Masters 2016: When is it? Where can I watch it? Who are the favourites to triumph in Augusta?

Everything you need to know ahead of the first major of the year

A view of the Augusta course (Getty)

The first major of the year is about to get under way with the world's best golfers descending on Augusta National Golf Course for the 80th edition of the Masters.

Jordan Spieth will be looking to defend the title he won last year, but the young American can expect tough competition from the likes of Rory McIlroy, Jason Day and three-time winner Phil Mickelson.

Here, we fill you in on everything you need to know...

WHEN IS IT?

Masters week gets under way on Monday 4 April, with the famed Par 3 Contest taking place on Wednesday 6 April as a pre-cursor to the main event. The popular event sees wives, girlfriends, children and other family members serve as caddies. The first day begins on Thursday 7 April, with the cut taking place at the end of the second days’ play on Friday 8 April. The winner of the Masters will be crowned on Sunday 10 April, providing there are no rain delays of lengthy play-offs that could carry proceedings into Monday.

WHAT TIME WILL IT BE ON IN THE UK?

Augusta is five hours behind British Summer Time, with the first group due to tee-off at 7.35am local time on Thursday morning. That means a 12.35pm start in the UK.

Generally, the Masters ends around midnight each day, though this varies on the time it has taken for the players to complete their rounds and the length of any delays.

WHERE CAN I WATCH IT?

The Masters will be broadcast simultaneously on BBC and Sky Sports.

Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports 4 will screen live coverage every day of the tournament, with coverage beginning at 7pm on Thursday and Friday - although due to broadcasting restrictions no live play will be shown until 7.30pm. Coverage begins at 7pm on Saturday and 6pm on Sunday.

The BBC will show highlights of the first day's play at 9.15am on Friday. Second day highlights will be shown at 10am on Saturday. Live coverage will be shown at 7.30pm on Saturday and 6.30pm on Sunday.

WHAT IS AMEN CORNER?

The name ‘Amen Corner’ has been given to the run through holes 11, 12 and 13 and has proven to be one of the toughest challenges on the golf circuit. The name dates back to the 1958 Masters, where Arnold Palmer secured the very first major championship victory of his illustrious career after a controversial ruling surrounding an embedded ball that was allowed to be dropped without penalty. The name itself was given by former Sports Illustrated writer Herbert Warren Wind, who took inspiration from a Bluebird record named “Shoutin’ in that Amen Corner” to summarise the approach on the 11th, the entire 12th and the tee shot of the 13th – though all three holes have been included in Amen Corner as time has worn on.

WHO WILL WIN?

Defending champion Spieth is in the mix to secure the Green Jacket, however the favourite with bookmakers heading into the tournament is Jason Day. The other contenders are Rory McIlroy, who will be looking to complete a career Grand Slam, and Bubba Watson and Adam Scott. Three time winner Phil Mickelson is still considered among the top 10.