The Masters (Discussion Thread)

[we are cured]

the year's first major. i'm going to go with a dark horse and take ryan moore, i love the way he's been making contact lately.

[StuGrimson]

I didnt think Moore was playing? big fan of his though, he has a hell of a swing. I like Paul Casey to play well again this week and challenge for the jacket but I like Henrik Stenson as my pick.

[we are cured]

yeah he isn't, another reason the players is more of a major than this tournament. i'll go with carl petersson then.

[StuGrimson]

The Masters is a little ridiculous, the fact that JB Holmes isnt eligible and he won a tourney last year and is top 20 in money this season is pretty stupid.

[S/T]

I might have to break out a Villegas avatar for the weekend.

[FondestMemory]

i hope tiger wins.

[kwsqd]

my parents are going. I'm jealous.

[bigmike]

Rooting for Tiger, but I like the Henrik Stenson pick of Stu.

[batmannj]

I am glad that Tiger is back playing. I am hoping that it is a compelling tournament with Tiger in it on Sunday.

[about3fitty]

you have to be crazy to not pick tiger every time he plays

[we are cured]

yeah, it just gets old after awhile. i've already accepted he's the best golfer i'll probably ever see and cbs is going to tell me that all weekend...so for now i'll consciously pay attention to the rest of the field.

[about3fitty]

yeah, it just gets old after awhile. i've already accepted he's the best golfer i'll probably ever see and cbs is going to tell me that all weekend...so for now i'll consciously pay attention to the rest of the field.

haha i know what you mean

[batmannj]

yeah, it just gets old after awhile. i've already accepted he's the best golfer i'll probably ever see and cbs is going to tell me that all weekend...so for now i'll consciously pay attention to the rest of the field.

yeah it kind of sucks for golf fans because I like the event as it is, but most people on watch for Tiger. I just hope he is in it on the last day because I think that overall it makes the tournament even more compelling.

[bigmike]

As much as Tiger gets shoved down my throat with anything related to golf, I love every minute of it. I am more then enthralled every time he's on television swinging a club.

[batmannj]

As much as Tiger gets shoved down my throat with anything related to golf, I love every minute of it. I am more then enthralled every time he's on television swinging a club.
I agree with that, but at the same time I wish we would hear more about the other players. I think too if one day someone can even be anywhere close to him on the last day and trade him shot for shot that would make for some compelling TV.

[nfggc10]

I agree with that, but at the same time I wish we would hear more about the other players. I think too if one day someone can even be anywhere close to him on the last day and trade him shot for shot that would make for some compelling TV.It's happened many times before haha....


Anyway, the windy conditions today and tomorrow will help dry out the course thankfully. We've been pounded with rain the last few weeks but it's supposed to be fairly dry for the tournament except for a small chance on Friday. This is the first time in a few years that I'm not going to make it down there which sucks.

[batmannj]

It's happened many times before haha....


Anyway, the windy conditions today and tomorrow will help dry out the course thankfully. We've been pounded with rain the last few weeks but it's supposed to be fairly dry for the tournament except for a small chance on Friday. This is the first time in a few years that I'm not going to make it down there which sucks.
Oh I know. I just meant on a consistent basis lol.

[preppyak]

As much as Tiger gets shoved down my throat with anything related to golf, I love every minute of it. I am more then enthralled every time he's on television swinging a club.
Yep...literally could not be happier that he is back for this tourney...as it wraps up perfectly my favorite "month" of the year that starts the 2nd week of March and ends after the Masters.

And the fact that ESPN's coverage is on at 4pm is perfect for me...I go into work early and get home and watch it all

[nfggc10]

Yep...literally could not be happier that he is back for this tourney...as it wraps up perfectly my favorite "month" of the year that starts the 2nd week of March and ends after the Masters.Agreed. On top of that this is by far the best week of the year. Final Four, Opening Day, and Augusta. Doesn't get any better than that.

