The Masters (Discussion Thread)

[we are cured]

masters related stuff here.

i wish i could get to augusta some day.

[StuGrimson]

I love the Masters but at the same time I cant stand it too. Its going to be one big Tiger lovefest, Jim Nantz is the biggest fruit on television and I bet he beats off to the Masters highlight tapes, and you only get back nine coverage which is shit when Im going to home most of Friday afternoon.

[softhands]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say Tiger is going to win...lol..but I do like to watch Vijay, Mike Wier, Sergio and a bunch of others I can't think of..The Masters are always fun.

[we are cured]

the best coverage is sunday and of course that's the day i'm not going to be home.

[hockey0001]

one of my friends is there...so jealous

[airik625]

I'm gonna do everything I can to go next year. Can't wait until tomorrow. I hope Tiger plays well.

[airik625]

Sucks that Tiger won't be on TV tomorrow.

[captainhampton]

best news of the day is Sabbatini winning the Par 3 contest.

[airik625]

best news of the day is Sabbatini winning the Par 3 contest.

It's not like he's gonna win the masters anyways. I fucking hate Rory Sabbatini.

[we are cured]

Sucks that Tiger won't be on TV tomorrow.

they'll highlight his round at the start of the telecast, and you can catch him at amen corner and 15 & 16 at sportsline.com. they have a live stream going today starting at 10:45. i will likely have it going on two computers later on in the day.

[StuGrimson]

He will be on TV non stop, Im sure they wont bother showing many of the golfers actually playing live and show all of Tigers shots, him walking to each shot, and disect what he had for lunch and breakfast.

[we are cured]

haha, they actually have tiger as even money against the field. i'd put a lot of money (if i had it) on the field.

[airik625]

I couldn't bet against Tiger. Though, Stricker, Scott, Goosen, and Mickelson all have a great shot.

[wesgemm08]

Let's go Jim Furyk

[1Roth4]

i was pissed to see those fucking kids at Augusta yesterday. I would give my left nut to walk that golf course.

[1Roth4]

this is a great weekend for sports.

[we are cured]

amen corner live is making me look like the laziest piece of shit at work.

[looksthatkillbn]

rose now with six birdies in eight holes, wow...

[preppyak]

haha, that chip in by Tiger...thats gonna get a lot of airtime with comparisons to his other chip in during his win

[hockey0001]

hearing Mike Tirico talk is so annoying. Does he seriously have to pause after every 3 words

[preppyak]

I think Mike Tirico thinks that every quote he has will make next year's commercial...so, he's giving them cutting space

[preppyak]

I love Tiger's comment about the crowd being quiet though...I think he knows that if the crowd is loud, other players start to crumble.

[StuGrimson]

When does The Masters coverage start where they show players and their shots??? I feel like Im watching Tigers biography. Ive had just about enough of this.

[preppyak]

yeah...they've started doing less Tiger coverage a bit...but ESPN has such a vested interest in covering him that I almost wish this was back on USA. USA's coverage was a lot longer than 3 hours as well

[Broken Parachute]

Justin Rose is awesome.

From what I watched today, Snedeker, Rose, and Johnson had a great day. Also, Poulter's ace on 16 was awesome.

[Broken Parachute]

Let's go Jim FurykI've always liked Jim Furyk. I used him all the time in my golf video games when I was younger and since then I just always liked him, haha.

[airik625]

Justin Rose is awesome.

From what I watched today, Snedeker, Rose, and Johnson had a great day. Also, Poulter's ace on 16 was awesome.

I figured Rose would do well. I can't stand Ian Poulter.

[wesgemm08]

I've always liked Jim Furyk. I used him all the time in my golf video games when I was younger and since then I just always liked him, haha.

Yea, he was a member at my old country club when he was in high school.. I met him like two or three times when he came back to give clinics during my junior golf days.

[airik625]

I'm not worried one bit about Tiger though. He NEVER does well on the first day. I just hope he's not trailing going into the final day.

[Broken Parachute]

I figured Rose would do well. I can't stand Ian Poulter.Eh, I don't mind Poulter. I have no clue why but I really like Brandt Snedeker, haha.

I'm not worried one bit about Tiger though. He NEVER does well on the first day. I just hope he's not trailing going into the final day.Yeah, he needs to go into that final day with good momentum.

[airik625]

Eh, I don't mind Poulter. I have no clue why but I really like Brandt Snedeker, haha.

Yeah, he needs to go into that final day with good momentum.

Yeah, and the fact that he almost never comes back from being behind going into the last day. I really hope Tiger wins this.

[StuGrimson]

I hope Tiger doesnt win, not only because I hate but so this grand slam nonsense stops. He isnt going to win the grand slam, nobody is.

Rose is prone to blow up in round 3 or 4. It was a shame to see Els and Westwood fall apart a bit. I still have my money on Goosen who fired a solid 71. So many big names at the top and the way most of the course is playing I dont see too many of them falling out of contention tomorrow. I dont think we will get a real idea of who can win this until Saturday afternoon because it will be a pretty clustered leaderboard.

[Chemical Love]

Final Round Sunday of the Masters is one of the best sporting days of the year.

