IG's eye on Augusta

[IrishGolfer]

I thought I'd get my thoughts in first.

Well there's no doubt it's a fantastic tournament. The scenery, the timing, the drama, the course. It was everything it lived up to this year. The lengthening of the course made it fair, the greens as slick as ever, I don't think any of the players came away surprised. I give this year's Masters a solid 9 outa 10.

Augusta is an extraordinary venue, the golfing version of nirvana. All the science of drainage, mower technology and platinum sand dressed up in a botanical veil of beauty. No wonder the pros love coming here every year and us Punters love to watch.

So to the golf. First and foremost I have to confess to being very disappointed with the European showing. Clarke once again fell under the scrutiny of the world and crumbled inside the caldron. I really like Darren, in fact there is no-one I would like to see win a major more, but he seems to lack that killer instinct to win, especially when it comes to the flat stick.

Harrington, Howell, Jiminez, Donald all disappointed. I get the feeling in some of the post game interviews that Augusta sucks out their souls and dances all over them. The slopes on the greens are severe and the greens are like glass, even the smallest misjudgement is exaggerated into all proportions. But hey these guys are all Pros, they get paid for this.

I felt a bit sorry for Vijay, the guy is a class act but threw away this year's tournament with total inconsistency. I also felt sorry for Rocco Mediate, but this sort of thing happens every year, so there will always be casualties.

But one man who handled it on day four was Jose Maria Olazabal. He burst through in the best golf of the final day. But the Spaniard's hopes were dashed on 16 and his hopes for that third green jacket got three putted into Rae's Creek, but that guy sure loves Augusta.

And what about poor Fred Couples? Despite being the best man in the field from tee to green, his flat-stick turned to mush in the line of fire. He probably would have taken 3rd before the tourney began, but he may look on the weekend as his last chance to win a major as the Time Lords take him off to the land of The Seniors Tour. His 4 at 13 was stunning and I really thought it was destined for him to win, but 14 was hard, for any grown man to go through that is painful, and as hard as it was to watch, only one guy knows how it feels.

There's no doubt he would have topped a poll of "Who you would like to win most". I did like the way him and Hefty got on during the final round. Giving eachother high fives walking off 13 was nothing short of cool. I couldn't imaging Eldrick doing that!! Good show.

Woods was awesome on the back nine, but for once his putting deserted him. To win one has to hole those 5-10 footers and he missed several down the stretch. I would have loved to have seen him duke it out with PM. But alas there can be only one. I wasn't too impressed with his "Putted like a spaz" comment after his round. I'm sure he'll get his ass kicked for that.

My "early on" vote for the week went to young Tim Clarke. The South African has come to the fore over the past few years and on Sunday he had a touch of the "Woosie" about him. He fought like a lion all week, despite his lack of length, his irons were crisp and his putting was solid. I was delighted that he holed his shot on 18, more than a tad lucky but I guess it was the golfing gods rewarding him for his tenacity. We'll be seeing more of this dude, that's for sure.

And so onto Mr. Michelson. He was nothing short of awesome. He looked comfortable all week, he didn't make any huge mistakes and his play on the final day was tournament perfection. His shots into 13, 15, 16 and 17 showed he has what it takes to be the Master's champion. He didn't need to produce any fireworks all week, just solid shot-making and holing out. He never really look in danger going down the stretch. His inane smile doesn't really upset me too much. The 2 drivers thing was a bit gimmicky. But when it comes down to it he is playing the best golf on the planet right now and deserved his second green jacket.

And to the coverage. I think Sam Torrance (for the BBC) is excellent. And of course Mr. Allis, the man is hilarious. Wayne Grady should retire, enough said.

The Masters for me is unofficially the start of the golfing season. Roll on June for the next major instalment. And congratulations once again to Lefty, a worthy winner.

IG

[ezra76]

Mickelson's impeccable short game combined with his iron accuracy on the back to let him pull ahead. One thing I noticed that gave him a distinct advantage was the ability to move the ball right to left and left to right. Couples could not get the ball moving right to left and was at a disadvantage on the dogleg left holes. I was very surprised to see that a lot of these guys stick with one primary ballflight. Going into the back I was really expecting Tiger to make a charge. I would have liked to see a more dramatic finish but everyone but Phil made the costly mistakes. It was fun to watch. For a period at the beginning of the back 9 it seemed like everyone was on fire.

[Eracer]

I think Phil played great. I also think he very craftily took Freddy out of his game by being so warm and fuzzy all day.

