To one of my favourite golfing, nay sporting events of the year, the first Major of the year - the US MASTERS, always held in early spring at Augusta in Georgia.
Augusta has been lengthened in recent years to almost 7500yards - its a monster. It is massively beneficial to your game here if you can carry the ball 290yards+ of the tee - to make use of (or negate) the big undulations in the fairways (the television pictures don't do these justice) and lead yourself short iron approaches rather than long iron/short wood second shots.
Another "skill" needed here is a diamond touch around the greens and nerves of steel with your flat stick, once you are on the most slippery greens in golf.
The year Mike Weir won (not the longest hitter on tour), he won by playing a faultless short game and holing every putt it seemed!
Another overlooked skill needed for Augusta is the ability to hit very high, soft approaches - a la Tiger Woods or Paul Casey. Colin Montgomerie cannot play these types of shots and always struggles here.
The final skill needed for Augusta is EXPERIENCE. Phil Mickleson has said it took him TEN YEARS of playing at Aususta to learn its intricate details!
This is often why The Masters seems to throw up a similar leaderboard with the same names on it, year after year - think Woods, Mickleson, Els, Singh, Di Marco, Goosen et al. Its possibly the most "Horses for Courses" course all year and with a small (invited) field of only 97 (this year), is certainly well worth a punt...?!
A brief synopsis of the main contenders chances...
Woods - If he turns up with his A game, he will win. Comfortably. That said, he has said repeatedly this year, that he's never putted worse, and his odds are very skinny at 8-5, considering there are plenty of others who can now match his length,..
Mickleson- Last years winner, very consistent at Augusta and a much tastier price.
Els - running out of time. 37 now, and ultra consistent at The Masters. Will he go down as the best player never to have donned a green jacket? Having a very solid season so far - nothing spectacular, but a string of top tens. Has recently changed to Callaway irons, but sprays some of his approaches recently. Augusta does owe Ernie though...
Singh - bang on form - has won 2 events already this year - the same as Woods. Singh has reverted back to his belly putter (which Els et al think should be banned), and if the rains come, to soften the treacherous greens (they are forecast), he's in with a BIG shout...
Goosen - the forgotten man. Again, consistent at Augusta, and we know he can handle ridiculous greens - remember the US Open at Shinnecock? A large price for a double US Open champion.
Garcia - the favourite in the market of the Europeans. But he hasn't won anything for almost two years, and is still less than convincing on the greens. Probably too petulent for Augusta, but he is owed a win.... any win!
Scott - last weeks winner, the Aussie has returned to form at exactly the right time. Augusta SHOULD suit Scott, but he hasn't got the best record here (or at any Major, incidentally).
Ogilvy - Geoff has all the credentials, bar one. Experience. Maybe in a year or so.
Stenson - As above.
Furyk - possibly not long enough, and coming back off a wrist injury. He'll win again this year I'm sure, but not this week.
Harrington - he may win the par 3 contest again, and therefore be jinxed out of the main event. NB. I've just heard that O'Meara has won the warm-up par 3 contest, so maybe this year Pod actually has a chance?!
Casey - represents his best chance of winning a major, and in form this year. It looks like the yanks have forgiven Paul for his flippant comments regarding Americans 2 years ago. I think Casey represents Europe's best chance this year...
Howell III - A young gun who displays all that is needed to win at Augusta, like Casey. Another really in form player this year. Expect a big show at a bigger than expected price.
Rose - likes The Masters, has led after 2 days before. Back in form after a debilitating back injury - another European chance?
Stricker - a live outsider.In the top seven at two majors last year, a top ten at Augusta previously and playing nicely at the moment.
Langer - yes I know he's 400 years old, but he's a past champion, a real course specialist, and he's playing really well in the USA this year. Huge odds.
Olazabal - The same credentials as Langer, and Augusta IS his favourite course. But, he's looking a bit dodgy this year so far. I think I've always fancied Olly at Augusta, he came third last year, but this year is the first that I can remember that I don't really rate his chances that highly.
Dimarco - A steady start to the season, and like Els, Augusta REALLY owes DiMarco!
Make no mistake, if Tiger "turns up", he'll win.
Opening balance £422.25p
Selections-
Mickleson £2 e/w 8-1
Singh £1.50p e/w 16-1
Rose 50p e/w 100-1
Casey 50p e/w 50-1
Stricker 50p e/w 150-1
Total stake £10
Balance after stake £412.25p
============================================
RESULT:
Mickleson =24th
VJ SIngh =13th
Rose =5th
Casey =10th
Stricker m/c
Winnings: £ 6.50p
Profit/loss: -£3.50p
Balance after tournament: £418.75p
COMMENT: Well well well. Zach Johnson, with God on his side coped the best with a ferocious Augusta - metallic greens and a strong cold wind, to win his first major.
Woods wasn't really on song, but still managed to finish tied second, Els unbelievably missed his first cut for ten years, Singh briefly threatened but never really challenged, Goosen also, Rose got the closest, but double-bogeyed the penultimate hole.
This was the story of the 2007 Masters, when the winning score was the highest ever at 1 over!
Mickleson had a terrible start and never really got back into it, Stricker missed the cut and Casey finished poorly to miss out on a place.
At least "26" made a lttle money with Justin Rose, although the double bogeyed 17th cost us a weekly profit...!
Onwards and surely upwards???
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