[preppyak]

Oh I know. I just meant on a consistent basis lol.
Yeah, Tiger needs his Nadal...he needs someone that could beat or even surpass him...and I doubt we see that until he gets past his prime. At the same time, while he is so dominant, the nature of golf allows for the fact that on most any weekend, he can be beaten by a number of elements, which keeps it entertaining (unlike when he was say, dominating at Pebble Beach, etc)

[S/T]

Anybody else playing ESPN.com's Best Ball game?

[nfggc10]

Yeah, Tiger needs his Nadal...he needs someone that could beat or even surpass him...and I doubt we see that until he gets past his prime. At the same time, while he is so dominant, the nature of golf allows for the fact that on most any weekend, he can be beaten by a number of elements, which keeps it entertaining (unlike when he was say, dominating at Pebble Beach, etc)Hmm, that's easily one of the most entertaining tournaments I've ever watched. To see someone win an Open by 15 shots is ridiculous when you consider that his ball striking that week wasn't spectacular or anything.

Then again, I'm one of Tiger's biggest supporters and him winning by 10 this week would be exciting.

[preppyak]

Anybody else playing ESPN.com's Best Ball game?
I am...not sold on my roster yet, I'll have to re-look at it Wednesday
Hmm, that's easily one of the most entertaining tournaments I've ever watched. To see someone win an Open by 15 shots is ridiculous when you consider that his ball striking that week wasn't spectacular or anything.
It was entertaining to watch because he made it look so effortless...and every other player was all over the course...but, I'd much rather see what he did last Sunday

[Kaleidoscope]

I only truly enjoy watching golf when Tiger is on. It's as if something great is always about to happen.

[preppyak]

I hope the par 3 contest is on ESPN360, I'll take a break and watch it during work

[preppyak]

Gary Player's last Masters this weekend...I secretly want him to have a Tom Watson at the US Open moment and take the first round lead at some point...though I hardly see that happening

[we are cured]

can't wait for this, so happy my boss is catholic and gave us off friday so i can watch the cut line

[preppyak]

The Par 3 contest may be the best part of the weekend...how many times do you get to see Jack Nicklaus needling Arnold Palmer while trying to get a read on a birdie putt

[Eleven:Ten]

I love Sergio Garcia, but obviously anyone who watches golf knows he won't win.... I'm sure Tiger will be up there though.

[SLOWPOKE LOPEZ]

It's happened many times before haha....


Anyway, the windy conditions today and tomorrow will help dry out the course thankfully. We've been pounded with rain the last few weeks but it's supposed to be fairly dry for the tournament except for a small chance on Friday. This is the first time in a few years that I'm not going to make it down there which sucks.
hey i have a good friend in augusta, i was thinking about one of these years going down and watching a round. how much should i expect to pay?

[StuGrimson]

You will probably pay nothing because tickets are like impossible to get

[nfggc10]

The Par 3 contest may be the best part of the weekend...how many times do you get to see Jack Nicklaus needling Arnold Palmer while trying to get a read on a birdie puttNot a huge fan of the Par 3 tournament. I guess from having been to it a couple times you learn that it's easily the worst day of the week to go. Not only do they close the course just after lunch to make final preparations but the par 3 course is so small and to have about 40,000 people there it's impossible to see anything.

hey i have a good friend in augusta, i was thinking about one of these years going down and watching a round. how much should i expect to pay?Depends on which day you go. I've never been to a tournament round but I really don't have much interest in that since I'd miss being able to follow everything on internet/tv. As of last year I paid $200/ticket for Tuesday which is about as low as you'll see. There's so many scalpers down there on Washington Road that you'll have no problem getting a ticket as long as you're willing to spend 200-300 bucks. Tuesday is the best day to go though since everyone will be on the course at some point. Sometimes players take Mondays and Wednesdays off so if you're hoping to see a particular player those days can be tricky.

