PGA Tour: HE'S BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Masters: Notes from the Ballwasher

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1).Martin Laird of course; you didn't think I was talking about the guy who's on the cover of every golf magazine and even some others did you? Or even that young Northern Irishman we've heard so much about?

No, Martin Laird's fantastic final round last Sunday in San Antonio not only stuck two fingers through the Ballwasher who doubted his resolve after a dismal nine-month spell. But also earned a ticket to Augusta National and finds himself in the "long shot, stranger things have happened, but not many" category for The Masters. More on that later.

2).The TPC San Antonio, ("Greg Norman designs golf courses to test professional golfers, not to please professional golfers," said Padraig Harrington), certainly looked much easier on the eye than in years past and it seemed that most pros who turned up enjoyed their week; some will hopefully even be back.
But play was dreadfully slow and one young American is just another guilty party who I hadn't spotted before. Daniel Summerhays, good lord, how long does it take you to hit the golf ball? Summerhays seemed to turn to Winterhays during some of his pre-shot routines.

3).And, while our thoughts turn to Magnolia Drive, our annual word in tribute to the Welshman from Bangor, Errie Ball, who played in the first Masters and is still alive today, hopefully to tell the tale, at 102.

4).Billy Payne has two new members this year, one who's just gone up one rung, presumably, on the list of the World's most evil women, the other who got her invite the old-fashioned way, thru' connections. (Have a personal interest in Darla Moore's richly endowed University of South Carolina's Moore School Of Business, so pleased to see her being honoured with a membership.)

5).With McIlroy and Woods striking form, I'd say this Masters, more than most, is almost certain to go to a favourite if, not necessarily, THE favourite. So let's look at some long shots and the owgr Top 25 for a form guide, with all the usual biases of course:

"Long shots, stranger things have happened, but not many":

#269: Angel Cabrera: You may think there's more chance of him attending Thatcher's funeral but, hey, this man hasn't forgotten how to play the game, he's physically fitter, has shown glimpses of form, and knows how to win - and how many can say that?

#56: Well, Martin Laird certainly can! 20th first time around Augusta, 50-something last year, but if he can putt like last week who knows? He hits the ball perfectly for the course, but it will be all about course management and his short game for Martin. The Laird of San Antonio with 22 Sunday putts, or the Laird of Florida when he took eight 3-putts each at Bay Hill and Tampa?

#41: Henrik Stenson: Eccentric as ever but plenty long enough and can putt well. On my e.w. list at 75/1.

#38: Scott Piercy: Thinks he's the best golfer the world has ever seen. Still seething at the perceived injustice of not being interviewed on TV after his demolition of Luke Donald at the MatchPlay. The favourite, in his eyes anyway, and don't you dare discount his chances!

6).21 - 25:
#25: Furyk: Planning to attack Augusta with two drivers but hasn't done better than 4th here and not likely to this week.

#24: Els: Terrible year so far, seems to have lost confidence just when he needs it most.

#23: Watney: Jekyll and Hyde, Would love to see him take the proverbial next step but don't see it this week.

#22: Hanson: 3rd last year but in much better form coming in than this year's version. Wouldn't count him out completely, top ten material.

#21: Mahan: A couple of Masters' top tens under his belt, but something's been missing this past year and I can't see him finding it at Augusta.

7).16 - 20:
#20: Simpson: His US Open win apart, hasn't really had that great a last 18 months. Can't see it improving here.

#19: Dustin Johnson: Augusta National is made for Dustin - no par 5's here for him, but nothing inside the Top 30 here yet, and his dodgy short game will frustrate him again this week.

#18: Dufner: Good start a year ago but faded. If his Dufnering pic's are anything to go by he's still asleep.

#17: McDowell: Top 15 material, doesn't fancy some of the tee shots here and, until he does, can't see him contending.

#16: Garcia: This place frustrates the sh1t out of him. Shame, might get close, but not close enough.

8).11 - 15:
#15: Schwartzel: 2011 winner and no reason to think he can't win another one. Except none of the five South African Major (and Players) winners these past eight years have won since on the PGA Tour. Top three candidate.

#14: Bubba Watson: It's all about his emotions - I fancy a left-hander but perhaps not this one.

#13: Westwood: Nope, not this year, Lee, not until your short game and your long game are on the same page. But, if he can somehow be -10 on the par fives, he'll be right there. Nah.

