Augusta National will look slightly different during this year's Masters.

There are unconfirmed reports that the course looks a little airier after ice storms this winter shredded the leaves off many of the trees.

The biggest confirmed change is on the 17th hole, where the iconic Eisenhower Tree is gone. It got destroyed by a storm in February.

"We obtained opinions from the best arborists available and, unfortunately, were advised that no recovery was possible,"Augusta president Billy Payne said.

The tree, which sat on the left side of the fairway 210 yards from the tee, befuddled players for decades. It got its name after president Eisenhower officially proposed chopping it down because he hit it so many times.

This weekend the official Augusta Instagram account posted a photo of the new view from the tee.

Here's the before (top) and after (bottom):

They also posted the final picture of the tree in all its glory.

Here's what it looks like now, without the tree up on the left:

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The best week in sports is here as the Masters Tournament at Augusta National starts on Thursday. 

For casual fans of the sport, this marks the start of the golf season. 

For the PGA, this is actually its midpoint.

Last year, the PGA Tour started a "wrap around schedule." In that schedule, the first event of the season is in October and the last event is in September. 

So far, it's been a weird year for golf. The big names have been shaky, and a bunch of guys you've never heard of are winning.

In the last two weeks, for instance, Matt Kuchar faltered in his Sunday rounds, allowing two unknowns to get their first PGA Tour wins.

A month ago, you could have argued that two guys you've never heard of — Jimmy Walker and Patrick Reed — were the hottest players in the world. Walker has won three times and Patrick has won two times this year. Neither has look dominant lately, though.

Adding to the weirdness is the sad reality of Tiger Woods. He'll miss the Masters after back surgery. Woods said he would be back this summer, but odds are that he's done for the season.

This was supposed to be a big year for Tiger. All four major championship venues set up well for him. He has won at the site of this year's Masters (Augusta), British Open (Royal Liverpool), and PGA Championship (Valhalla), and he came in second at the site of the U.S. Open (Pinehurst).

This is the first Masters Woods will miss in 20 years. It's a bit depressing. Regardless of what you think of him as a person, as a golfer he's a transcendent talent, and incredibly compelling on the course.

Because of Tiger's absence and the somewhat goofy state of the PGA Tour this season, there is no real favorite heading into the Masters. There's a good chance we're going to get some oddball winner this year. 

Here's our best attempt at sorting through who has a shot at winning. We'll break down all the contenders, and then narrow it down to five favorites.

If you're joining a Masters pool, think of this as your guide.

NEVER COUNT HIM OUT

PHIL MICKELSON

Phil hasn't played particularly well this year. He pulled an oblique muscle at the Valero Open in Texas, so his health might not be so good. But, he knows the course inside and out, and loves Augusta National. 

Should you pick him? We think his attention is focused on the U.S. Open at Pinehurst, but he should be dialed in for the Masters.

THE DEFENDING CHAMPS

ADAM SCOTT

Adam Scott has consistently played well at Augusta National. You'd be a fool not to include him in your pool. Since October, Scott has been in the top 10 at five of the seven tournaments he has played. Don't expect him to win, but expect him to post a good number and finish in the top 10.

BUBBA WATSON

After Bubba won the Masters in 2012, he didn't do much in tournament golf. He has shown signs of life this year, though. He won at the Northern Trust Open in Los Angeles, and finished second in both the Waste Management Open in Phoenix and a WGC event in Miami. But, the last time he was in a tournament was the Arnold Palmer Invitational. He shot an 83, then withdrew. If he hadn't shot that 83, he'd be a lock for your pool. 

THE NOT-SO-WILD CARDS

BRANDT SNEDEKER

Snedeker says he wants to win the Masters more than any other tournament in the world. He'd trade all his victories to date for the green jacket. He loves the course, loves the event. Last year he was in the mix on Sunday, but came up short. He hasn't done much this year, but it'd be silly to ignore Sneds.

JASON DAY

Day is also dealing with an injury. He hurt his thumb a few weeks back. Assuming his thumb is fine, he should be a contender. This is Day's fourth Masters. He's finished 2nd, WD with an ankle injury, and 3rd at Augusta National. He's a perennial contender. 

RORY MCILROY

Last year was a waste for McIlroy as he tried to figure out his new Nike equipment. By the end of the season, though, he got it together and won in Australia. He started this year with two potential wins in Dubai and in Florida. He came up short on Sunday in each of those events. McIlroy probably has some scar tissue from his 2011 implosion at Augusta, but with his length off the tee, and his natural talent, he's going to win the Masters one of these years. This could very well be his year. 

ANGEL CABRERA

He has the best nickname in golf, El Pato (the duck), and it feels like he's always on the leaderboard at Augusta National. He lost in a playoff last year, so it's hard to see him winning this year. But, he's someone to watch.