[we are cured]

Thursday, April 9 - Round 1 tee times

8:00 I. Woosnam, C. Reavie, B. Baird
8:11 S. Lyle, B. Mayfair, T. Clark
8:22 K. Sutherland, R. Fisher, P. Marksaeng
8:33 L. Oosthuizen, C. Pettersson, D. Hart
8:44 R. Floyd, J. Leonard, R. Saxton
8:55 F. Zoeller, M. Campbel,l K. Duke
9:06 B. Curtis, N. Watney, M. Jimenez
9:17 C. Stadler, R. Sabbatini, D. Johnson
9:28 G. Player, L. Donald, S. Ames
9:39 R. Goosen, S. Hansen, S. Katayama
9:50 B. Langer, G. Norman, L. Westwood
10:12 J. Rose, H. Stenson, A. Cabrera
10:23 V. Singh, G. Ogilvy E. Els
10:34 M. Weir, P. Harrington, R.Imada
10:45 P. Mickelson, C. Villegas, J. Furyk
10:56 S. Appleby, O. Wilson, S. Garcia
11:07 L. Mize, J. Merrick, D. Kittleson
11:18 T. Hamilton, S. Flesch, M. Goggin
11:29 T. Watson, I. Poulter, S. Wilson
11:40 A. Baddeley, B. Watson, G. Mcdowell
11:51 M. O'Meara, P. Perez, D. Trahan
12:02 F. Couples, R. Mediate, J. Newman
12:24 S. Kjeldsen, S. O'Hair, R. Sterne
12:35 A. Romero, B. Weekley, C. Campbell
12:46 B. Crenshaw, P. Casey, S. Stricker
12:57 Y. Yang, R. Allenby, H. Mahan
1:08 Z. Johnson, W. Lin, R. Karlsson
1:19 J. Olazabal, M. Kaymer, B. Snedeker
1:30 K. Choi, A. Quiros, K. Perry
1:41 T.Immelman, A. Scott, D. Lee
1:52 T. Woods, S. Cink, J. Singh
2:03 A. Kim, R. Mcilroy, R.Ishikawa

[preppyak]

is ESPN going to be tape-delaying their coverage? Or are the groups after like, 12:30 still going to be on the course at that point, and that is what they are covering? Cause their coverage doesn't start til 4pm, and all the morning groups will be done by then.

If that's the case, that sucks, because it means we'll only see replays of Tiger on friday

[StuGrimson]

Ill assume they will show Tigers round in tape delay and ignore all other players on the course like they do every other week.

You can watch amen corner and 15-16 live online though for tomorrow and friday all day

[preppyak]

Ill assume they will show Tigers round in tape delay and ignore all other players on the course like they do every other week.

You can watch amen corner and 15-16 live online though for tomorrow and friday all day
That's right, I forgot they did that coverage on the Masters site...well, that works for me

[nfggc10]

is ESPN going to be tape-delaying their coverage? Or are the groups after like, 12:30 still going to be on the course at that point, and that is what they are covering? Cause their coverage doesn't start til 4pm, and all the morning groups will be done by then.

If that's the case, that sucks, because it means we'll only see replays of Tiger on fridayThe coverage is 100% live. It actually works out perfect because the last group usually finishes 18 at 7:30 or just a couple minutes after. The rounds take about 5 hours so it works out pretty well.

[uchiha]

Going to be a great, and very interesting next four days

[jbaseball44]

