young shoulders and that is big prerequisite of doing well at the Masters.

— Jeev Milkha Singh is a four-time champion on the European Tour