USA: GOLF - Preview of the upcoming US Masters Tournament with British Golfer David Howell at the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia

Can the international competition dethrone the Americans at the 2007 US Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia? That was the question of the day as those golfers invited to the first of the four PA majors practised on Monday (April 2). Odds are favourable as for the first time the number of international golfers in the field outnumber the domestic competition. Still Americans have won seven of the last ten Masters behind the strength of Tiger Woods and defending champ, Phil Mickelson. And a Canadian, Mike Weir, was the last non-american to claim victory here. English golfer, David Howell who finished tied for 19th last year and 11th in 2005, was optimistic. "We've got a weight in numbers there, but the best players in the world are still, you know, still Tiger, Phil", he said. "So, we've got a couple of Europeans in the top ten in the world, and a good bunch of us nestled in behind. Obviously, everyone's crying out for a European - or British - winner, and uh, the sooner it comes along, the better for all of us. Especially for me, if it's me!" But doing so will take inspired play, "You know Augusta: you come here, you need to play great golf. You know it's one of the toughest courses we play. It's an extreme test on all fronts." Play for the coveted green jacket starts on Thursday, April 5. PREVIOUS WINNERS: Year Champion Country 2006 Phil Mickelson United States 2005 Tiger Woods United States 2004 Phil Mickelson United States 2003 Mike Weir Canada 2002 Tiger Woods United States 2001 Tiger Woods United States 2000 Vijay Singh Fiji 1999 José María Olazábal Spain 1998 Mark O'Meara United States 1997 Tiger Woods United States

ITN Source | April 4, 2007

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