Thursday, April 9 - Round 1 tee times

8:00 I. Woosnam, C. Reavie, B. Baird
8:11 S. Lyle, B. Mayfair, T. Clark
8:22 K. Sutherland, R. Fisher, P. Marksaeng
8:33 L. Oosthuizen, C. Pettersson, D. Hart
8:44 R. Floyd, J. Leonard, R. Saxton
8:55 F. Zoeller, M. Campbel,l K. Duke
9:06 B. Curtis, N. Watney, M. Jimenez
9:17 C. Stadler, R. Sabbatini, D. Johnson
9:28 G. Player, L. Donald, S. Ames
9:39 R. Goosen, S. Hansen, S. Katayama
9:50 B. Langer, G. Norman, L. Westwood
10:12 J. Rose, H. Stenson, A. Cabrera
10:23 V. Singh, G. Ogilvy E. Els
10:34 M. Weir, P. Harrington, R.Imada
10:45 P. Mickelson, C. Villegas, J. Furyk
10:56 S. Appleby, O. Wilson, S. Garcia
11:07 L. Mize, J. Merrick, D. Kittleson
11:18 T. Hamilton, S. Flesch, M. Goggin
11:29 T. Watson, I. Poulter, S. Wilson
11:40 A. Baddeley, B. Watson, G. Mcdowell
11:51 M. O'Meara, P. Perez, D. Trahan
12:02 F. Couples, R. Mediate, J. Newman
12:24 S. Kjeldsen, S. O'Hair, R. Sterne
12:35 A. Romero, B. Weekley, C. Campbell
12:46 B. Crenshaw, P. Casey, S. Stricker
12:57 Y. Yang, R. Allenby, H. Mahan
1:08 Z. Johnson, W. Lin, R. Karlsson
1:19 J. Olazabal, M. Kaymer, B. Snedeker
1:30 K. Choi, A. Quiros, K. Perry
1:41 T.Immelman, A. Scott, D. Lee
1:52 T. Woods, S. Cink, J. Singh
2:03 A. Kim, R. Mcilroy, R.Ishikawa
Great threesome, i enjoy watching all of those guys.

[preppyak]

The coverage is 100% live. It actually works out perfect because the last group usually finishes 18 at 7:30 or just a couple minutes after. The rounds take about 5 hours so it works out pretty well.
Yeah, I figured groups that started at noon-ish or so would get covered today, and then the groups that started before noon today would start afternoon tomorrow, and thus get coverage then. I just miss USA's coverage, which used to be like, 6 or 7 hours of the majors...they'd basically cancel all their programming for the day and just cover the event
10:23 V. Singh, G. Ogilvy E. Els
Such a sick group...though sadly they won't get much coverage since they'll be at the middle of the groups and the wrong ends for coverage

[StuGrimson]

Thats the shitty thing about the Masters, I wish the members/board of directors would cut out this exclusiveness shit and just let it be covered as a whole day event like the British Open etc. Im sure this adds to the "mystique" of the even but its fucking annoying.

[we are cured]

at least we can actually watch the front 9 now...but yeah i want 11 am-7 pm coverage. you get a little tired of holes 11-16 on the web

[Smithers]

Such a sick group...though sadly they won't get much coverage since they'll be at the middle of the groups and the wrong ends for coverage
i was gonna say the same thing. that's the best threesome in the group but they won't get any play.

my two non Tiger picks are both -1, Harrington through 8 and Ogilvy through 9. and of course, the Shark is -2 through 10.

[preppyak]

Tim Clark defying the curse so far at -4

[we are cured]

i can always root for greg norman but i'm not sure if it's because i like watching him play or watching him blow it

[StuGrimson]

I love Norman, always been my dads favourite golfer so I grew up watching a lot of him. The course seems to be playing easy, I havent had the chance to watch any but ill assume the wind isnt blowing much? Thats usually a key factor at Augusta. I was happy to see Bily Mayfair go from 8 over to 5 over in the last few holes, though Id say thats a testament to how easy the back nine seems to be playing.

