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.

Come on Tiger!!!!!!!

couples bounce back day or what!!!

couples is not out of this yet. no one wants to win it seems. Rory seems to have tooth problems.

woods is getting back involved.. cabrerra just crushed that one into 11!

freddie has done it before- the rest are a bunch of flakes

Tough holes coming up for Couples, reckon he'll finish -1 at best.

As it looks now Kooch, Sneds or Dufnering will take the green jacket I'm afraid. Day and Angel too much of a long shot imo.

SmithersJones wrote:

Diggers wrote:

gaelgowfer wrote:Diggers, since you're the one who's asking the question, where is your proof that

nobody on the field would do that?

A lifetime of watching pro sport, they take their punishment but they don't fall on their swords.

Two words. Brian Davis.

He took his punishment, all be it he called it himself though for all he knew it would have been noticed anyway maybe. Just the way Woods has taken his. The suggestion is Woods shouldn't just take his but should enhance it.
So give me an example of someone who has gone down that route.Actually punished themselves further.

why does westy do that all the time on 13!!

To be fair Cabrera was a long shot when he won in 09, no reason why he can't do it again.

Diggers wrote:

SmithersJones wrote:

Diggers wrote:

gaelgowfer wrote:Diggers, since you're the one who's asking the question, where is your proof that

nobody on the field would do that?

A lifetime of watching pro sport, they take their punishment but they don't fall on their swords.

Two words. Brian Davis.

He took his punishment, all be it he called it himself though for all he knew it would have been noticed anyway maybe. Just the way Woods has taken his. The suggestion is Woods shouldn't just take his but should enhance it.
So give me an example of someone who has gone down that route.Actually punished themselves further.

........and do it using nouns only.

Rory falling away badly

An Aussie? That would be novel.

An American? Quite possible.

An Englishman? I think Rose is the last hope.

as things stand Cabrera is favorite been there and done in before twice in majors. sometimes these greens just seem plain unfair.

kwini wrote: "#269: Angel Cabrera: You may think there's more chance of him attending Thatcher's funeral?"

Kwini, he might pull off both?

Diggers wrote:

SmithersJones wrote:

Diggers wrote:

gaelgowfer wrote:Diggers, since you're the one who's asking the question, where is your proof that

nobody on the field would do that?

A lifetime of watching pro sport, they take their punishment but they don't fall on their swords.

Two words. Brian Davis.

He took his punishment, all be it he called it himself though for all he knew it would have been noticed anyway maybe. Just the way Woods has taken his. The suggestion is Woods shouldn't just take his but should enhance it.
So give me an example of someone who has gone down that route.Actually punished themselves further.

If that doesn't qualify, nothing will. I'm confident you're in a minority in thinking that it doesn't.

AlciG wrote:

navyblueshorts wrote:

AlciG wrote:

incontinentia wrote:a sad day for golf.

I guess a lot of people said the same when the first black man started playing golf, and when the first woman started playing golf... Maybe this will make the rules get changed into something more comprehensible.

Maybe the ancient people playing and governing this game need to move into this day and age.

Sorry. The Rules are fine. You're making fallacious comparisons.

I'm pretty sure it was against the 'Rules' for blacks to sit at the front of the bus, play sports with whites, hell even go to war together

We aren't talking about racial apartheid here.

Since they've barely shown sneds, he'll probably win

Yeah i think the lad is on another level NBS- not sure about his relevance.

Did lee hole that next par putt then.. hanging on- showing some skillz!!

SmithersJones wrote:

Diggers wrote:

SmithersJones wrote:

Diggers wrote:

gaelgowfer wrote:Diggers, since you're the one who's asking the question, where is your proof that

nobody on the field would do that?

A lifetime of watching pro sport, they take their punishment but they don't fall on their swords.

Two words. Brian Davis.

He took his punishment, all be it he called it himself though for all he knew it would have been noticed anyway maybe. Just the way Woods has taken his. The suggestion is Woods shouldn't just take his but should enhance it.
So give me an example of someone who has gone down that route.Actually punished themselves further.

If that doesn't qualify, nothing will. I'm confident you're in a minority in thinking that it doesn't.

Its just an example of sportsmanship, sport is full of them. But it's nothing like the scenario today, not even close.

JPX wrote:

SmithersJones wrote:Specifically, they're nouns. Nouns are words. If you want an English language debate, bring it on. You seem to know about as much about it as you do golf.

oooh another one who disagrees with me therefore I know nothing, join navy and oldshanker in the naughty corner.

In this case, you're wrong so give it a rest why don't you? There a reason why your info on here has you as from 'Tw@tshire'?

I'd fancy Jason Day at this point, unless baldy nine chins makes a serious charge tomorrow and inappropriately wins this tournament

I agree Davis penalty is different to Woods drop, it was a clear cut rule, the drop is always a bit of a grey area.

No, you're right, it's nothing like it. Nobody would have ever spotted Davis' infringement, HD or no HD. Woods' was blindingly obvious and indeed deliberate. Yet Davis called it and so lost the playoff, Woods pleaded ignorance and carried on regardless as though he'd done nothing wrong, as if ignorance was an excuse.

