The first golf major of 2015 begins Thursday: the iconic Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. Each major championship in the sport carries its own prestige, but there’s something unique about the tournament held every spring in Georgia, a different kind of respect given to a golfer when’s he introduced as a Masters champion. In 2015, almost 100 of the world’s best will compete at the famed venue, each competing for a chance to don the coveted green jacket. Here are a few narratives to keep an eye on.

More Glory for Rory?

The top-ranked player in the world was on fire during the second half of 2014, winning the Open Championship and a second PGA title. Had McIlroy not collapsed on Augusta’s back nine in 2011, he would’ve already finished a career slam; however, that just means 2015 could be the year for the Northern Irishman to do it. (If he wins the Masters, McIlroy would also have a chance to complete a “Rory Slam” – holding all four major titles at the same time – at the U.S. Open in June.) His finishes at Augusta have improved over the last few seasons – he was tied for eighth a year ago – and he can definitely be considered a favorite to win.

Is Tiger Back?

Tiger Woods announced several days ago that he would play in the Masters, ending a nine-week absence from the game. The 39-year-old is currently 111th in the latest world rankings, and is still searching for a 15th major title. Woods was in a similar kind of position 10 years ago; he arrived at the 2005 Masters looking for a first major in almost three years. But after nearly blowing a final-round lead, Woods beat Chris DiMarco in a playoff for his most recent win at Augusta. His chip-in for birdie at the 16th could be regarded as one of the most amazing shots of the decade.

After that title, he went on to win five additional majors over the next three years. Now it’s been almost seven years since Torrey Pines; Woods is running out of time to catch Jack Nicklaus, is 2015 the season when the world sees another Tiger resurgence?

Defending champion Bubba Watson is also a favorite, as the University of Georgia alum seeks a third green jacket in four years. Whoever takes the prize come Sunday, golf fans can be guaranteed plenty of drama over the next four days.