#12: Poulter: Would love to see Poults win a Biggie but reckon Augusta National is too long for him, too much pressure on his mid and long irons. Top 15 though.

#11: Bradley: Lots of top tens this year and may score another one. Plenty long enough but can't see that short game winning a Green Jacket.

9).6 - 10:
#10: Kuchar: 3rd last year, plods along with that inane-looking, sh1t-eating grin of his and, hey presto, he's right there. Top 5 perhaps, but Green Jacket? Perhaps not, e.w. value though at 33/1 or 40's.

#9: Mickelson: My choice last year and should've, would've and certainly could've . . . . Those triple bogeys did him in. My idea of the man to beat, not scared to win and probably doesn't want it so manically much as Number One.

#8: Stricker: Says he's "still trying to figure out Augusta". I bracket him with Poults, his long game puts too much pressure on his world-class short game; top 20 probable but can't see him in the shake-up.

#7: Scott: No form to speak of this season; plays a bizarre schedule and who knows if he's up for this? Not worth the risk.

#6: Oosthuizen: Difficult for me to separate the two South African Kings: He was devastated by last year's play-off defeat, but can he bounce back? Sh1t or bust I'd think - at his best a sure-fire contender.

10).1 - 5:
#5: Snedeker: Has been out injured for most of the past two months, no cuts made since his early season super form. Certainly has the game, but feel he's still slightly under-cooked for this week. The Sneds of the past year a certain Major winner - just not this week.

#4: Donald: No form for ages. The 2011 model Luke would be a contender anywhere, but not the short-and-crooked version of years ago which has made an unwelcome return - might get away with it at Hilton Head but not 150 miles up the road at Augusta.

#3: Rose: Which Justin will we see? The winner at such top courses as Aronomink and Muirfield Village, or the strutter who flatters only to deceive, but then burns up the final nine holes for a back-door podium finish? Until he can prove that he won't wilt when the heat turns up, I'd have him down as a likely top tenner, not a winner.

#2: And then there's Rory. If his confidence right now was as high as Scott Piercy's I'd ink him in to his first Green Jacket, but his driver left him a bit last Sunday and he won't be "back" until he's back. Not many would be surprised to see him win; me neither, but perhaps not this year.

#1: Tiger: The only person who can beat Tiger is Tiger, and his ambition and anxiety to earn his next Major. Until he does it, I'd bet against him and gamble that Tiger will beat Tiger. As we saw at Bay Hill, though, the old intimidation factor is back and, if he putts like he did in Orlando and hits 60% of the fairways, he'll win this. For me, I'd bet the field against him.


Can't wait though, although we'll have to put up with the unctuous, over-reverential tones of CBS - would be nice to think they'll have a commentator under the age of 50, a breath of fresh air so sorely needed, but no chance of that. The weather should have the course in perfect condition, but there's a chance of severe storms Thursday p.m. into Friday, after which the sun will shine.

I fancy Phil to win, but Bones (perhaps the only born-in-Britain winner this year?) has to keep him focussed. Reckon Louis and Charl will be right there and fancy Kuchar as best outsider, Stenson best complete long-shot.

Sergio goes to -6 and a tie for the lead, whilst the 14 year old birdies the last to finish at +1.

Tianlang Guan, what a player. If Sergio can just stay out of his own way he might be in with a chance on sunday

Jeez if Guan's post round interview is anything to go by he's one cool customer!

Way to go big Phil

incontinentia wrote:Jeez if Guan's post round interview is anything to go by he's one cool customer!

Tiger's lovechild?

Guans round is round of the day and probably round of the tournament!! This course has been lengthened so much and 14 year olds 50 yr olds are matching 30yr old tour players.

Interesting read. I think you can read between the lines that Jack isn't a big fan of Tiger.
http://www.majorschampionships.com/masters/news/2013/04/11/nicklaus--never-had-a-sit-down-with-woods.html

Nice to see two fifty something pas champs shoot under par at the Masters and three others inside the cutline.

Bernhard Langer shoots 71 and to hear a lot of people on this board that he should no longer get an invite. No made cuts in the last 7 years (including a DNP).

Some great scoring conditions today. Rain should blow through during the night and could delay tee times a little tomorrow depending how severe.

Shocking day for Harrington, will be a battle to make the cut now. He will battle, make no mistake about that.

