A Fast Study

With a relative lull in his academic schedule, Woods has been studying tapes of Masters telecasts dating back to 1988, all with an eye toward better understanding how to play the course. He has filed away the advice of Fred Couples, Greg Norman and others, and he has practice rounds lined up with Palmer on Monday, Norman on Tuesday and Couples on Wednesday. Finally, rather than employ an Augusta National caddie, as he did last year, Woods is bringing Jay Brunza, his sports psychologist, who has carried the bag in all live of his USGA titles. "He's got as good a chance as anybody, as long as he hits it," says Norman. "He has all the other elements, too."

Woods is just eager to see how far he has come in the last 12 months. "That's what I'm looking forward to the most." he says. "Augusta is going to tell me where I am."