The favorite topic for golf pundits leading up to the Masters is how Augusta National is boring, how there's no Sunday roars, and that it's Hootie Johnson et al's golf course changes that have made what was once the most exciting place on bent grass a well-manacured U.S. Open track.
The thing is, it's not the course changes. The last three Masters have been relatively dull, with Phil Mickelson, Zach Johnson, and Trevor Immelman all walking up No. 18 with the tournament well in hand. But the major course changes came in 2002, and from 2003-2005 there were two playoffs and a win with a birdie on No. 18.
Yes, there were changes prior to the 2006 event, but those were minor compared to the 2002 changes. The thing that has made the past three Masters so dull has been the weather. When it's cold, windy, and running fast around Augusta then you're going to get higher scores. And yes, the last two Masters have been won by dark horses, but then again Tiger finished second in both of them so the "Tiger-proofing" claim doesn't really hold water. In both cases he just need to make more putts.
So if you want a magical Sunday at Augusta this year, pray for good weather. Augusta National is almost set up like the British Open. The course is set up, and then the weather dictates the scores. You could have over par winning, or you could have double digits under par losing.