The US Masters 2021 takes place at Augusta National from April 8-11 as the major returns to its traditional early spring timeslot on the calendar.

Last year’s Masters become the first-ever major to be held in November when staged seven months later than normal in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Dustin Johnson is the reigning champion having won a first green jacket last year with a record-breaking performance. The world number one set a record 20-under par total in defeating Sungjae Im and Cameron Smith by five shots.

US Masters History

Known as the US Masters or The Masters, the tournament is one of golf’s four majors. Traditionally it is the first of the year, staged in mid to late April.

The Masters is the only one of the majors to take place at the same venue. It is staged at the world famous Augusta National each year and is arguably the most prestigious of all four majors.

The winner of the Masters receives the famous green jacket, presented from the previous years champion inside the Butler’s Cabin. The winner also gets an automatic invite to return for future years.

Jack Nicklaus has been the most successful in Masters history, being crowned champion on six occasions. Tiger Woods has five to his name, while Arnold Palmer has four Masters titles.

Jimmy Demaret, Sam Snead, Gary Player, Nick Faldo and Phil Mickelson all have three wins.

US Masters Course

The Masters is played at Augusta National in Georgia. Augusta is par-72 measuring 7,475 yards and is noted for the pristine fairways, dogwoods and azalea borders.

Augusta, which first opened for play in 1932, is famed the Amen Corner stretch of holes from the 11th to 13th.

It is one of the toughest and most picturesque stretches in all of golf with Rae’s Creek weaving through all three holes and crowds lining all three holes.

US Masters Contenders

Reigning champion Dustin Johnson heads to Augusta as favourite to go back-to-back in the Masters after ending his search for a green jacket last year.

The world number one set the lowest winning score in the history of the Masters last year with a 20-under total. Johnson hasn’t fired in recent weeks, but will the return to Augusta bring out his best?

The 2015 champion Jordan Spieth heads to Augusta in winning form having continued his return to form with victory in the Valero Texas Open last Sunday.

Spieth, who famously capitulated in the 2016 Masters when on course to go back-to-back, will have to defy history with no playing having followed victory in the Texas Open by winning the Masters.

Justin Thomas’s fourth place finish last year was his best yet at Augusta and big things are expected from him. After winning the Players Championship last month, Thomas is bidding to add to to his 2017 USPGA Championship title.

Bryson DeChambeau disappointing in November in the Masters when his big-hitting tactics failed to pay dividends. Will he adopt a different strategy this year?

Jon Rahm heads to Augusta with a spring in his step after becoming a father, while Rory McIlroy once again goes in search of the major he needs to complete a career grand slam. Will the US Masters 2021 be his year?

US Masters 2021 Selections: Dustin Johnson & Justin Thomas