Day one in the books ...

Tiger/Rory - Expect to see them playing late Sunday afternoon.

Sergio - I can hope.

Westwood/Donald/Poulter - Hey, surprise me. Added together they have as many majors as I do, so why count on them ... but anything can happen.

David Lynn - Really? (please ...)

Fowler - Watch him to get too handsy to stay the course.

Beware: Rose, Dustin Johnson, Kuchar

An Aussie - Immensely overdue.

Bugger, missed it all.

Was it any good?

How dare tiger swear at the hallowed amen corner. I bet he had a spit as well.

http://www.thebiglead.com/index.php/2013/04/11/tiger-woods-dropped-an-f-bomb-on-the-11th-hole-at-the-masters/


I for one will hate him to his very core after this episode.

Watched some of it today but didn't get the buzz I usually do watching The Masters.
Everything seemed pedestrian, course toothless, slower than normal greens, birdies everywhere, commentary beyond dull.
Glad to see one or two favourites play well but really enjoyed David Lynn, seemed a breath of fresh air, self-deprecating but matter of fact. Relished the child-in-a-sweetshop newness of his experience but apparently not overawed by it. All good stuff.

Some shockers out there, though:
Watney, Harrington with 78's.
Mahan, Poulter with 76's.
But even for the 6-overs, you'd figure a 69 would keep them around for the weekend.

Still the likelihood of severe weather. While we're going to wake up to snow.

Jack made me laugh when David Livingstone said something like 'the greens aren't drying out at all, the course is playing nicely, don't you think Jack?' to which Jack replied 'I don't like it. I don't like throwing darts.'

McLaren wrote:How dare tiger swear at the hallowed amen corner. I bet he had a spit as well.

http://www.thebiglead.com/index.php/2013/04/11/tiger-woods-dropped-an-f-bomb-on-the-11th-hole-at-the-masters/


I for one will hate him to his very core after this episode.

Hate is a bit OTT no? He is certainly feisty anyway and less and less likeable over the years.

pedro wrote:Interesting read. I think you can read between the lines that Jack isn't a big fan of Tiger.
http://www.majorschampionships.com/masters/news/2013/04/11/nicklaus--never-had-a-sit-down-with-woods.html

Hasnt he openly criticised Tiger on a few occasions?

In all fairness Tiger seems like quite a selfish character.

Olly wrote:Sergio goes to -6 and a tie for the lead, whilst the 14 year old birdies the last to finish at +1.

Thats unbelievable given that he still goes to school every day and he is 40k drive to the nearest course.

Shotrock wrote:Day one in the books ...

Tiger/Rory- Expect to see them playing late Sunday afternoon...

Seriously? Rory on yesterday's performance??? Not unless he gets a lot better.

McLaren wrote:How dare tiger swear at the hallowed amen corner. I bet he had a spit as well.

http://www.thebiglead.com/index.php/2013/04/11/tiger-woods-dropped-an-f-bomb-on-the-11th-hole-at-the-masters/


I for one will hate him to his very core after this episode.

Mac, any slur against Woods is blasphemy. How dare you.

Woods should make an effort to replace the swear words with family friendly alternatives e.g. drat, fiddlesticks, curses, what in tarnation, for pete sake, gadzooks etc etc

I actually think it's funny to replace swear words with "Crikey", "Dash it", "Curses" etc. Stops you taking the game too seriously. Lots of negativity associated with swear words which can permeate into your game.
Keep it light hearted.

A favourite alternative I used to use when growing up was "schmuck". Great word.

Skydriver wrote:A favourite alternative I used to use when growing up was "schmuck". Great word.

Reminds me of the worlds least funny man, Woody Allen too much.

"a pox on you!!" is good too

I have developed myself to say freick,frieking,holy sheez, bulls,god sake and stuff like that.

But then if there is a god i am going to hell for blasphemy.

Sergio has the game. Tee to green and around green he is phenomenal. If he just can keep his putter lukewarm at least, he should be in the mix.

Serigio is ok yeah. and along plenty of non major winners has the game.. But he along with all of them (westy,luke esp) has an archelis heal..

we have seen many many flashes of brilliance in recent years mind. But he has never been able to keep it going for 4 days..(bar 1 tourny on his home course with a weak field).