DUSTIN JOHNSON

He's actually had a pretty good year. He's been in the top 10 in 4 of his last 5 events. He's never done much at Augusta, but with his length, he should be able to eat up the par 5s. His short game and putting are the problem, but he's improved both of them lately. He's 11th in strokes gained putting this year, compared to 117 the year before. 

THE REAL WILD CARD

SERGIO GARCIA

Sergio is getting a lot of buzz. He's been playing well, and he has the talent to win a major. Maybe this is where he finally breaks through.

THE GUY WHO DOES JUST ENOUGH TO NOT WIN

MATT KUCHAR

Kuchar is a consistent player who puts himself in position to win, but then comes up short. If you're looking for a safe pick, he's reasonable, but don't expect him to win. 

THE SORT OF HOT PLAYERS

JIMMY WALKER AND PATRICK REED

Um, no. We just can't see it happening, but we're happy to be proven wrong.  

HENRIK STENSON

Stenson was the best player in the world by the end of last season. He cooled off when the FedEx Cup playoffs ended, and he's shown little flash so far this year. He's never been particularly good at Augusta National.

WHO'S GOING TO WIN?

If we had to pick five golfers, here's who we would go with:

5. Sergio Garcia: Why not?

4. Adam Scott: Unlikely he wins, but it's highly likely he posts a top-10 score.

3. Jason Day: He was close last year, he'll be even closer this year.

2. Matt Kuchar: He's a consistent player with enough talent to win.

1. Rory McIlroy: He's the best player in the world, and he'll remind us why at Augusta National.

SEE ALSO: 21 Things You Never Knew About The Masters

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The Masters is one of the most unusual events in sports.

It's all about tradition, and it's defined by a set of odd rules and customs that just doesn't exist outside of Augusta National.

It's great.

We compiled the oddest traditions that make the Masters and Augusta one of a kind.

Food prices are ridiculously low.

Tipping is banned.

Source: NYT

Cellphones are banned.

At the peak of his career, Tiger Woods' one, true rival was Phil Mickelson. However, when it comes to career earnings on the PGA Tour, Mickelson has never rivaled Woods.

In the 17 seasons prior to this year, Woods averaged $6.4 million per year in earnings and has now made $109.6 million on the PGA Tour. Meanwhile, in the 21 seasons prior to this year, Mickelson has averaged $3.5 million and has now made $73.6 million in his career.

Mickelson's career earnings are nothing to scoff at. Yet, Tiger has made 48.8% more than his biggest rival.

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The Masters is perhaps the most prestigious sporting event in the world and getting there comes at a high price. The cheapest tickets for Sunday's final round are going for $874 on Stub Hub.

Despite the sophisticated grandeur surrounding the tournament, the food and drinks are really cheap according to Darren Rovell.

A Pimento Cheese sandwich is only $1.50 and a grilled chicken wrap is only $3.00.

As for beer, the cheapest is $3.00 and if you want something imported, it's only $4.00.

Masters concession prices remain cheapest in sports, no changes in price vs last year (H/T @zach_conrad) pic.twitter.com/gsf6YU1IFJ

— darren rovell (@darrenrovell) April 7, 2014

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This week marks the 50th anniversary of Arnold Palmer's fourth win at The Masters and prior to this year's tournament, Gary Player, a 3-time champion, took a moment to tell his favorite story about Palmer.

The incident occurred during a televised tournament in Japan when Palmer, in Players' words "had a big poop" on the green. One of the tournament officials blamed Player because "Palmer [is] king, he [would] never do it."

Here is the video via The Golf Channel.

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Tennis player Caroline Wozniacki caddied for her fiancee, Rory McIlroy, during the Masters Par-3 Contest at Augusta National on Thursday.

She dyed her hair pink for the occasion.

Augusta is one of the most traditional, conservative places in sports. It has strict rules on everything from caddie attire to carrying cellphones. 

We're guessing this is a first:

Pink hair, don't care:

The Par-3 Contest has become a chance for the players' children and wives to get some time in the spotlight.

Wozniacki, with the hair, stole the show.

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The Wednesday before the start of The Masters is traditionally the day of the Par-3 contest. One of the traditions of the Par-3 contest is for golfers to use children or loved ones as caddies.

This leads to some adorable scenes as the normally serious golfers get a chance to enjoy themselves on the course if just for one afternoon.

The kids get to dress up in traditional Masters jumpers. Here is Scott Stallings walking with his son.

Many of the children even had their own clubs, even if they didn't always use them.

While caddies usually carry bags, some of the golfers had to carry their caddy, including Kevin Streelman with his daughter.

 The fans love it.

What kid doesn't love a day at the beach?

Golf might be less stressful if more players treated the course like a playground.

"Don't worry, dad. I got this."

These kids are the best.

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The Masters has ridiculously cheap food and drinks at their concession stands. But when it comes to merchandise, the prices add up quickly.

