Masters at a Glance

AUGUSTA, Ga. — A brief look at the Masters, which is scheduled to start today (all times PDT):

Event: The 69th Masters Tournament.

Site: Augusta National Golf Club.

Length: 7,290 yards.

Par: 36-36—72.

Changes: There were no significant changes to the golf course for the first time since 2002.

Format: 72 holes of stroke play, sudden death playoff if necessary.

Purse: To be determined ($6.29 million in 2004).

Field: 88 professionals, four amateurs.

Defending champion: Phil Mickelson.

Forecast: 80 percent chance of rain today.

Noteworthy: Ernie Els, Vijay Singh, Mickelson and Retief Goosen each have won majors since Tiger Woods last won a major at the 2002 U.S. Open.

Quoteworthy: “We adopted a new policy. We don’t talk about club matters. Period.” — Masters chairman Hootie Johnson, when asked whether there would ever be a female member at Augusta National.

Key tee times: Mickelson, Ryan Moore, Stuart Appleby, 7:38 a.m.; Singh, Lee Westwood, Chad Campbell, 7:49 a.m.; Woods, Darren Clarke, Carlos Franco, 10:33 a.m.; Els, David Toms, Adam Scott, 10:44 a.m. Local watch: Kirk Triplett 5:16 a.m.

— Complete list of tee times in Stat Sheet, C4

Television: Today, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (replay), USA Network.

Associated Press