And lets go Tiger, get that 5th jacket.

[airik625]

You're right, he probably won't win the Grand Slam. But, I would love to see it.

[Chemical Love]

I think that would be the greatest achievement in sports (if Tiger wins the grand slam).

[airik625]

I think that would be the greatest achievement in sports (if Tiger wins the grand slam).

Without a doubt it would be. How amazing would that be though to witness such a historical feat like winning the grand slam.

[preppyak]

I think that would be the greatest achievement in sports (if Tiger wins the grand slam).
I think the Tennis and Golf grand slams (in one season) are probably the hardest things to achieve...because they require a player to adapt to several conditions. To go from the Masters to a British links course is absurd...as is going from grass to clay.

[preppyak]

actually...can someone explain to me why Tiger's version of a grand slam isn't considered a grand slam. Sure...it was not in the same calendar year...but I think its harder, after a year where you win three majors and are just dominant, to turn around and say "Yeah, I HAVE to have that Masters". I think to finish the slam with the Masters is more impressive than winning the PGA...

[airik625]

Would everyone agree that the Masters is one of the most, if not the most prestigious formal sporting event in any sport?

[airik625]

Anyways, I can't wait until tomorrows round.

[we are cured]

Would everyone agree that the Masters is one of the most, if not the most prestigious formal sporting event in any sport?

it's right up there with wimbeldon, but i think the masters gets it because it's so fucking impossible to get in there. i don't even know how to get tickets.

[we are cured]

yeah...they've started doing less Tiger coverage a bit...but ESPN has such a vested interest in covering him that I almost wish this was back on USA. USA's coverage was a lot longer than 3 hours as well

nah USA coverage was actually the same on thursday and friday...actually i think it was 2 hours back in the day.

[preppyak]

wow, what a shot by Mike Weir there....and Fred Couples trying to make a move to make the cut for a 24th straight time.

ESPN pisses me off because, instead of starting coverage at 3pm, they decided to show Outside the Lines First Report and run a story I saw 4 weeks ago (about sports teams with caskets/burial plots for fans) in addition to giving masters updates. Why not just show the event?

My guess is, as fucked up as Augusta is with every other reality, its some sort of mandate. ONLY THE BACK 9 AND ONLY 3 HOURS

[preppyak]

Would everyone agree that the Masters is one of the most, if not the most prestigious formal sporting event in any sport?
Only thing I can think of that competes is the Kentucky Derby and the Cambridge Boat Race...but I also have some issues with the backwardness of Augusta, so standing for Southern Tradition might not always be the greatest thing. The Cambridge Boat Race, from the coverage I've seen, is probably the most locked into tradition...but I'd say Augusta is the most recognized for it.

Its just very surreal to hear Mike Tirico proclaim the virtues of Southern Pride and tradition, and then finish up by calling Augusta and what it stands for "perfect"...

[LeftWideOpen]

yeah its definitely Augusta. It's always been like this. I dont really understand it .. but I do appreciate the 56 minutes of coverage each hour.

Also, Immelman fucking lucked out. He's played 2 great rounds, but the course was much easier this morning than it is now.

[preppyak]

Seriously...how pissed is Phil Mickelson right now...if he starts an hour earlier, the way he is playing, he probably has the lead. Instead he finishes up JUST before darkness...lost a stroke at least at the end, he could easily be at -6 or -7

[preppyak]

And if Ian Poulter is still in contention late Sunday...does anyone want to have their tournament rely on him NOT birdie-ing or eagling #16

[StuGrimson]

I think you get 4.5 hours of coverage on the weekends and thats the most. Blame the Augusta members and directors for that. A lot better scoring then I remember seeing the last 2-3 years.

[preppyak]

the scoring will drop off tomorrow...they are talking thunderstorms, 20mph winds, and temp drops up to 20 degrees.

Sunday is supposed to be decent (mid 60's, a bit cloudy), but still 20mph winds

[StuGrimson]

Shitty weather and high winds might play in favour of some of the Euros like Casey, Rose, Poulter and Westwood. I pretty much cant stand most of the American golfers with a few exceptions like Calcavecchia, Couples, Furyk, Holmes. Im really pulling for one of the Euros to finally break through.

[airik625]

it's right up there with wimbeldon, but i think the masters gets it because it's so fucking impossible to get in there. i don't even know how to get tickets.

Oh yeah, I forgot about Wimbeldon, which is odd because I've played tennis for ten years and I watch tennis all the time. So yeah, Wimbeldon, Masters, and the Kentucky Derby are all at the top.

[preppyak]

Trip Kheune at +6...too bad, looks like he will miss the cut...Drew Weaver as well, so there goes two of the better stories

[airik625]

Good to see Gary Player still having fun.

[preppyak]

Haha, yeah, Gary Player was great...and its weird to think, but Tiger might be out of contention by the end of today. If anyone can come back from 8 or 9 down, its him, but he is working himself such that he might be even more down.

