PGA Tour: The Masters: Will a European Win for Once?: Notes from the Ballwasher

First topic message reminder :

1).Well, the Aussie DID rule and this sudden burst of relevance from the land Down Under is getting rather tiresome. Or at least, the US Media pointing out, quite accurately of course, that the Tour scoreboard this season so far reads:
US: 17
Australia: 4
Rest of the World: 0
And it's not much different in Augusta, this century at any rate:
US: 8
Europe: 0
Rest of the World: 6
 
2).This year, the Masters runners and riders look like this:
US: 44
Europe: 29
Rest of the World: 24
The Rest of the World have plenty of quality to make up for the lack of quantity, whereas the Europeans, like the Americans, have more than their fair share of dead wood and dead beats. Let's look at the Europeans and see if they can finally win a Green Jacket or whether the conspiracy that began when Germany, Spain and GB dominated - introducing rough for a start, lengthening the course for a second - can finally be put to rest.
 
3).England:
Fitzpatrick and Porteous are living a dream just being there.
Luke Donald has to be at his very best, a la Zach Johnson, to win here, and Zach Johnson outlukes Luke these days.
Poulter's ADD won't allow him to make the cut in a regular stroke-play event. If he gets in contention, he'll wobble like one of Thatcher's wets.
Lynn has lost whatever it is he had for a brilliant 15-month spell: No chance.
Rose may have had a bad shoulder but his putter looked even sicker in Tampa and Bay Hill. Perhaps a rest has done it good, but can't see it. Ain't gonna happen, not this year anyway.
Westwood has lost it: All the facets of his game that are traditionally strong have been average at best. All his usual weaknesses are still weak. Great recent record at Augusta, four Top 11's in his last four trips, but can't see better than 11th this time around.
 
4).Wales, Scotland and Ireland:
Woosie and Lyle are just having a larf; must be odds on both will miss the cut, tho' Lyle has played well in recent fits and some starts.
Donaldson has played really well this year, became only the 5th man to register a hole-in-one at Augusta's 6th hole last year, and it would be no surprise to see a Top Ten finish. Can't see him in the final shake-up though.
Gallacher: First-timer, but manages his game well enough to make the cut - a Top 20 finish would be a terrific result.
Harrington: Didn't qualify due to cramp in his finger. (True)
 
5).France, Germany, Holland:
Dubuisson and Luiten: Two "rookies" who could make a splash in the early rounds, but not on the weekend.
Kaymer: Oh Martin! You changed your swing to better suit Augusta and now it doesn't work anywhere.
Langer: What a story that was last year when he contended during the early rounds before fading on Sunday. Bernhard may well win a Major this year - but only on the Senior Circuit.
 
6).Northern Ireland, Sweden, Denmark:
Clarke wasn't fit enough to contend here when he was one of the World's best. Ceremonial appearance.
McDowell: Six appearances and four missed cuts. I'd think a Top Ten would be a very good result.
McIlroy: Could win by a dozen, or just file another middle-of-the-pack finish. Don't see much in between.
Blixt: Only played 2 Majors, 26th at Muirfield, 4th at Oak Hill. 1st at Augusta? Don't see it, but his brilliant short game could have him contending here one day.
Hanson: Injured much of last year but I've a hunch he's a live outsider. Too good a golfer to be down too much longer.
Stenson: Not a great record here, but 7 x Top Tens in the other Majors these past 6 years. Time to step up from Match Play Champion, Players Champion and FedEx Champion? I'd say he has a very good chance, and we know he's not scared to win.
Olesen: In terrible form but still only 24. 6th on his Masters debut last year, but can't win playing the way he is now.
Bjorn: Plenty of Major heartbreak for Thomas, but never played well here. Top 20 would be a good result.
 
7).Spain, Italy:
Olazabal: There was a time when his short game could bail him out here, but no longer. Sadly.
Gonzo: Seems out of sorts. Has the ability but not the form. 20th last year, and not likely to improve.
Miguel-Angel: Played so well at Doral until the 72nd hole - 5 x Top 12's here and don't rule out a 6th.
Garcia: Great each-way chance but don't see him winning. Putting like he's 19 but he's destined to be a very, very good nearly man, at Augusta at least.
Fran Molinari: Not a great record in the States. Would love to see him in the mix but no form to suggest it will be this year.
Matteo: Augusta may be too long for him right now and he's not putting his best. Top 30?
 
8).So that's how it looks after a couple of bottles of Malbec. My top three Europeans are probably everyone else's top three: Stenson and Garcia with a hope that the stars might align for McIlroy to redeem himself for past disappointment. Best outsiders Peter Hanson and Jamie Donaldson.
 
