What will be the standout event of 2020?

With the Olympics and Ryder Cup thrown into the mix, which tournament will deliver the greatest golfing thrill in the first year of the Roaring ‘20s?

- Fergus Bisset

This year could be an absolute cracker in terms of top-level competitive golf. On top of the regular season and the always exciting annual Majors, golf fans will also be treated to Olympic golf and the Ryder Cup. Which of these great events might stand out and electrify the sporting world?

With a nine-month wait for a men’s Major Championship, since Shane Lowry’s momentous victory at Portrush last July, The Masters will be even more eagerly anticipated this year. The tapestry of colours at Augusta ushers in the golf season and, perhaps more so than any other event, The Masters inspires people to dust off the clubs and head for the fairways.

Golf fans know the course so well and every hole conjures memories of historic strokes of brilliance or moments of costly misfortune. The lush fairways, challenging undulations, run-offs and hazards are all comfortingly familiar to those who can enjoy the test from the safety of their armchair.

Last year’s Masters was simply incredible, with Tiger completing one of the great comebacks in sporting history. Could he win it again? Or could we finally see Rory triumph at a course so suited to his game? Whatever happens when the world’s best tee it up at Augusta on April 9, the golfing year will shift firmly into top gear.