Europe has been without a Masters champion since Jose Maria Olazabal in 1999 and no British player has won since Nick Faldo in 1996.

Of the current crop of Britons, Paul Casey has the best record with 11th, 10th and sixth in three of his four visits.

Crucially, the Englishman is in form, having claimed his maiden PGA Tour title at the Houston Open on Sunday to move up to a career-best sixth place in the world rankings.

Luke Donald (third in 2005) and Justin Rose (fifth in 2007) also have previous form.

Ian Poulter, second in last year's Open, has a best of 13th but Lee Westwood has had just one top 10 in nine appearances.

England's Ross Fisher and Oliver Wilson also make their debuts at Augusta this week.