9).Who else do I like? Mickelson of course! Dufner and Kuchar of the other Americans with Billy Horschel a live outsider.
Always fancy this crop of South Africans to pull out a Masters win - Immelman, Oosthuizen and Schwartzel could all play well this week; sad that Els probably feels the Green Jacket has slipped away.
And then there's El Pato. 6 top tens here and who'd bet against another one?
 
10).But let's go for a European win. Stenson!
 
10a).And let's hope JAS completes his London Marathon in good enough shape to enjoy the coverage!

Yeah you have no reason to hate him.

You have to look at it as a problem you have with yourself not him. It is irrational. See a Doc

DJ to beat Stenson and Day at 2/1....Great odds. DJ will make plenty of birdies just needs to cut the mistakes down.

I think Serge will just explode so yeah not a bad shout- All though Langer looks like he might make them all look a bit stupid

Thats a great thing about sport and being a sports fan, you can hate someone for anything, People on here hate the god botherers or hate Tiger Woods, I have no reason to hate them, but Poulter just seems like a very annoying individual. I just cannot see a redeeming feature.

People mention that it was easier for the morning starters yesterday and today, but Rory, wasnt really in the morning wave, and he is last out today. So has he had the benefit of the best conditions?

I am not a fan of Mcilroy or Garcia. And being a tennis fan I am not a fan of Wozniacki either for that matter lol. People do route for people to do bad, it's part and parcel of sport.

beninho wrote:People mention that it was easier for the morning starters yesterday and today, but Rory, wasnt really in the morning wave, and he is last out today. So has he had the benefit of the best conditions?

Yes, and technically speaking he was in the morning wave but you make a great point!

beninho wrote:Thats a great thing about sport and being a sports fan, you can hate someone for anything, People on here hate the god botherers or hate Tiger Woods, I have no reason to hate them, but Poulter just seems like a very annoying individual. I just cannot see a redeeming feature.

I cant think of someone I like or respect more.(that i dont know)

A club pro till late in his career- maxes his potential, streaky golfer. Amazing team player, passionate, dedicated, in love with the game, sexy short game

He is what everyone should be in all forms of life. The ideal role model.

beninho wrote:Thats a great thing about sport and being a sports fan, you can hate someone for anything, People on here hate the god botherers or hate Tiger Woods, I have no reason to hate them, but Poulter just seems like a very annoying individual. I just cannot see a redeeming feature.

There's nothing wrong with that, we form opinion on inference and induction, it's not irrational at all.

In your case SR it really is irrational. Your hate extends a little bit to far

The wind I think is forecast to get up to 15 MPH'S this afternoon.....Could be more carnagey than yesterday!

Mysti

I made my thoughts on porn pretty clear https://www.606v2.com/t52734-why-i-stopped-watching-porn




Kwini

If the weather is going to be dry for the rest of the event how fast and firm do you think they will let the course get?

It seems like I spend most of my golfing life hoping the wind drops to 15 mph!

Mac WTF man.

You have given up the porn based on some nut on the net!

Roller_Coaster wrote:It seems like I spend most of my golfing life hoping the wind drops to 15 mph!

I can imagine on your Island mate. jeas

mystiroakey wrote:A club pro till late in his career- maxes his potential, streaky golfer. Amazing team player, passionate, dedicated, in love with the game, sexy short game

you forgot chav

Matsuyama shot 80 and he didn't miss a fairway, these greens man!

incontinentia wrote:

mystiroakey wrote:A club pro till late in his career- maxes his potential, streaky golfer. Amazing team player, passionate, dedicated, in love with the game, sexy short game

you forgot chav

Erm if he is your version of chav you must live in a very privileged place mate. And if he was a chav it would only make his success all the better

Chav:"person who displays brash and loutish behaviour and wears real or imitation designer clothes"

That describes Poulter pretty well. I admire him for wringing every last drop out of his minimal talent but to call him a role model is stretching it.

He is a bit Chavy, and has that TOWIE hairstyle aswell.

For me he is the ideal role model , due to maxing out his potential and showing such passion and backing that up with amazing Ryder cup performances.

And I want to hear honesty from a player. Even if In poulters case his own honesty has been proved wrong. He reaches for the stars . I like motivated people

I think "minimal" talent is a little harsh. He's got an outstanding putting and short game.

He skanks his long irons abit. But yes exceptional short game talent.

I agree SR, all of these players have immense talent, it always annoys me when everyone points out to Harrington's work ethic without recognising the incredible talent he has. Yes, I did say has!!! He will be back!

