Entry 2: Course insight

Since my first post, the chaotic nature of my Masters trip has settled, the jet lag has wore off and I finally feel human again. After reporting the morning press conferences, I took the opportunity yesterday to walk the course for the first time.

I could fill this blog with the usual descriptions every first-timer reports, such as ‘pristine’, ‘immaculate’, ‘more hilly than you think’, ‘picture perfect’ etc. Don’t get me wrong, it is all these things, but in trying to put a unique spin on my visit, here are a few things that surprised even me.

Firstly, the fairways weren’t cut as tight as I expected. I had always assumed they’d run faster than the greens at my course Oundle Golf Club but the grass was surprisingly long. They’re made more difficult for the players by being cut towards the tee but there’s certainly plenty of give there to reward an accurate drive.

Secondly, I’d heard about the rough not being much of a factor if you miss the fairway – on closer inspection, even that is a massive understatement. There’s almost no chance of getting a poor lie so as long as you stay out of the trees, long and not necessarily accurate drivers will do well here – I guess that explains the successes of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson down the years.

They’ve made two significant changes to two of the greens for this year’s Masters. Firstly, the right-hand side of the eighth green has been flattened, allowing them to position a pin there on the par five to make the approach more difficult. Secondly, the top level on the right side of the 16th green as the players look has been enlarged and flattened slightly. The effect of this is two-fold.

Firstly, it makes the Thursday pin location on the back-right more accessible and easier to hold. But on Sunday, it makes finding the bottom location more difficult, as those who bail out right have less chance of their ball catching the slope and releasing down to the hole, increasing the demand for an accurate iron shot under pressure.

Last night, I attended the European Tour media dinner, suited and booted. It was a fascinating affair, filled with priceless anecdotes. I was lucky enough to share a table with European Tour chief referee Andy McFee, and a couple of American Golf writers, who spoke at length about the new Hank Haney book ‘The Big Miss’. Both said they read it cover to cover in one sitting. I can’t wait to get hold of a copy and any golf fan should read this book if they get the chance.

European Tour Chief Execuitive George O’Grady appeared to have taken advantage of the complimentary wine provided by our hosts, Augusta Country Club, during his speech and Jose Maria Olazabal even paid a visit after the Champions’ dinner, saying goodbye to every table before he left. I’d never held a very high opinion of the two-time Masters champ (he’s shunned my approaches on numerous driving ranges in the past) but I seem to have misjudged him. After last night, I’d go as far as to say he is a true gent of the game.

The par-3 contest is happening this afternoon, and I’ll admit, I’m not too excited about it. Sure, it’s great for the players to have their family around and play in a relaxed atmosphere but that doesn’t do anything for me. The only interesting thing to come from it will be the eventual winner and whether they believe in the par-3 jinx (no player has ever won the par-3 contest and gone on to win the main event). Luke Donald’s attitude last year of trying to win both and break the jinx was admirable, I wish more of the top players adopted that viewpoint.

The weather looks unsettled for the first two days of the tournament, Andy McFee last night said he would be surprised if there wasn’t an interruption in play on Thursday or Friday, with players having to finish their second round on Saturday and the halfway cut being delayed until then. The forecast for the weekend is much better, however, providing the perfect setting for Rory McIlroy’s maiden Masters win, hopefully 🙂