[preppyak]

I love Norman, always been my dads favourite golfer so I grew up watching a lot of him. The course seems to be playing easy, I havent had the chance to watch any but ill assume the wind isnt blowing much? Thats usually a key factor at Augusta. I was happy to see Bily Mayfair go from 8 over to 5 over in the last few holes, though Id say thats a testament to how easy the back nine seems to be playing.
16 is pretty much a birdie for anyone who wants to hit a halfway decent shot...and the other holes I watched didn't seem to be particularly hard either...Luke Donald just eagled 15, so that's doable

[preppyak]

Chad Campbell is on fire...-4 through 4...if the course is playing this easy, by the time Tiger's group gets out there they could be shooting -6 and -7

[StuGrimson]

16 is pretty much a birdie for anyone who wants to hit a halfway decent shot...and the other holes I watched didn't seem to be particularly hard either...Luke Donald just eagled 15, so that's doable

I figured as much, if Sandy Lyle shoots Even for the day then you know scoring is going to be very low.

[we are cured]

I love Norman, always been my dads favourite golfer so I grew up watching a lot of him. The course seems to be playing easy, I havent had the chance to watch any but ill assume the wind isnt blowing much? Thats usually a key factor at Augusta. I was happy to see Bily Mayfair go from 8 over to 5 over in the last few holes, though Id say thats a testament to how easy the back nine seems to be playing.

yeah, my guess is the members will panic and roll the shit out of the greens tomorrow morning

[StuGrimson]

Figured as much, they wont be happy unless the cut is something around 6 over.

And what the fuck is up with Chad Campbell, 5 under through 5. I had written him of as past his prime and heading towards David Duval range not that long ago.

[preppyak]

yeah, my guess is the members will panic and roll the shit out of the greens tomorrow morning
Look at the leaderboard and where they all made their moves....Sutherland is the most obvious, but a lot of guys went from -1 or -2 to suddenly gaining 2 or 3 strokes in those first few holes of the back 9

edit: Actually, no player on that leader board has lost strokes on the back 9

[we are cured]

david duval had one of the weirdest swings going...his hands were so low and his clubface closed up at the top. add vertigo to that equation and i'm pretty sure you're fucked for the rest of your career.

[StuGrimson]

haha ya when I finished my first round in Myrtle Beach a couple weeks I just said to myself "now I know what David Duval feels like"

The fact that he can still relatively compete (and I mean that in the sense he is still far better than the average golfer) is a testament to how good he was before. When my clubface closes at the top my ball gets skulled into a house.

[preppyak]

the last few groups through 16 have been playing it horribly...nobody within 30 ft of the hole that people have easily been getting within 5ft of

Really glad I put Jim Furyk in my ESPN best ball group though

[preppyak]

the way he is playing, Chad Campbell may finish at -10...cause 15 and 16 are very birdie-able

and I know he starts slow, but the way Tiger is playing right now, he won't be relevant on Sunday...he can't find a fairway to save his life, and his putting isn't helping

[nfggc10]

the way he is playing, Chad Campbell may finish at -10...cause 15 and 16 are very birdie-able

and I know he starts slow, but the way Tiger is playing right now, he won't be relevant on Sunday...he can't find a fairway to save his life, and his putting isn't helpingHit 10/14.....

[nfggc10]

The course was setup ridiculously easy today. Looking through all 18 hole locations many of them, outside of #18, were in their easiest spots. The scores should come back to life a bit tomorrow especially with the wind expected to come up tomorrow afternoon.

[preppyak]

Hit 10/14.....
I said that when he was on 10 I think...and it wasn't until 13/14/15 that he really turned it around, which I wasn't surprised that he made a run there, as every other player made the same run.

[soundofthebrown]

The course was setup ridiculously easy today. Looking through all 18 hole locations many of them, outside of #18, were in their easiest spots. The scores should come back to life a bit tomorrow especially with the wind expected to come up tomorrow afternoon.

Agree. While watching, I was amazed that the course didn't challenge the golfers as much (pin location wise). But most courses are set up that way. Think that tomorrow we won't be seeing a 65, but more towards the 68-69 range as the best round. Golfers in the morning, including Tiger will definitely have to take advantage of the conditions early on. Putting the way Tiger did on the back 9, it's amazing that he's under par.