Mac,
Should be gorgeous weather thru'out - temps slowly rising by day and only significant variable being the wind. Perhaps breezier this afternoon, but never really strong.

ben,
Great point about Rory - hopefully the breeze can die down again this evening!
Wasn't Oosthuizen in the same boat, in reverse, at St.Andrews when he won. Technically in the wrong end of the draw but just about first off so missed the carnage? It can happen!

Stephen Gallacher had a nice round yesterday but I DID feel for him when he missed a 3-foot eagle putt on #15 and had a treacherous 5-footer for birdie! Thank goodness he made it.

Streelman off to a cracking start . . . . . .

yes he has an excellent short game, my bad

Kwini

They question was how fast and firm you think they will let the course get?

I bet Gallacher is disappointed he isn't from the deep south, especially when he is interviewed by cousin Kirsty, they could get married in those parts, probably without her agreement as well.

kwinigolfer wrote:Mac,
Should be gorgeous weather thru'out - temps slowly rising by day and only significant variable being the wind. Perhaps breezier this afternoon, but never really strong.

ben,
Great point about Rory - hopefully the breeze can die down again this evening!
Wasn't Oosthuizen in the same boat, in reverse, at St.Andrews when he won. Technically in the wrong end of the draw but just about first off so missed the carnage? It can happen!

Stephen Gallacher had a nice round yesterday but I DID feel for him when he missed a 3-foot eagle putt on #15 and had a treacherous 5-footer for birdie! Thank goodness he made it.

Streelman off to a cracking start . . . . . .

Yeah Gallacher was one of my picks so was annoyed when he missed the eagle (on the 15th?).

Mac,
You'll have to ask Billy Payne.
He controls everything around there - Even the caddies' footwear apparently.
With the SubAir they can do whatever they like, but you'd think the fairways might roll out a bit more, though he also manipulates the mowing patters to mitigate against distance.

Is this site a bit funky this morning - as if there are some cobwebs in the system?

Mac,
Snedeker reckoned they'll have the course as fast as he's ever seen it - whether that means firm as well, I've no idea.

Bjorn going well early

Same for DC- getting back in the mix

kwinigolfer wrote:Mac,
Snedeker reckoned they'll have the course as fast as he's ever seen it - whether that means firm as well, I've no idea.

Thanks kwini, I knew you were the guy to ask. I just had a feeling we had not seen a rain free masters for quite a while.

Not many ridiculously bad scores out there early - perhaps Day 2 is playing easier than Day 1. So far anyway.

only 7 from 25 are under par, not the best judge yet as its so early- but no one is lighting this up yet. It doesnt look that different from yesterday tbh

Not one player 2 under any more.

about 9 players 1 under courtesy of the 2nd hole

mystiroakey wrote:Mac WTF man.

You have given up the porn based on some nut on the net!

Irrelevant of the reason. That is so funny   

Back to the golf!!

No one is doing anything of note- Louis over par - However Bubs has just pared the first and could show us how this course is playing.

In this day and age I think its a crime of epic proportions that we are not capable of watching all of the masters.

What is the usual winning score?, it seems that scoring is not great out there, and day one was a bit attritional. It all just seems a bit dull at the moment.

the last 6 years or so the masters has had winners of an average of 12 under par.

I remember 2007 was a nightmare due to conditions and zach won it.

The front nine looks like a war of attrition this morning, the back nine will hopefully have eagles and doubles!
Lucas Glover the obvious guy out there at the moment with a two-under round after 8 holes.

Backed Glover at 600/1 when he was par after 8! Due to my crappy other bets....Bogeys 9, shame!

Has anyone seen Sandy, i remember last year he had the worlds biggest putter, it was like a spaceship on a stick, i want to know if he is using it again.

Donald is 2 under par.

Good lad- fighting hard to stay over the weekend

the 4 overs are almost in the top 50 already without going out.

Leishman the only man to hit 3 under- conditions could be picking up and getting easier. Westy pars the first, rose birdies the second.

Sandy Lyle said:

"My parents were here and Dad said, 'If I die now I'll die a very happy man'. I got away about 10pm and went back to the hotel, which had been pretty noisy all week with its own bar and disco. This was my chance to go and celebrate. But there was nobody there. Everyone had left. I didn't really celebrate until I met some of the caddies and press guys the following week at Hilton Head. It was a little bit of an anti-climax."


Does that not sum the Masters up?

Elitest to an extent, and on to next year?

Seems really sad doesn't it.

No bogies yet for Blubber Watson, not that many birdies either though.

amazing stuff through from a typically up and down golfer.

23 holes- 20 pars and 3 birds