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.

Ifs and buts... If Thorbjorn would've had a level par round on Thursday instead of that 78, he would've been now in the lead. I'm thinking to back him already for next year's green jacket, very impressive. Pitty for that drop at the 10th...

Huh 's gonna win? Angeeeel!!!

mystiroakey wrote:I think he was joking dude..

Yeah could have been I suppose. You can't tell sometimes with the nonsense that gets written about woods on here though..

Are the Beeb showing their own clips during CBS ad breaks? Certainly seems to be the case.

Wve just seen five shots of Lee, for instance, one of Olesen.

Arrgggh does that Ladbroke's advert do anyone elses head in as much as mine!!!!?!? Makes me so mad to think that idiot is earning a nice packet for running around screaming GAME ON.

Sergio making a nice little move, too little too late unfortunately.

that 12 th is killing dudes today

Justin, Justin, Justin.....oh dear

Nine Chins

Don't think God was with Bubba today. 10 (ten) on 12

i love bubba what ever he believes in- Crazy player . luv his style

JPX wrote:Arrgggh does that Ladbroke's advert do anyone elses head in as much as mine!!!!?!? Makes me so mad to think that idiot is earning a nice packet for running around screaming GAME ON.

not as bad as "i'm spartacus, no i'm spartacus, no i'm spartacus X100"
if i hear that again i'll go on a killing spree

mystiroakey wrote:i love bubba what ever he believes in- Crazy player . luv his style

Dreadful style. Worse dresser than just about anyone and a mullet and a visor from 1976, plus the wet lettuce won't stop crying. Can't stand him.

Be interested to see what happens if someone a few groups ahead of the final groupings could post 6 under. I'd hoped that might be Westwood.......

super_realist wrote:

mystiroakey wrote:i love bubba what ever he believes in- Crazy player . luv his style

Dreadful style. Worse dresser than just about anyone and a mullet and a visor from 1976, plus the wet lettuce won't stop crying. Can't stand him.

Style of golf SR.. shapes everything, doesnt take to long, crushes the ball, etc etc.. nothing else!! only whats important

Can't forgive him all his other faults. True redneck and fond of moronic comments. Although he did see the sense and apologise. Still a bible thumping weirdo though.

All about the quality and style of golf for me mate..

Quaaaaaaaaaaaack!!!!

mystiroakey wrote:All about the quality and style of golf for me mate..

Yeah, quality 10 on 12

Has there ever been another player like Cabrera in modern golf ? Maybe 8 wins on the two big tours, 9 if he wins this and 3 would be majors. Bonkers really.

super_realist wrote:

mystiroakey wrote:All about the quality and style of golf for me mate..

Yeah, quality 10 on 12

The style of that ten would have been world class. The best ten ever

Sheldo,
Crucial Lee makes the most of the par 5's, probably playing the 3's and 4's as well as anyone.
So anything's doable!

he needs eagles

Diggers wrote:Has there ever been another player like Cabrera in modern golf ? Maybe 8 wins on the two big tours, 9 if he wins this and 3 would be majors. Bonkers really.

An interesting question would be who would be considered the greater player, Westwood or him?

cabrerra has a similar record to poddy in that sense.

and lw v certain major winners has been flogged to death,,

lw is the better golfer than many IMO. but just isnt a winner. the jimmy white of golf..


But being better in this sense means nothing its all about the big wins!

and your question of "who is greater" - the major winners have to win out on that one!

Seve_The_Great wrote:

Diggers wrote:Has there ever been another player like Cabrera in modern golf ? Maybe 8 wins on the two big tours, 9 if he wins this and 3 would be majors. Bonkers really.

An interesting question would be who would be considered the greater player, Westwood or him?

An interesting question would be would one of them swap careers with the other ?

Mysti Paddy has a lot more wins (14 in Europe, 5 PGA) and has been a top 10 player for a fair bit of time. Cabrera is way way more streaky than Paddy.