[nfggc10]

Campbell is still on fire. Already up to -11.

[preppyak]

Campbell is still on fire. Already up to -11.
and he hasn't even hit the holes that, yesterday, everybody basically birdied. If he's -11 going into 13, he may well end up -13 by the end of his round

[jbaseball44]

I hope the back nine donesn't play as easy as it did yesterday but it might not matter the way Campbell is playing.

[S/T]

My friend was in the 99.9% after the first day in Best Ball. ha

[preppyak]

My friend was in the 99.9% after the first day in Best Ball. ha
I'm at 98% and in 1100ish place after today...with Anthony Kim being my main savior...for just today alone, I am in 117th place

If I hadn't picked Pat Perez, I'd probably be in the top 500

[S/T]

When I first saw the pairings I was stoked because I thought Villegas being with Phil and Furyk would get him some more T.V. time...nope. They just show their shots and cut away. haha

[preppyak]

and Tiger starts out with a double bogey...great way to start a round

[jbaseball44]

Tiger is going to have to make a huge run on the back nine. It seems like Phil is playing pretty well, hopefully he can make a few more birdies and get within a few shots of the lead.

[nfggc10]

I think Cabrera shoots 70 and wins by a couple tomorrow in an anti-climatic finish.

[theguilt engine]

they couldn't ask for better weather out there in augusta...

[preppyak]

I think Cabrera shoots 70 and wins by a couple tomorrow in an anti-climatic finish.
Yeah...I don't see any major charges so far

[we are cured]

other than phil mickelson playing the first 8 holes in 6 under?

[preppyak]

other than phil mickelson playing the first 8 holes in 6 under?
I just saw that...crazy...I hadn't checked the leader board in an hour, Tiger's there, Phil's there, and the lead is very gettable if Perry lives up to his past, or if Cabrera struggles.

[tambo41187]

and woods eagles, still in it

[AshesAshes]

Cant believe Phil missed that

[preppyak]

The way Tiger hit that tee shot at 16, I think he's gonna win this

[nateisawesome]

This is really turning out to be a great final day

[CubbyNick42]

Unreal.

[preppyak]

Kenny Perry is not happy...just missed that birdie and when he sees the leadboard (and hears that roar), it means Mickelson and Woods are 1 shot off

[CarlosLunes]

here he comes

[preppyak]

it seems like everyone who finished already birdied every hole from 13-18...Ogilvy, Villegas, the list goes on, but people gained as many as 5 strokes in that span

[preppyak]

unreal putt by Kenny Perry there...if he made that last putt on 11 it would be over right now

[AshesAshes]

Insane putt by Perry

[preppyak]

I think that's round over for Tiger...Phil's gonna be up 1 and Perry up 2 on him going into the 18th...assuming he makes that putt

[AshesAshes]

Phil choked

[preppyak]

hahaha, Phil Mickelson never disappoints on 6ft putts

[CubbyNick42]

Yeah, that's the day for Tiger.

[kshtoinks12]

zg9GOMAB31Q
Didn't see this posted.

[preppyak]

wtf is Tiger thinking...he's pulling a Van de Velde

[about3fitty]

wtf is Tiger thinking...he's pulling a Van de Velde

hahaha thats a little extreme but definitely not how we are used to seeing tiger finish a tournament

[preppyak]

hahaha thats a little extreme but definitely not how we are used to seeing tiger finish a tournament
Well, I typed that before I saw his lie...I figured he'd be even further behind trees, so I was thinking at least a 6 on the hole

[rcrook]

chad campbell has a hot wife and kenny perry has a hot daughter

[MyWorldEntire]

Damn, I really wanted Perry to win.

[sodamnclever]

I got suckered into watching this with my family, I really thought Perry was going to win.

[deadstar]

chad campbell has a hot wife

Nooooo.

and kenny perry has a hot daughter

Yessssss

[nfggc10]

All of the Tiger/Phil excitement masked what secretly wasn't that good of a tournament in my opinion. They still need to take out the second cut and most of the trees they've added lately.