Actually SMithers I'd say Davis suspected the whole world saw it as the cameras were zoomed in, and he was left with no choice.


Oh here we go Navy having a pop again, I must say not very appropriate behaviour from a moderator.

On that point could you in your role as Moderator review the post made after that one, foul and abusive language directed at me and was actually quite upsetting.

Indeed, given how often even the top players have to take a drop (especially at Augusta), it's ludicrous that he wouldn't know the rule.

Billy Payne has a big painting of Macchiavelli above his desk.

Not really the point, and that's ignoring all your conjecture. The point was to pick an example of a sportsman who was punished and said no...punish me more I've been really naughty.The Davis scenario doesn't do that in the slightest.

Story here is probably Rory, what mess. ... but Englishman Lynn perhaps will throw up as bad a number before the day ends. 4 rounds makes a major boys; wow me early but impress me late.

Love to see Day carry the day today and tomorrow.

Nice birdie for Justin, he's still in it.

JPX wrote:Actually SMithers I'd say Davis suspected the whole world saw it as the cameras were zoomed in, and he was left with no choice.


Oh here we go Navy having a pop again, I must say not very appropriate behaviour from a moderator.

On that point could you in your role as Moderator review the post made after that one, foul and abusive language directed at me and was actually quite upsetting.

Oh shove it. Upsetting? Good.

"punished and said no...punish me more I've been really naughty"


you talking about woods the golfer or woods in his free time?

Does peter alliss hear what he's saying sometimes? :P

if any sportsman is given a penalty for whatever reason they would have to be stupid to then take further punishment through choice. It easy to have a go at sportsmen but they are playing to make a living aswell.

Ok, Rory is NOT back.... (Well, back to Masters 2011 maybe.)

Hopefully Rose can mount a late charge ready for tomorrow.

Navy, I don't understand your attitude towards me, aren't you supposed to prevent comments like that, not post them surely, in your role?

I thought his role was to ban people who openly admitted to trolling? :P

benhio i agree- but in this case it has as much to do with a pay out finacially as it is does for us to take the milk bottles back for change(did that actually happen btw!)

faldos point and I completely agree with it by the way is that if he WD- he would have actually been given a massive public lift..

Add to that- the problem is clearly with the money men(tv) over tiger himself- if any one else had done it they would have been dq'ed!- the ridiculas lies they have come out with to try and spin this is completely unbelivable!! I wish he just stuck it to them tbh..

LastDamnation wrote:I thought his role was to ban people who openly admitted to trolling? :P

Can't ban himself can he?

Rory is the type of player that will come and go. massive highs and some lows. I think tigers consistency has made people think every other number 1 or quality player should be the sane. tiger may have been a whoremonger but can't deny he is a different class as a golfer.

still no idea who will win this.

what happened to Keegan today?

Benhio most off us realise what a freak tiger was in that 10 year spell.. We are not expecting others to replicate it! the game has to many big fields going at it every tourny ..

If Rose's putter was even Luke warn today he would've been right up there. He must be kicking himself.

Diggers wrote:Not really the point, and that's ignoring all your conjecture. The point was to pick an example of a sportsman who was punished and said no...punish me more I've been really naughty.The Davis scenario doesn't do that in the slightest.

Not originally it wasn't. When asked to justify your assertion that nobody in the field would have withdrawn under the circumstances Tiger was in, you said that in a lifetime of watching sport you'd never seen anyone 'fall on their sword', merely take punishment they were given. I cited Davis because he immediately alerted the rules official that he'd touched the reed, without prompting and without any reason to suspect it was spotted by anyone else. Indeed, I don't think he was even certain himself. He therefore was punished more than he'd originally have suffered, albeit that that was not at all. Your conjecture, that 'it might have been spotted anyway, maybe' is a touch weaker than my saying it wouldn't have been spotted on the basis that I couldn't be sure it happened from watching the slo-mo replays, but of course we'll never know either way. Tiger had an opportunity to remove any controversy and as Faldo suggested give his fellow pros cause to respect him (more). He chose not to take that chance, I'm confident that other players in the field would have done so, based on Davis' example alone.

does anyone think it's been a pretty dull third round? not many birdies or eagles. no one seems to be making a charge. Jason day is almost paring his way round. hope it's a bit easier for them tommorow. needs Some excitement.

SmithersJones wrote:without prompting and without any reason to suspect it was spotted by anyone else. Indeed, I don't think he was even certain himself.

Massive assumption there Smithers my friend. How do you know he wasn't thinking "?!#@, I've just touched that reed, there's bound to be someone watching that saw it, I bettert come clean."????

There were probably 1000 people sat at home ready to text in.

Agree beninho, I'm moderately bored.

Justin rose walks like he has shat himself.

not always in agreement with peter Alliss as I guess he is s bit right wing potentially an old school golf racist (casual) and probably upset Maggie died but he was right it's not right to hit the middle of the green and watch it roll so far away.

Has been pretty dull, not least because of the poor play from the UK & European players.

yep i agree- its been a bit yawnnnn.

cant see any fireworks coming from anyone either