Masters tips: Luke Donald, the form man

Undoubtedly one of the stars of last year’s Ryder Cup, Donald comes into the Masters as the form man.

His impressive win over Martin Kaymer in the WGC Accenture World Match Play Championship at the start of the year was testament to that. And if Twitter is to be believed, he has also been making hay while practising for the first major of the year with Rory McIllroy.

Donald’s game is built around unerring accuracy from tee to green and a solid short game. His unflappable temperament is also a big strength, although he looked fallible when leading the PGA Championship at Wentworth last year, only to end in a whimper as Simon Khan took a surprise win.

The one thing he does lack is distance off the tee, which has become more important over the past few years with the Augusta National tinkering with the course to try and ‘de-Tiger’ it.

If he is to go well, you would fancy him to come from behind on the final day, much like he did when taking a very fine third place in 2005. That day he shot a 69, picking up three shots over the closing four holes.

He certainly likes Augusta having had another top 10 finish in the past five years in 2007. Such a strong record around Augusta means Donald poses a very real threat to the green jacket and is a very strong each way bet.

The combination of his past record and current form means he is one to watch.

The Masters – BBC’s loss is Sky’s gain

I’m gonna begin my Masters countdown with a moan. Sorry, but it will be the only one for the next week or so (unless Tiger flobs on a green at Augusta or, God forbid, actually wins). Both are directed at the BBC.

Firstly, we have the sad news that this year’s coverage will only be live on Saturday and Sunday. What? You mean that – like other big events such as the PGA Championship at Wentworth in May – you are now splitting the coverage with Sky (who, by the way, will still screen the final two days live anyway)?

I take issue with this for a number of reasons. Firstly, I don’t have Sky. There, I said it. Yep, not all of us can afford to bankroll Rupert Murdoch.

Secondly, where is the BBC putting its licence money these days? We have lost live coverage of the FA Cup, England football internationals, the Ryder Cup, boxing, Premier League football. The list goes on. What have we got in return? The globe-trotting boreathon that is Formula 1. And bowls.

What compounds the issue is that the BBC coverage – and its stellar commentary team – cover golf like no other broadcaster can. From the laid-back brilliance of Peter Alliss to the ‘Ken on the Course’ genius of Ken Brown. Not forgetting the ever-wonderful Sam Torrance.

Hang on. What was that? Sam Torrance has been dropped? You have to be kidding me, right? I wish it was a joke, but now not only do we have two days less coverage, but we also have to face it without the dulcet tones and dry wit of the great Scot.

Never mind, I’m sure Gary Lineker will be there, faux silk shirt gripping his pecs in a ‘check-me-out, I’m-50-odd, look-this-good, and-am-married-to-an-underwear-model’ kind of way. Go figure.

It just won’t be the same without Sam’s catchphrase-like reaction to any shot that lands within six feet – ‘that’s a beauty’. Or how he can deliver harsh criticism sounding like a man who’s offering you a drink in a pub. Not forgetting how emotionally involved he gets – who could forget his reaction to Darren Clarke’s winning effort at the Ryder Cup at the K Club in 2006 without getting a lump in the throat? Or how he brings the perspective of a former player and captain when he oversees the Ryder Cup.

It’s a decision that is laughable and now Sam’s nose is out of joint (and why wouldn’t it be?) he has cut his BBC ties and is now almost certainly gonna end up at, you guessed it, Sky.

The BBC have really missed a trick. Torrance was clearly their heir apparent to Peter Alliss. Who will we get now if Alliss – God forbid – hangs up his mike? Jean Van De Velde? Why not go the whole hog and give Ian Pattinson – the Beebs rules man who makes Gordon Brown sound like a hoot – the gig?

And to think everyone was scratching their heads when Graeme McDowell didn’t make the final three of its Sports Personality show last year. I wasn’t. He didn’t stand a chance against the likes of Jessica Ennis (who won a European gold in a championships that got wall-to-wall BBC coverage) and AP McCoy (who won the Grand National, which the BBC gives the full treatment to too).

I will really miss the first two days of live coverage. And I will really miss Sam. Here’s hoping a UK winner makes up for what are two great losses to this magical event.