There may be no azaleas, patrons or famous roars ringing around Augusta this week but when you’re in level 5 lockdown in Ireland, you’ll take what you can get. And what we’re getting is a Masters like no other, an invite to Augusta National in autumn and one of the most timely interjections of sporting heaven we could wish for at this time.

The last time the country found itself in a level 5 lockdown, sport was off the agenda but what we pined for back in April is very much on the calendar for a unique November celebration, an escape from all things COVID and hopefully, without pushing our luck too much, a first chance to see an Irishman don that famous Green Jacket in the Butler Cabin come Sunday.

Our website has been inundated with all the latest from Augusta so far this week and our special digital edition Masters magazine dropped on Tuesday, packed with quality content from drives up Magnolia Lane, past and present. Our access this week has been nothing short of incredible and we’re delighted to release our latest podcast to further preview what we have no qualms in admitting is our favourite week in the golfing calendar.

Joining us on the show is a three-pronged line-up, headlined by live Masters contender Graeme McDowell who returns to Augusta National for the first time since 2016. We have former European Ryder Cup winning Captain Paul McGinley with his take on the runners and riders, plus his idea of the winner ahead of Thursday’s opening round and we also feature an extra special interview with Mallow amateur, James Sugrue who joined us after his practice round on Tuesday to discuss his first impressions of arguably the most famous venue in golf.

We hope you enjoy the listen and as ever, make sure you stay ahead of the game this week at IrishGolfer.ie