[jbaseball44]

All of the Tiger/Phil excitement masked what secretly wasn't that good of a tournament in my opinion. They still need to take out the second cut and most of the trees they've added lately.
completely agree, was a pretty sub par tournament with about 2 hours of excitement on the final day.

[StuGrimson]

Thankfully it was Tigers turn to choke. And Phil too but thats expected. Though nobody shit the bed like Perry which didnt disapooint either. So happy to see Cabrera win and even happier to see how much it disapointed everyone at CBS. Fuck Jim Nantz. Im glad instead of showing any of Shingto Kataymans shots (maybe they showed 2) I got to see minutes of Tiger and Phil standing around doing nothing or waiting in the fairway. Its not like Shingo finished ahead of them or anything.

Im not really bitter it just never fails to piss me off as a big golf/pga fan how little attention anyone on the leaderboard gets who isnt tiger or phil

[jbaseball44]

Ya that can be pretty annoying, on the second day when Villegas was paired with Phil and Furyk i was hoping they would show some of his shots but of course they didn't

[preppyak]

hah, this is excellent work by ESPN

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/tools/med/2009/04/ipt/1239588166.jpg

[nfggc10]

Thankfully it was Tigers turn to choke. And Phil too but thats expected. Though nobody shit the bed like Perry which didnt disapooint either. So happy to see Cabrera win and even happier to see how much it disapointed everyone at CBS. Fuck Jim Nantz. Im glad instead of showing any of Shingto Kataymans shots (maybe they showed 2) I got to see minutes of Tiger and Phil standing around doing nothing or waiting in the fairway. Its not like Shingo finished ahead of them or anything.

Im not really bitter it just never fails to piss me off as a big golf/pga fan how little attention anyone on the leaderboard gets who isnt tiger or philTough for someone to choke considering he was never playing well to begin with. He was playing 20 yard peelers on every drive just about trying to steer them in play.

Also, the reason CBS shows show much Tiger and Phil, besides that they both got within one at some point, is because the rest of the leaders weren't doing anything worth showing. I'd rather watch them read greens than see Shingo do just about anything. This is what I was referring to earlier when I said the Tiger/Phil stuff saved the tournament a bit. Once they finished I think most people realized whatever was left of the tournament wasn't that exciting.

[jbaseball44]

Tough for someone to choke considering he was never playing well to begin with. He was playing 20 yard peelers on every drive just about trying to steer them in play.

Also, the reason CBS shows show much Tiger and Phil, besides that they both got within one at some point, is because the rest of the leaders weren't doing anything worth showing. I'd rather watch them read greens than see Shingo do just about anything. This is what I was referring to earlier when I said the Tiger/Phil stuff saved the tournament a bit. Once they finished I think most people realized whatever was left of the tournament wasn't that exciting.
I read this today

"I hit it so bad warming up today," he admitted later. "I was hitting quick hooks, blocks, you name it. I hit it all on the range, and then on the very first hole I almost hit it into eight fairway (two holes left of the first). It's one of the worst tee shots I've ever hit starting out."I just kind of Band-Aided around and almost won the tournament with a Band-Aid swing today."

I hadn't realized that he was hitting it so bad, i was out playing golf and only got back to see Phil and Tigers last few holes. Considering how bad he hit it i would say he did pretty well.

[S/T]

Thankfully it was Tigers turn to choke. And Phil too but thats expected. Though nobody shit the bed like Perry which didnt disapooint either. So happy to see Cabrera win and even happier to see how much it disapointed everyone at CBS. Fuck Jim Nantz. Im glad instead of showing any of Shingto Kataymans shots (maybe they showed 2) I got to see minutes of Tiger and Phil standing around doing nothing or waiting in the fairway. Its not like Shingo finished ahead of them or anything.