[VtDivot]

Originally Posted by IrishGolfer

Clarke once again fell under the scrutiny of the world and crumbled inside the caldron. I really like Darren, in fact there is no-one I would like to see win a major more, but he seems to lack that killer instinct to win, especially when it comes to the flat stick.

So his wife is sick? I heard Feherty mention that yesterday. I guess that could explain why he hasn't been keeping the diet and workout regimen. The dude looks like he put most of that weight back on

Originally Posted by IrishGolfer

And what about poor Fred Couples? Despite being the best man in the field from tee to green, his flat-stick turned to mush in the line of fire.

This is Freddie's downfall, has been for the past number of years. Even the guys in the booth before the round said Freddie has litteraly no chance to win.


Phil, as much as he disturbs me played solid golf, great approaches and solid putting. It never really got exciting since he didn't give any away.

[IrishGolfer]

Originally Posted by Eracer

I think Phil played great. I also think he very craftily took Freddy out of his game by being so warm and fuzzy all day.

I disagree. I think Phil would have looked that way regardless. Woods would have shunned him, but it was good to see Freddie play the game in the spirit in which it was to be played. I think it was refreshing. I don't think Phil used it against Freddie, I think it helped them both relax and enjoy it.

If I was playing in the final group of a major, I'd rather play with a dude like Couples than a fist pumping / ground thumping Woods, or some sort of robot tour numpty.

[Dave Ireland]

Yeah his wife has been battling cancer over the last few years, she was in remission until around a year ago. Incidentally Stephen Ames' wife is also fighting the battle.

Personally speaking, Clarke will never win a major, I don't think he has the guile to put 4 "decent" rounds together. His bad round in a 4dayer invariably ends up as a high 70's - the likes of Woods and Michelson can get a damage limitation round of 74 in. There is no one better out there when he's on fire than Clarke, but there's too many others that can play a more consistent tournament.

btw Cracking summation IG of the tourney

[IrishGolfer]

Originally Posted by VtDivot

So his wife is sick?

His wife has the big C. I feel sorry for him as a golfer. He was being interviewed about it. He said when he plays well he doesn't think about it, but when he plays badly he would rather be with Heather and his kids and as far away from a golf course as one can.

It's a real tough one. That's why I'd like to see him win so much, so he could dedicate it to his wife and family.

I can't diss the dude. He's a world class golfer, consistently at the top of the pile, week in week out. He's also a likeable character, one of the boys, cigar chomping, Guinness drinking, but works hard. He just has a problem, like so many others when it comes to joining the elite club of Major winners.

He just frustrates me. He misses a few putts and his body language tells you that he has given up. It may be nerves but undoubtedly mixed in with what's going on with his family.

He is still on my card for The Open!

[Eracer]

Originally Posted by IrishGolfer

I disagree. I think Phil would have looked that way regardless. Woods would have shunned him, but it was good to see Freddie play the game in the spirit in which it was to be played. I think it was refreshing. I don't think Phil used it against Freddie, I think it helped them both relax and enjoy it.

If I was playing in the final group of a major, I'd rather play with a dude like Couples than a fist pumping / ground thumping Woods, or some sort of robot tour numpty.

I would like to think that Phil is as nice as he seems to be, but I've heard from more than one source tha Phil plays the "nice guy" image to the hilt, and that he's as cold and calculating a man as you would ever not want to meet. I think Phil wants to win (which is not a bad thing) and that he maybe used a very subtle mind game to make Freddy a little TOO relaxed, recognizing that he was a threat to win.

For the record, I would rather play with the fist-pumper, IF I had the game to beat him (which Phil does). More motivating, and definitely more a more gratifying win. I don't mind beating my friends in a competitive round. But I love beating a strutting rooster.

If Phil and Freddy really were sharing a round of competitive golf in the sprit of cameraderie, then I tip my hat to them both.

[DaveE]

Originally Posted by IrishGolfer

I disagree. I think Phil would have looked that way regardless. Woods would have shunned him, but it was good to see Freddie play the game in the spirit in which it was to be played. I think it was refreshing. I don't think Phil used it against Freddie, I think it helped them both relax and enjoy it.

If I was playing in the final group of a major, I'd rather play with a dude like Couples than a fist pumping / ground thumping Woods, or some sort of robot tour numpty.

From what the announcers were saying it seems that Fred and Phil are good friends off the course. Dinners, trips together with their families etc. I'd guess what we saw was real and I enjoyed every minute of it.

I don't know if Fred will have another chance at a major but it sure is fun watching him play.