If it can't be Lee, I'd be quite happy for the Big Duck to win, just hope it's close on the back nine.

Another typical Westwood putt!

Diggers wrote:

Seve_The_Great wrote:

Diggers wrote:Has there ever been another player like Cabrera in modern golf ? Maybe 8 wins on the two big tours, 9 if he wins this and 3 would be majors. Bonkers really.

An interesting question would be who would be considered the greater player, Westwood or him?

An interesting question would be would one of them swap careers with the other ?

If I was making the choice i would choose Cabrera's every day of the week. The majors are what you're remembered for and especially if you're a multiple winner. Westy has had a good career but it doesn't outweigh 2 maybe 3 majors.

swap 3 majors for 0? no way

Diggers wrote:

Seve_The_Great wrote:

Diggers wrote:Has there ever been another player like Cabrera in modern golf ? Maybe 8 wins on the two big tours, 9 if he wins this and 3 would be majors. Bonkers really.

An interesting question would be who would be considered the greater player, Westwood or him?

An interesting question would be would one of them swap careers with the other ?

If I was making the choice i would choose Cabrera's every day of the week. The majors are what you're remembered for and especially if you're a multiple winner. Westy has had a good career but it doesn't outweigh 2 maybe 3 majors.

Diggers wrote:Mysti Paddy has a lot more wins (14 in Europe, 5 PGA) and has been a top 10 player for a fair bit of time. Cabrera is way way more streaky than Paddy.

Poddy has

11 euro
2 pga
and 3 majors


so thats 13 events on major tours to 3 majors- not many have that sort of distorted record tbh. Most players have more wins that that as a percentage to majors..

cabrerra has only 3 major tour wins to 2 majors.. which yes is crazy low- but poddys is also.

"Has there ever been another player like Cabrera in modern golf ? Maybe 8 wins on the two big tours, 9 if he wins this and 3 would be majors"


see above its only 5 wins!!! your double counting- but off course it makes your point stronger. I have brought it up before

Diggers wrote:Has there ever been another player like Cabrera in modern golf ? Maybe 8 wins on the two big tours, 9 if he wins this and 3 would be majors. Bonkers really.

Bonkers indeed. Love his style of stand-and-deliver golf though. Bet he doesn't ever get a penalty for slow play.

Are Westwood's chances gone? 6 behind on 13 is a big ask.

See TW's driver is still prone to madness - where has he ended up on 11???

LW 24 major tour wins 0 of them majors
Poddy 16 major tour wins 3 are majors
Cabrerra 5 major tour wins 2 are majors!!


AND IF HE WINS this one 50% of his wins will be majors

Well the majors are also tour wins Mysti so slightly splitting hairs their. Paddys career in terms of OWGR is really good, he also had a stupid amount of second places , 18 or something like that ?
People spoke about Paddy winning majors...Cabrera is never part of the conversation but does it anyway.

Cabrera's got well over 30 wins in South America, plus the BMW and the Benson & Hedges . . . .

Pretty good credentials I'd say . . . . might even get better today.

Quack quack.

Bernard langer looks unlikable.

Justin to finish behind Rory and you would have thought Justin had the better week.

I think Westwood would have to contemplate the money earned by the major winner he swaps with. Westwood must have earned a hell of a lot more cash then some recent major winners! if I was home I wouldn't swap with Keegan or Simpson.

Diggers wrote:Well the majors are also tour wins Mysti so slightly splitting hairs their. Paddys career in terms of OWGR is really good, he also had a stupid amount of second places , 18 or something like that ?
People spoke about Paddy winning majors...Cabrera is never part of the conversation but does it anyway.

no i am not at all- you doubled them up! you said he won 8- he has won 5 including majors but as i said it proves your point even more

poddy is a top player, his record speaks for itself- but just look at els, pmicks or singhs major tour wins..(the other recent golfers with a close amount of major wins)- There are on another level, they have all won like 4 times the amount!!!

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