A Masters credential with clubhouse-veranda-golf course privileges is more valuable than a lung or kidney. — Dan Jenkins
This is simply the greatest week in sports.
Some may debate that.
Not here.
We fell head-over-heels for The Masters and the Augusta National Golf Club more than four decades ago and that feeling hasn’t changed. Not one bit.
The first trip was 1976 and we were hooked. Forever.
A Tradition Unlike Any Other. That and more. There is no major like The Masters, no place where tradition and the history of the game is more revered than behind that gate on Washington Avenue that guards Magnolia Lane.
Everything is picture perfect. It’s even more impressive in person than it is on television and these days, the high-definition cameras finally begin to do justice to this special place.
This is the only men’s major that is played at the same course, every year. The holes become old, recognizable friends. You learn where the drama takes place — the back nine come Sunday afternoon. We all know that old saying — that’s where it starts. They jockey for position during the first 63 holes and simply hope to be in the hunt, in the mix over those last nine.
There is no other “Amen Corner.” There are no par fives quite like 13 and 15. The 16th has made champions and broken hearts. The 17th sets the table for victory or defeat and the long climb up the 18th can be agony for some, ecstasy for those who have slipped into The Green Jacket — the most iconic piece of clothing in the world of golf, maybe even the world of sports.
This is the smallest field of all the majors, some say the easiest to win. Jack Nicklaus is the Master of all — six victories.
Which brings us to this 2019 gathering beneath those towering Georgia pines and giant Magnolias. The Azaleas will be in full bloom, along with so many other beautiful flowers that date back to this property’s history as a flower and plant nursery.
But we have business at hand today. It’s that time — time to take a look at who may or may not slip on the Green Jacket on Sunday evening.
Who Cannot Win: You can always scratch out a bunch of players. Start with the six amateurs then add to the list the old guys — Angel Cabrerra, Fred Couples, Ian Woosnam, Trevor Immelman, Bernhard Langer, Sandy Lyle, Larry Mize and Vijay Singh. Immelman isn’t that old but he’s better served over on the Golf Channel with that annoying high-pitched voice of his.
There are probably just 20 players capable of winning The Masters. It’s why Jack Nicklaus had so much success at Augusta National. Here’s a look at some players to watch this week:
Justin Rose: Rosey is back to No. 1 this week. He’s had a nice record the past few years — tied for second in 2015, T10 in ’16, second in ’17 and T12 last year. Putting is the key for him and he’s putting really well this year, much better than in the past. He’s contended here because he can hit greens in regulation and you need to hit north of 50 greens this week to win. Gotta like his chances to be there come Sunday — consistency.
Dustin Johnson: Not sure about D.J. He was on the practice putting green with Butch Harmon on Monday trying to figure out if he wanted to switch putters this week. He uses that TaylorMade Spyder but was also working with a Ping Anser. Red flag. You better have it all down before you get to Augusta because you’re not going to find it this week.
Rory McIlroy: Man is this guy the flavor of the week with most? Going for the career Grand Slam. Huge question is — can you trust Rory to not do something totally stupid at exactly the wrong time — like the seven he took at the par five 16th in his match with Tiger Woods at the WGC Match Play? Rory can contend, but somehow, we can’t shake the memory of him missing that five-foot eagle putt at the second then imploding on the front nine to find himself totally out of it last year by the turn.
Brooks Koepka: This guy is a mystery. He’s the major monster but not at this one. He has only played in three before this year — T33, T21 and a T11 in 2017, missed last year with that wrist injury. Not sure he’s logged enough time to really know the course as well as most. Add that he’s mysteriously dropped 20 pounds and reports that he’s not as long off the tee. Aside from his T2 back at The Honda — he’s been awful lately — missed cut at Bay Hill, T56 at The Players, no factor at the WGC Match Play (T56).
Justin Thomas: Certainly has the length and overall game. It’s all about putting for J.T. but then, it’s all about putting at Augusta. Gotta like him better than most.
Bryson DeChambeau: Has broken par at Augusta National just once. Not looking for him to threaten.
Tiger Woods: The ultimate Wild Card. Knows the place like the back of his hand. Tiger has been good at times, not so good at times this year. He looks to be in good health but putting has been an issue for him. Everyone’s begging for him to bag that 15th major but we don’t think its in the cards. Wouldn’t be surprised to see him contend early.
Rickie Fowler: As much as everyone hated Patrick Reed winning last year, everyone would LOVE Rickie winning this year. “I like my chances,” Rickie said upon arrival this week. Would be great to see Rickie in the hunt and finally break through.
Francesco Molinari: A fairway and greens guy which works really well at Augusta National. He’s long enough and putts well enough and can handle the heat, for sure. Red flag — has only one sub-70 round at Augusta National.
Patrick Reed: Playing pretty badly. Searching. Let’s hope he’s one and done.
Jordan Spieth: Seriously? Driving down Magnolia Lane doesn’t cure what ails you, as some think.
Bubba Watson: Hate to say it but Bubba is a real threat this week. New putting style has helped and reports from the course say he’s crushing his drives and hitting the ball incredibly well.
Tommy Fleetwood: Not ready for Prime Time.
Adam Scott: Great darkhorse pick. Hitting the ball really well and putting much better. He’s a threat.
Sergio Garcia: Seriously, yes. Take away that hair-brained 13 last year and he would have been in it.
There you have it. A lot of bases covered, some not.
Sit back, kick your feet up and enjoy the best major of them all!
