AUGUSTA, Georgia (Reuters) – Like all Australian golfers, Marc Leishman knows all about his country’s jinx at the Masters.

No Australian has ever won the Masters and for a country that is used to sporting success, it has become a source of national frustration.

AUGUSTA, Georgia, April 11 (Reuters) – There were no miracle shots or tears of joy from Bubba Watson at the Masters on Thursday when the American launched his title defence.

Unlike his final round last year, when he produced one of the greatest shots seen at Augusta National to win the green jacket, Watson was unable to conjure up any magic this time.

AUGUSTA, Georgia (Reuters) – David Lynn has forged a reputation as one of golf’s funny men, a wisecracking Englishman who does not take himself or the game too seriously.

When he is not golfing, he is tweeting jokes and photos of himself participating in the ‘planking’ craze where people post images of themselves lying face down in unusual locations.

AUGUSTA, Georgia, April 10 (Reuters) – American Ted Potter Jr. won the Masters Par-3 Contest on Wednesday, beating Phil Mickelson and Matt Kuchar in a playoff for the annual short-course competition.

Five players finished tied for the lead at four-under 23 after the short, nine-hole layout but Ernie Els and Nick Watney opted out of the playoff, leaving just Potter, Mickelson and Kuchar to shoot it out.

AUGUSTA, Georgia (Reuters) – The Masters is the only major golf tournament that seems to offer a rare edge to left-handed players as the game’s minority group has triumphed there more than the sport’s other three majors combined.

The jury is out on whether the majestic Augusta National layout presents an advantage to lefties, but the recent spate of winners has triggered debate on whether they have an edge among the pine trees and azaleas of the world’s most famous golf course.

AUGUSTA, Georgia (Reuters) – The Masters is the only major golf tournament that seems to offer a rare edge to left-handed players as the game’s minority group has triumphed there more than the sport’s other three majors combined.

The jury is out on whether the majestic Augusta National layout presents an advantage to lefties, but the recent spate of winners has triggered debate on whether they have an edge among the pine trees and azaleas of the world’s most famous golf course.

AUGUSTA, Georgia (Reuters) – Tiger Woods is happier and healthier than he has been in years.

His aching knee has stopped hurting and he has a new love interest.

His golf game is in great shape as well, having already won three tournaments this year and returning to top spot in the world rankings.

ATLANTA (Reuters) – Louisville won the 75th edition of the NCAA men’s basketball championship on Monday, beating Michigan 82-76 in a pulsating final in front of more than 74,000 fans at the Georgia Dome.

The Cardinals overcame a slow start in which they twice trailed by 12 points in the first half to outscore Michigan 45-38 in the second half and capture their third national title after previously winning in 1980 and 1986.

By Julian Linden

(Reuters) – The new year has not been kind to Rory McIlroy and next week’s Masters presents a shot at redemption if the Northern Irishman can solve an Augusta National course that has frustrated him in recent years.

McIlroy finished 2012 on the ultimate high, ranked number one in the world and with a second major championship in the bag. He won the money titles on the PGA and European Tours and signed a massive sponsorship deal.

April 4 (Reuters) – Missing last year’s Masters proved to be a blessing in disguise for Ernie Els and the South African is heading back to Augusta National next week with all the enthusiasm of a rookie.

For the first time since 1994, Els was unable to secure an invitation to the first major of the year after slipping down the rankings and failing to meet any of the other qualifying criteria.