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.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRCjJi_uDp8

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.