Rose is the one player out of these pretenders that seems to have it all tbh..

Hi Kwini, good notes as always!

Disappointed in Laird yesterday. Was looking at Couples yesterday thinking he and Martin have the same stock shot, so at least there's no reason his long game wont suit. Delighted with Sergio's start and no, I'm not daring to dream! Chuffed with those bearing the weight of my predictions - DJ and Kuchar sitting nice. Hanson, Dufner and, I suppose, Bradley sitting ok. Hopefully an e/w return from one of those.

And I'd like to take credit in Phil's small resurgence. Wasnt that long ago I suggested it was time to change his putting again, then hey presto he turned up last week with 'normal' putting grip!

mystiroakey wrote:...Rose is the one player out of these pretenders that seems to have it all tbh..

You think? How many times has he been in contention down the stretch on a Major Sunday? Until he's done it, he's still in the 'also ran' category I'm afraid.

I am talking about game! nothing else NBS. he doesnt seem to have a major weakness in the physical game

none have the head game untill they prove it

mystiroakey wrote:I am talking about game! nothing else NBS. he doesnt seem to have a major weakness in the physical game

none have the head game untill they prove it

His putting is his weakness, his stats are not that great as a rule, though to be fair they are getting better this year.

They mentioned that on air last night- 10 footers etc.. he holed the ten footer down the last they referred to..

Yes i would say its a minor weakness- but not a major one. He has never hit the putting lows of Sergio or LW. I would say roses game is more balanced

mystiroakey wrote:I am talking about game! nothing else NBS. he doesnt seem to have a major weakness in the physical game

none have the head game untill they prove it

Maybe. For all that though, he's not exactly got a win record that suggests he's in front of the others you've mentioned.

well he has Won a stroke wgc!!

Whooppee!

the only one out of the mentioned to do it.. So yes that argument works..

Great to see Immelman and Weir playing well....after troubles with injuries and then their playing.

Cant wait for some coverage..

After Harrington more than likely misses the cut today....it will be the first time in quite a while where he isn't exempt already for the following year's masters.....worrying times

Really hope Sergio can do it. Having seen him lose the playoff to Paddy at Troon or Carnasty(?), I will be rooting for him. Seems like a nice guy (well for a pro golfer) and I think winning could change everything for him. And he seemed comfortable on the greens with that putting 'grip'. Wonder how he knocks one out...

Haven't seen an official weather report from the course, but everything seems to suggest Augusta only caught a glancing blow from the promised storms, a fraction of the rain they were expecting and no reports of wind damage.

So maybe we'll start on time.

Didn't see any fire in the course yesterday, soft fairways, softer, slower greens so hopefully they'll spice things up a bit today or it'll be just another Quail Hollow-type tournament.

Cheers Lairdy, Agree Martin's effort yesterday was disappointing; it seems he's trying to add a lower ball-flight and a draw to his arsenal but, whatever he's doing, it didn't work that well yesterday.

Gonzo out early - another 68 would be just the business!

Hoping Garcia and Mcilroy don't win this week

sirbenson wrote:Hoping Garcia and Mcilroy don't win this week

your safe mate

Lynns going to do it and my 740pts on betfair are coming in....

Hope, it is set up for a more difficult test today.

MontysMerkin wrote:Really hope Sergio can do it. Having seen him lose the playoff to Paddy at Troon or Carnasty(?), I will be rooting for him. Seems like a nice guy (well for a pro golfer) and I think winning could change everything for him. And he seemed comfortable on the greens with that putting 'grip'. Wonder how he knocks one out...

I think he's knocking Daniella Hantuchova's hip out isn't he?

I reakon he restricts the blood flow to his right hand and then has a crack..

mystiroakey wrote:They mentioned that on air last night- 10 footers etc.. he holed the ten footer down the last they referred to..

Yes i would say its a minor weakness- but not a major one. He has never hit the putting lows of Sergio or LW. I would say roses game is more balanced

I think its worse than you think. His strokes gained putting stats are very poor, 115th this year, 96th last year, 100odd again the year before. Previous two years pretty average, best I could find was 53rd. Think its safe to say he aint a great putter.
Just shows how good the rest of his game has been really.

It doesnt sound great does it. But is strokes gained the best stat to be using?

many players with highish GIR's can be low on that.

Been having a look on the lists- Cant find rose on any for 2013??