Defending Augusta champion Jordan Spieth knows just how bad Rory McIlroy wants to win at Augusta that it will be one of the most hotly-contested Masters for some time.

The World No. 2 is contesting the week’s Shell Houston Open before heading to his Masters defence that starts a week today in Augusta, Georgia.

However, with the likes of new World No. 1 Jason Day, four-time Major winning Rory McIlroy along with the in-form Adam Scott, Zach Johnson and double Master champion Bubba Watson all in peak form Spieth reckons his task will be cut out to become the first repeat Augusta winner since Tiger Woods in 2002.

Defending Masters champion Jordan Spieth believes next week’s Masters will be one of the most hotly contested for some time.

“This year’s Masters might be the hardest one to win in quite a while as far as the depth of the field and the quality of golf being played by people who play Augusta National very well,” said Spieth.

“I know you guys know that. You can see these kind of trends. I hope — Rory has played Augusta National very well and he’s playing strong golf this year. He wants it very, very badly. We all know that.

“So everybody wants it badly.”

But then the only thing Spieth says he’s nervous about next week is hosting Tuesday night’s Former Champions Dinner.

“Hosting the Champions Dinner will have to be, what I call the most nerve-wracking thing right now which I guess is a pretty good thing,” said Spieth.

“Guys say there is a lot of great Major Champions, including from I heard from Angel Cabrera yesterday, that it is the most favourite part of Masters week, so I am really looking forward to it.”

And Spieth revealed his grandfather, Don Spieth will caddy for him in Wednesday’s Par 3 Contest.