[Rockford35]

I'd just like to point out how much more entertaining golf is to watch when Tiger isn't playing well. It makes for better ratings and entertainment value when a guy isn't 5 strokes up going into Sunday.

Remember when Phil won by 97 strokes last weekend? Who finished second? Exactly...

But you'll remember Tim Clark for a while. And Rocco's run. And Jose's putting. And Vijay not quite getting it done with that stone cold putter of his. And Freddie hitting 100% of his fairways until a diasterous drive that cost him....or, birdie time.

I really think that Tiger's domination really weakens the overall feel of the game. I know that there's nothing you can do about it when he's playing well, but I cheer against him for this very reason. I hope he doesn't win any more tournaments this season and brings the pack closer to where golf becomes great to watch every weekend.

Great tournament. I watched every minute from 8am onwards. (Needless to say, I'm sleeping in the spare room, but it was worth it!)

R35

[bdcrowe]

Originally Posted by Eracer

I would like to think that Phil is as nice as he seems to be, but I've heard from more than one source tha Phil plays the "nice guy" image to the hilt, and that he's as cold and calculating a man as you would ever not want to meet. I think Phil wants to win (which is not a bad thing) and that he maybe used a very subtle mind game to make Freddy a little TOO relaxed, recognizing that he was a threat to win.

For the record, I would rather play with the fist-pumper, IF I had the game to beat him (which Phil does). More motivating, and definitely more a more gratifying win. I don't mind beating my friends in a competitive round. But I love beating a strutting rooster.

If Phil and Freddy really were sharing a round of competitive golf in the sprit of cameraderie, then I tip my hat to them both.

If you truly wanted to believe this, you'd take him at face value until HE proved you wrong, instead of regurgitating the same old unverified rumors from people who can't imagine the nice guy finishing first. Just food for thought...

I've personally seen nothing but class act from Phil. He has shown himself to be a person who doesn't take his position for granted. He doesn't bitch, moan or complain like so many others in his position who get rich playing a game the rest of us take vacation time to play.

[Eracer]

Originally Posted by bdcrowe

If you truly wanted to believe this, you'd take him at face value until HE proved you wrong, instead of regurgitating the same old unverified rumors from people who can't imagine the nice guy finishing first. Just food for thought...

I've personally seen nothing but class act from Phil. He has shown himself to be a person who doesn't take his position for granted. He doesn't bitch, moan or complain like so many others in his position who get rich playing a game the rest of us take vacation time to play.

OK, OK. I get it. I'm an ass for being a rumor-mongerer. I'll sing Phil's praises, la-di-da.

Phil - if you're reading this - I love you, man...

[Adam Pettman]

Anyone that loves their kids and mentions them as often as he does, must be nice IMO

[bdcrowe]

Originally Posted by Eracer

OK, OK. I get it. I'm an ass for being a rumor-mongerer. I'll sing Phil's praises, la-di-da.

Phil - if you're reading this - I love you, man...

lol

I got a good chuckle out of that one. Nice play.

I wasn't exactly taking you, particularly, to task dude.

I just personally think nice isn't bad. (Even if he were to turn out as the biggest ass on tour, I would give him kudos for respecting the masses to at least ACT grateful.) A few years ago, amidst mass bitching and moaning about a course setup, the media started asking Phil loaded questions to enter the fray of bitching and moaning.

His quote was something to the effect of: "Look, I make a lot of money for doing what the public pays to do. You won't catch me complaining about it." That showed character. And it showed respect for Joe Public who enables him to do it.

JMHO.

[ualtim]

Originally Posted by Rockford35

Great tournament. I watched every minute from 8am onwards. (Needless to say, I'm sleeping in the spare room, but it was worth it!)

R35

I did the same thing. Watch all of the end of the 3rd round. When the 3rd round was over, I went out to the garage and spined and epoxied some shafts into my 2 new wedges. Once I set the clubs aside to dry, went out and mowed the lawn. Back inside to shower, change, and open a bottle of Chardonnay so I could watch the rehash of the 86 masters and the opening coverage of the 4th round. Watched the GS's rehash of the the day when it was over.

A great day of golf coverage.

The only thing yesterday was missing was a battle on the back nine. No pushed Phil at all leaving the outcome fairly certain after Freddy 3-jacked the 14th. If only half of Freddie's lip outs dropped, it would have been a contest down to the wire. Then again, if someone had pushed Phil, maybe he does not play so safe at the end and fires at a few more flags and he wins by an even greater margin. You can not ask for a better leaderboard on the back nine, but no one pushed Phil hard enough to make him even think about losing.

I can not wait until Winged Foot.