Iain Carter BBC golf correspondent at Augusta

Howell is being tipped to shine in Augusta

Looking for a tip for a potential dark horse at the US Masters? Well, Charles Howell III is the one the locals are backing.

Despite his slight physique, the Augusta-born 23 year old is one of the longest hitters on Tour.

He is playing his second Masters and has already won the backing of the last local to win here, the 1987 champion Larry Mize.

The Augusta Chronicle is running a telephone poll on who its readers think will win this year's title.

Surprisingly, not many are backing Tiger Woods for an unprecedented third green jacket in a row.

Ernie Els is way ahead, polling seven times as many votes as Tiger.

Mind you the project has not exactly captured the local imagination - Els can only boast 35 votes so far!

Did you know Fred Couples has never missed the cut at the Masters?

The 1992 champion is bidding to avoid the halfway chop for the 19th consecutive year.

Having failed to make the weekend in 1982, Bernhard Langer has since compiled a blemish free record and is going for 20 in a row.

Congratulations to the former voice of BBC radio golf Renton Laidlaw, who receives his Lifetime Achievement in Journalism Award from the Golf Writers Association of America on Wednesday.

Also receiving Player of the Year accolades are Tiger Woods, Annika Sorenstam and Hale Irwin.

Doesn't Justin know you cannot bring food past security?

There is increased security this year and items, including fruit, are being confiscated on entry to the course.

Interestingly the guard inspecting my bag seemed distracted throughout the search, recovering his concentration only after sneakily acquiring a previously seized apple for his own consumption!