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.

Gmac's woman is a real vixen

I love The Masters, but I really don't know if I can endure 4 more days of Ewan Murray's sycophantic clap trap, deary me.

I live about 500 Miles West-North-West of Augusta Ga.

about 10.5 hours until Nicklaus/Palmer/Player get the Masters off and running and my county has SEVERE Thunderstorms and under a tornado watch.

Sometimes this fronts stall out, but if there is any momentum to this front, Augusta should get rain/storms around noon.

Hopefully the storm dissipates and will be a non factor.

Good read Kwini, Honest appraisal of the players I suppose.

I believe poulter and scott are big contenders though..

I truely believe (yes i probally sound like a god botherer) that an english or aussie will win this time.

But then take my faith away. I cant admit that if woods and rors play the way they can anyone else would have a sniff

But I cant rors being back yet tbh.. A couple of decent rounds last week will have helped. I actually admit to being wrong in his case- I thought him playing wasnt going to be beneficial. It actually seems to have been- so what do i know!! well done Rors !

Anyway ITS THE MASTERS!! its like christmass but better

Lee throwing an arrow back towards Monty:

"There's a big difference between me at 39 and Colin at 39 - about eight stone I'd guess!"



Love it! A fun start of a special day....

Did he say that prince!!

The Sun says so, so must be true...

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/golf/4881477/Masters-2013-Lee-Westwood-taunts-Colin-Montgomerie-over-40-dig.html

haha.

Westy has ultimately taken Montys title as the best ever nearly man..

You would have thought monty would actually wont that title back..Or maybe not!

Come ON LW1!!

who won the par 3?

ted potter jr, hopefully that par 3 jinx lives on...

big play off i think.. The winner has a bloke with a few chins??

Please dont me you are superstitious SR?

incontinentia wrote:

Bob_the_Job wrote:

incontinentia wrote:... I don't see anyone trying to Bolt-proof the 100 metres, why does it happen in golf??

Same reason golf has a handicap system. If Bolt turned up at your kid's school sports day, you might change your tune.

pro golf doesnt have a handicap system, and shouldn't.

I said the reason was the same, not that is has one. Try reading the words - it'll help you understand.

brilliant shot from caroline there...

http://www.usatoday.com/story/gameon/2013/04/10/caroline-wozniacki-rory-mcilroy-caddy-par-3-contest-augusts-the-masters/2071989/

What sort of pr1ck dresses his girlfriend up in a boiler suit and gets her to carry his clubs?

McLaren wrote:What sort of pr1ck dresses his girlfriend up in a boiler suit and gets her to carry his clubs?

one that wants her to caddy. or maybe she wants to!!

Whats the problem dude?

Nice swing though.

Bob_the_Job wrote:

incontinentia wrote:

Bob_the_Job wrote:

incontinentia wrote:... I don't see anyone trying to Bolt-proof the 100 metres, why does it happen in golf??

Same reason golf has a handicap system. If Bolt turned up at your kid's school sports day, you might change your tune.

pro golf doesnt have a handicap system, and shouldn't.

I said the reason was the same, not that is has one. Try reading the words - it'll help you understand.

Great, thanks B-Job.

McLaren wrote:What sort of pr1ck dresses his girlfriend up in a boiler suit and gets her to carry his clubs?

The type that doesn't have to inflate her with a bicycle pump?

The whole par three thing at the Masters, with the inclusion of family and friends is a nice if slightly overdone touch in my opinion. Our club does a family fun night with a similar feel to it, without the white boiler suits of course.

During an exhibition tennis match last year, Caroline handed Rory the racket and he played a few ball with Sharapova (I think). I think it's quite nice. Especially in American pro golf, there's too many people with their heads up their own a*ses.

I found the par 3 contest unwatchable. First there was the jurassic Palmer/Player/Nicklaus parade (wow, arnie made a 70 yard carry). Followed by groups of idiots who think their kids are really special and want everyone to know about it.

Well I dind't watch the contest, I just like the idea of it being a bit jolly. But totally agree on the dinosaur parade. It's simply too anacronistic but also a bit derogatory since they're only kissed up to beacuse they are old.

pedro wrote:During an exhibition tennis match last year, Caroline handed Rory the racket and he played a few ball with Sharapova (I think). I think it's quite nice. Especially in American pro golf, there's too many people with their heads up their own a*ses.

The two of them are milking it a bit though. Quite funny/akward when interviewed Caroline said she was going to give McIlroy a prize after the round. Shame the interviewer didnt ask her to expand on it.

