A Name to End Tiger's Grand Slam Bid

It is a beautiful morning in Augusta, Georgia, and thoughts turn to who on earth could possibly beat Tiger Woods and leave town wearing the ugliest jacket in sport come Sunday evening. Speak to the bookies and they will tell you "no one" or, if they are feeling particularly generous, they might - might - offer you even money on the world No1. (Is it my failing memory or weren't golf tournament favorites always priced around 8-1?)

Given Woods' form over the last few months, it is hard to argue against the logic that suggests the only person who can stop him winning his fifth Masters is the gate man guarding the entrance to Magnolia Lane. In other words, if he makes it to the first tee in time he wins. He usually does: witness nine victories in 11 events since last August's victory at Firestone. "Only the players understand how difficult it is," he said recently, taking a little swipe at those who are quick to hand him every trophy he plays for.

We can assume he knows what he is talking about, yet while accepting it is exceptionally difficult to win golf tournaments (major championships especially) it might also be worth pointing out that he started it. Or at least he did this year when he accidentally on purpose let it slip that winning the grand slam was "entirely within reason".

It is hard to believe this was a slip of the tongue so we must assume he meant it, and he meant it because he believes he will do it. Woods doesn't set himself up for failure. Yet as the anticipation grows and, let's face it, hopes rise (because what could be better for golf's profile than its most high-profile competitor achieving the impossible?), so does the sense that Woods has done exactly that: set himself up for failure. Or at least failure on his own terms.

He will win a major championship this year, of that there is no doubt. He will probably win two; three is a possibility (he has done that before) but four majors in a single year is asking too much. Golf, or at least professional golf in the modern era, is too capricious for that. There are too many variables: the weather, the tournament draw, injuries. Most of all, there is the rest of the field.

These guys are good, as an irritating TV advert for the PGA tour constantly reminds us. Sure, Woods beats them all week after week. But major championships are different. They inspire people, just as last year's Masters inspired the entirely improbable Zach Johnson.

So as much as a Woods grand slam would stir the heart, the sensible conclusion is that it won't happen. Someone will spoil the fun. A name? Try Geoff Ogilvy, who was last seen winning the CA Championship in Miami and, even more impressively, outlasting Tiger Woods.