He needs to finish strong and end up at least E or -1

[preppyak]

Jesus...nearly 12,000 career strokes at the Masters by Gary Player...akin to like 160+ rounds

[StuGrimson]

There are still a couple birdie holes out there. They said that the 3 easiest pin placements of the day are at 16,17 and 18. I expect Tiger to get out of the round at -1. I hope he finishes at +15 but we all know thats not going to happen.

[airik625]

That would suck if Tiger didn't even make the cut.

[preppyak]

haha...that would be hilarious...CBS would be furious, because their ratings would drop off the earth

[StuGrimson]

Real golf fans would still watch, you would just lose all the annoying Tiger fan boys. No way in hell he misses the cut though. I think he has only missed one as a pro (I want to say it was the US Open 2 years ago)

[preppyak]

Wow, Gary Player with these words

"Trevor Immelman has the closest swing...the greatest swinger I ever saw, not the best scorer because of conditions, but the greatest swing was Ben Hogan...and Trevor Immelman has the closest swing I've seen to that"

[preppyak]

Real golf fans would still watch, you would just lose all the annoying Tiger fan boys. No way in hell he misses the cut though. I think he has only missed one as a pro (I want to say it was the US Open 2 years ago)
Oh yeah, I'd definitely still watch as well...but many of the casual fans (read those that give great ratings) would not.

And it was the US Open after his father died if I remember, when he missed the cut

edit: When he returned for the 2006 U.S. Open, the rust was evident — he missed the cut at Winged Foot (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winged_Foot), the first time he had missed the cut at a major as a professional, and ended his record-tying streak of 39 consecutive cuts made at majors

[airik625]

Yeah, I don't see him missing the cut either, but damn. That would be insane.

[preppyak]

the camera angle at 13 is awesome...where you see the players 2nd shot into the green over all the weird angles and bunkers

[Broken Parachute]

I've said it once and I'll say it again. I love Brandt Snedeker, haha.

[Broken Parachute]

What the hell is Tiger's problem? Right into the trees.

[airik625]

Mickelson will more than likely be leading after today.

[we are cured]

i love moving day at the masters.

[LeftWideOpen]

I'm thinking Immelman might go into tomorrow w/ the lead. I dont expect another -4, but if he can come out and play even par .. -8 should be good enough for the lead going into tomorrow.

[we are cured]

its supposed to be fairly windy today with the chance of some storms, so i wouldn't be surprised if that happens.

[StuGrimson]

Faldo said yesterday he expects the lead to fall back to about -5 but I dont see it happening. Im sure Snedeker will fall out of contention as players of his ilk usually do on Saturdays. Immelman on the other hand has nerves of steel it seems and doesnt make too many mistakes. Im sure his years playing in Europe prepared him enough for what he will see today. You could see some guys at around +1 or so make a charge because its not supposed to get too shitty for another couple hours.

[LeftWideOpen]

the course isnt playing much more difficult yet, if the early scores are any indication. Zach Johnson is -3 on the day thru 7 holes (-1 overall) while Stenson, Weekley and Hamilton are all -2 on the day without being halfway done.

we'll see though.

[bradyreier]

Paul Casey and Steve Flesch are doing quite good thus far today. The weather could play a pretty big factor as the day goes on.

[airik625]

Tiger had a good day. I can't wait until tomorrow, it's going to be so fun to watch.

[LeftWideOpen]

Immelman continues to impress. I'd be surprised if he isnt wearing the green jacket tomorrow.

[bradyreier]

Immelman continues to impress. I'd be surprised if he isnt wearing the green jacket tomorrow.
I'd be quite pleased if that were the case.

[preppyak]

I'll be interested to see how Immelman holds up today if/when Tiger makes a charge

[preppyak]

The image I have of this final round is this...Immelman drops a stroke or two early (already lost 1) and is sitting at -9 as Tiger rounds the turn at -6 or -7...by the time Immelman rounds the turn Tiger moves it to -7/8 and Immelman has to play the back 9 with Tiger looming.

Either that or Immelman rebounds right away and just takes it all

[bradyreier]

The average scores for those already finished today have been quite high.

[preppyak]

Nobody is making any kind of move (except backwards) because of the wind...Immelman will likely par his way to this championship.

And I love hearing Gary Player..."In 78 I won coming in 30, I had three putts that should have gone in but didn't and I'm glad, because if I come in shooting 27, I never get invited back."

[we are cured]

this is immelmans to lose

[preppyak]

yeah, Snedeker just dropped off and Tiger is 6 back at the turn basically...Immelman would borderline have to Van de Velde this away at this point

[preppyak]

haha, and then he misses that putt on 7...you don't miss 6 footers for birdie...

[gonz]

Ugh, I can't believe Tiger just blew that opportunity

[nfggc10]

The Masters is slowly becoming the worst of the 4 majors as far as drama goes. Today has been about as exciting as watching paint dry.

[Broken Parachute]

I was so hoping Snedeker would make a strong finish and win it. Tiger made one hell of a comeback, but Immelman really was just too impressive. I can't believe how impressively Justin Rose shot on those first two days and then winds up finishing +7.

[hockey0001]

so woods played the masters with cartilage damage in his knee and just had surgery, hes expected to be out for a month


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