Mind you GMac had his bird on the bag too. If anything she is much hotter. As he said both himself and Rory are punching way above their weight.

Come on Mcilroy/GMac/Harrington!!

incontinentia wrote:I found the par 3 contest unwatchable. First there was the jurassic Palmer/Player/Nicklaus parade (wow, arnie made a 70 yard carry). Followed by groups of idiots who think their kids are really special and want everyone to know about it.

In all fairness who doesnt think their own kids are special? I like it. All for these great events being family friendly.

A bet on Harrington to win, number one rule in gambling don't show biasedness to your favourites....each way bet on Garrigus, not a biased one haha

Interesting theory about Rory and Caroline, as opposed to Lindsey and Tiger who sought to deflect attention and publicity by issueing those smarmy prom pics a couple of weeks ago.

The more normal C&R appear as a couple the less interesting they are to the press.
Whereas L&E won't be shown in public which makes the value of any photos increase, and any pic of E canoodling with another woman increase exponentially!

I reckon Caroline and Rory have it right - even if it all ends in tears they will have earned the right to a little sensitivity simply because they made themselves accessible.

Not so with Vonn and Woods.

Par-3 contest great fun for the participants presumably - if incont doesn't like it he should blame the TV people, or switch it off. Never watched it myself.

Oh i did switch it off kwini. Typical of the ultra conservative nature of augusta that they love to wallow in the past.

I really respect Tiger for his privacy, pretty rare these days to find a sport star with enough integrity not to sell themselves to the media.

Bogey at the 1st from Sandy. He could still it from there though. The old saying, "if you bogey the first at Augusta, you go on to win it" comes into play here.

Much prefer the way Tiger handles this thing than Rory and his caddie. Issues a public statement that they would like privacy better strategy than trying to keep it all under wraps and then let the paparazzi go crazy trying to find "that picture" of them together. They'll still dig, but the pics now won't be worth as much ...

I'm guessing Rory's not going to get a decent night's sleep this whole weekend if Woz stays.

Does anyone have a link to live radio commentary available in the UK? Radio 5 doesn't start until 10pm!

Birdie at the 1st from Larry Mize?! Tough hole that one...

Sr,
It's not the pic's of Vonn and Woods that the press will pay millions (OK, tens of millions!) for.

Good for Rory; Tiger's biological clock is ticking fast, but a sharing of the comforts of life won't damage Rory's chances of a Green Jacket one iota.

Poulter said this week that the holes he finds most difficult to play are #1, #5 and #7.
The way the Masters leaderboard is set up it will be easy to see the extent to which those holes give the players fits - or not, of course.

Sandy Lyle another fossil, dont know why he bothers showing up here.

Hope David Lynn has taken a photo of the leaderboard!

Ryan Moore is one of the most inconsistent golfers.....He is one I would have expected to kick onto to even better things.

PS I know it is early stages

any radio link??

sorry mate. I dont know personally..

And there doesnt seem to be a shot tracker either

Ryan Moore is looking increasingly overfed and under-motivate; played well here in the past though.


Further to GPB's storm warnings earlier, bad weather is on course to hit the Augusta area early evening, and could be severe around sunset. If Augusta is the bulls-eye of this storm, things could become apocalyptic; as it is, hail and high water forecast, an inch or two of rain and strong wind gusts.

I don't think even Masters official radio is on yet. 2pm local time, via masters.com

Great start from Westwood - double up the first.

Westy off to a nightmare of a start.....All that preparation and you end up starting with a double bogey....Plenty of time for him to retrieve it though.

westy you donught

Just watched some of the pitch and putt on sky.Where does paddy h get his sponsors from.take one vowel four consonants make up a word and stick it one your shirt.Only thing missing was the lass from countdown.
have to say i would have loved to have been there though.

How'd he do that?

No worries Mysti and Smithers, thanks anyway

Poor start form Westy! Come on pal, the big 4 0 is looming

Yes, wastewood double bogeys the first!!

get your money on him this second lads!!

incontinentia wrote:Yes, wastewood double bogeys the first!!

Bit early for him to lose his bottle. Usually waits till the last day.

mystiroakey wrote:get your money on him this second lads!!

He went out to 45's with Paddy on the basis of one double bogey? I've just backed him at that. If you figure every player is likely a double at some point then Westwood is no worse off than the others.

That's my theory anyway!!

Rose was 18's made a birdie and now is 12's....haha the odds change so quickly.