Jason Sobel of The Golf Channel was shown one receipt that revealed somebody spent nearly $5,700 on merchandise in the Masters merchandise tent.

In all, the person purchased 72 items, including $175 for a belt, $175 for what appears to be a cashmere sweater, and $421 on tax.

Was just shown this Masters merchandise tent receipt. For 72 items. And a few dollars. pic.twitter.com/Ym9vaG8M44

— Jason Sobel (@JasonSobelGC) April 10, 2014

And a close up:

SEE ALSO: 21 Things You Never Knew About The Masters

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Rory McIlroy has started taking his physical fitness more seriously than ever, going to the gym twice a day. He even had to be talked out of CrossFit by his fiancee, Caroline Wozniacki.

The results are evident this week at The Masters where McIlroy looks both thinner and more muscular than ever.

It is easy to imagine that his friendship with Tiger Woods has had an influence on McIlroy. Woods is also a proponent of bigger muscles on the golf course as he has bulked up in recent years.

Here is another shot of McIlroy during this year's par-3 contest at The Masters.

Here is what McIlroy looked like at The Masters last year, with significantly smaller guns.

SEE ALSO: 21 Things You Never Knew About The Masters

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Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Gary Player combined to win 13 Green Jackets at The Masters and in recent years it has become a tradition for "The Big Three" to serve as honorary starters of the tournament.

This led to this great AP photo with Nicklaus  and Player fist-bumping before their tee shots as Palmer looked on.

Nicklaus also had a fist-bump for Arnie.

It is always great to see three of the greatest ever back together.

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Fowler, who is always pushing his golf fashion to new levels is at it again in the opening round of The Masters.

Today it is a bright green outfit with a pattern that looks like Charlie Brown stripes.

Older golf fans may not approve of Fowler's outlandish outfits on the golf course, but if you see a group of kids playing golf, there is a good chance several of them are wearing one of Fowler's brightly-colored, flat-billed Puma caps.

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Defending Masters champion Adam Scott had just taken an early lead at this year's Masters when he misjudged his club length and hit a ball into the water.

Wind appears to be wreaking havoc with golf balls on the 12th hole which is already considered one of the most difficult holes at Augusta National and part of "Amen Corner." In the group before Scott played the hole,  Charl Schwartzel, who won The Masters in 2011, also hit his ball in the water.

Scott double-bogeyed and fell to 2-under. He would finish his round 3-under, one stroke behind the leader.

SEE ALSO: The Sweet Life Of Adam Scott

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Phil Mickelson seemed to be off to a good start at The Masters until things completely fell apart with a triple-bogey on the seventh hole.

Mickelson, who may still be suffering the effects of a pulled oblique muscle that forced him to withdraw from a recent tournament, just missed the green with his second shot on the par-4.

That left Phil about 40 feet from the hole and needing to get up-and-down for a par.

But then things got ugly. As a lefty, Mickelson had a difficult stance next to the bunker and pushed his shot well-past the hole.

The ball rolled all the way through the green and might have been worse if not for a sprinkler that kept the ball from rolling farther.

Phil's chip back to the green left him with a long putt for bogey.

Phil then pushed that putt past the hole, leaving him another long putt back for double-bogey.

He would miss the next putt also and would finally sink his seventh shot, five of which came after he was within 40 feet of the hole.

Not a good way to start The Masters.

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The Masters is the biggest golf tournament of the year.

In addition to the tradition, one reason people love the Masters is the beauty of the Augusta National Golf Club, which leads to some gorgeous photos.

The first round of this year's tournament was no exception with amazing shots of legendary golfers, beautiful scenery, and wonderfully timed moments.

Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player gathered together as honorary starters of the Masters.

Stewart Cink takes a shot from a fairway.

This perfectly timed shot captures Phil Mickelson's ball as it took off.

This was supposed to be the year Tiger Woods broke his drought in majors.

The reason is simple: Tiger has a documented history of success at all four courses that are hosting 2014 majors.

Here are the courses, with Tiger's best finishes in majors there:

• Augusta National (Masters): won in 1997, 2001, 2002, 2005
• Pinehurst (U.S. Open): finished second in 2005
• Royal Liverpool (Open Championship): won in 2006
• Valhalla (PGA Championship): won in 2000

Six of Tiger's 14 majors came at courses that are hosting major championships in 2014.

If you believe in "horses for courses" in golf, then this selection of venues should have given Tiger a golden opportunity to win his 15th major in 2014.

In a statement announcing that he'd miss the Masters due to back surgery, Tiger vowed to return to competitive golf this summer. Most people in the golf world think that's unrealistic.

Graham DeLaet, another golfer, said it took him a full year to recover from the same surgery Tiger had.

Back injuries are serious business. Tiger couldn't even attend the Masters champions dinner because he's still immobilized from the surgery. For him to even participate in a major this year, he'd have to recover in less than half the time it took DeLaet.

