Magical, special, iconic, colourful... green - that can only mean one thing, it's Masters week.

The first major of the year, amid the splendour of the Augusta National, heralds, for many, the beginning of the season and excites golfers and non-golfers alike.

This week has added spice with the return of Tiger Woods to major action following knee surgery.

The four-time Masters champion landed a stunning victory two weeks ago in only his third event back, and he goes to Augusta with the bit between his teeth.

In Woods's absence, American rival Phil Mickelson has been pushing hard to seize the world number one spot and will be a serious contender to claim a third Masters Green Jacket.

Ireland's Padraig Harrington is chasing a third straight major title after clinching last year's USPGA and Open, to add to his 2007 Open triumph.

Between them, Woods and Mickelson have won five of the previous eight Masters, but the last two years have thrown up surprise champions in Zach Johnson and holder Trevor Immelman.

The 73rd Masters, in the 75th year of the event, promises to be another visual and sporting feast.