At age 38, Tiger is running out of plausible opportunities to win enough majors to pass Jack Nicklaus. He might not get another group of courses as ripe for the picking as he got 2014.

SEE ALSO: 17 Reasons Tiger Has The Most Intense Work Ethic In Golf

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Rory McIlroy is well positioned to become one of the world's highest-paid athletes for a long, long time.

Going into the 2014 Masters, the 24-year-old already has two major championships and a deal with Nike rumored to be worth $200 million.

He also has the makings of a pretty fantastic lifestyle off the course, with a lavish house in Florida, a $400,000 car, a wildly successful fiancée, and more.

He earned $29 million in 2013, making him the 21st-highest-paid athlete in the world.

Source: Forbes

He made $16 million in endorsements alone. For comparison, that's $2 million more than Peyton Manning.

Source: Forbes

His biggest deal: a monster Nike contract rumored to be worth $200+ million.

Source: USA Today

Bubba Watson is threatening to break away from the field at the Masters.

On the 14th hole of his second round he made an incredible birdie putt to give himself a two-stroke lead at -6. He finished his round at -7.

LOOK at the break on this thing:

Full video:

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Now that the long, awful winter is over, golf season is here.

That means it's time to start thinking about buying new golf clubs. Sure, you could start thinking about getting lessons to fix your swing, but what fun is that?

Buying a new golf club is a lot more fun, especially if you've been using the same stuff for a while. 

There's two companies making a hard push to get your money — Callaway, which is reintroducing its "Big Bertha" brand and Taylor Made which has the SLDR driver.

For a few weeks now, I'be been hitting both clubs, which were provided to me by the companies for a review.

The Big Bertha brand got stretched out and overused for a while, so Callaway retired it in 2008. But, customers were still asking for Big Bertha, so Callaway brought it back. The new club is a solid addition to the Bertha legacy. 

As for Taylor Made, it feels like it introduces a new driver every other week. I've owned a Taylor Made R7 driver, Burner 2.0, and an R11, but I've never really liked any of those drivers. (I am currently playing a Titleist 910D2 with 12 degrees of loft. I'm a 9 handicap.) 

My quick review: They're both excellent clubs, but if you put me in store and forced me to pick one, I would go with the SLDR. It's a more forgiving club. 

The Big Bertha is good. When I hit the Bertha square, I smoke it. But I found my misses were more exaggerated with the Bertha than the SLDR. 

Here's a slightly longer review for each club.

The Big Bertha is gorgeous to look at. The head of the club is a deep black. The bottom of the head is a glittery navy. The shaft and grip are a matching white and blue.

When I was playing in Florida at Streamsong, I dropped my bag at the front, and they brought it to me in the back. One of the caddies told me all the other caddies took the head cover off the club and gawked at it for a while. It's that good looking. 

But there's more to a club than looks. The Bertha has all the modern bells and whistles on a driver these days. It has an adjustable weight in the back that is supposed to help you hit fades or draws. When I adjusted the weight though, I didn't see much of a difference. 

You can also adjust the loft of the face up by 2 degrees or down by 1 degree. Tweaking that leads to a noticeable difference in ball flight. 

For the most part I was happy with the Big Bertha. The thing that I struggled with was keeping in the fairway. I tended to slice it hard out right. When I tightened up my swing I would keep in play, but there was always a risk of the big miss out right. Or, if I tighten my swing to compensate I can hit a hook. 

As for the SLDR...

I don't think it is much to look at. It's kind of ugly, really. The bottom of the club is all over the place, and the top of it is a dark grey that doesn't really pop. But who cares about looks? It's all about performance. 

The SLDR, much like the Bertha, is adjustable out the wazoo. You can raise and lower the loft. You can adjust it for draws and fades. Unlike the Bertha, the weight adjustments make a big difference. When I adjusted the weight from neutral to draw, it cut down on my tendency to slice. 

I was testing a 14 degree driver, which really launched the ball high in the air. A little too high, to be honest. It felt like it cut down on distance a tad. When I hit the Bertha straight, I hit it further. 

But the extra loft made the club more forgiving, and the distance given up wasn't that significant. I was consistently in the fairway, which is the number one thing I'm looking for. 

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ESPN's ratings for the first round of the Masters dropped significantly from last year.

Without Tiger Woods in the field, the ratings fell from 2.8 million viewers (2.0 rating) in 2013 to 2.0 million viewers (1.5 rating) in 2014, the network says.

That's a ~28% drop.

Thursday's rating was down more than 50% from the record 4.2 million people who watched the Friday broadcast of the 2013 Masters. That broadcast prominently featured Tiger, including his infamous botched drop on the 15th hole.

Tiger is no longer the dominant force he was a decade ago, but he's still by far the sport's biggest draw.

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