Im not really bitter it just never fails to piss me off as a big golf/pga fan how little attention anyone on the leaderboard gets who isnt tiger or phil

My thoughts exactly. You know the people at Augusta would've been stoked to see either of the other two win before Cabrera. He seems like a really good guy, I'm glad he won. And Katayama deserved waayyy more T.V. time - he was really impressive.

And I understand him not being on a whole lot because he never really threatened the leader, but I really thought the groups he was with would be enough to get Villegas more T.V. time. He had to walk in front of Mickelson to even get on camera.

[nfggc10]

I read this today

"I hit it so bad warming up today," he admitted later. "I was hitting quick hooks, blocks, you name it. I hit it all on the range, and then on the very first hole I almost hit it into eight fairway (two holes left of the first). It's one of the worst tee shots I've ever hit starting out."I just kind of Band-Aided around and almost won the tournament with a Band-Aid swing today."

I hadn't realized that he was hitting it so bad, i was out playing golf and only got back to see Phil and Tigers last few holes. Considering how bad he hit it i would say he did pretty well.Yeah he was playing terribly all week, really. That he still contends in majors playing that way is just as impressive as anything he does.

[preppyak]

Yeah he was playing terribly all week, really. That he still contends in majors playing that way is just as impressive as anything he does.
Like he did at 17 the last day, he had a good lie, but, he would put himself in such terrible positions for 2nd shots. The first day, he went 10/14 fairways hit, but probably only 4 or 5 of those shots from the fairway would give him a genuine shot at a tough birdie putt...and then he wasn;'t putting well either.

I was surprised he made a charge at the end, the way he was playing...and for a little bit I thought he was actually gonna win if Perry/Cabrera crumbled

[StuGrimson]

Sounds like we have a bunch of Johnny Millers in here, Tiger doesnt win so everybody has to make excuses for him yet when somebody else buckles down the stretch of a major its always called "choking".

And if people can only find a tourny exciting if tiger or phil wins then they really arent golf fans

[nfggc10]

Like he did at 17 the last day, he had a good lie, but, he would put himself in such terrible positions for 2nd shots. The first day, he went 10/14 fairways hit, but probably only 4 or 5 of those shots from the fairway would give him a genuine shot at a tough birdie putt...and then he wasn;'t putting well either.

I was surprised he made a charge at the end, the way he was playing...and for a little bit I thought he was actually gonna win if Perry/Cabrera crumbledI actually never thought he had a chance to be honest. Even after he birdied 16 I knew it would be near impossible for him to get to 12 under. He hasn't played 17 and 18 well the last 4 years. I knew he was struggling all day since he only hits the 20 yards cuts off tees when he's not feeling the comfortable. Unfortunately you can't fake it for 72 holes in a major.


Sounds like we have a bunch of Johnny Millers in here, Tiger doesnt win so everybody has to make excuses for him yet when somebody else buckles down the stretch of a major its always called "choking".

And if people can only find a tourny exciting if tiger or phil wins then they really arent golf fans1) I never use the term choking so I guess that doesn't apply to me.

2) How is saying Tiger didn't play well an excuse? Last I checked that was called being honest. He didn't play well at Bay Hill either yet won that.

3) Buckling down the stretch? He was faking his way around the course for the first 16 holes and managed to still play them in 5 under. What happened on 17 and 18 was bound to occur. The same thing can be said for Phil who never really had it together all week outside of the front 9 on Sunday.

4) No one ever said it wasn't exciting because Tiger or Phil didn't win. Hell, I can't stand Phil but his 30 made it much more exciting. The truth is the last two groups played poorly on Sunday and weren't scoring either so it was quite boring in that respect.

Stu, I know you love to bash on Tiger/Phil/commentators but at least be somewhat reasonable rather than completely leaping out of reality.

[jbaseball44]

Sounds like we have a bunch of Johnny Millers in here, Tiger doesnt win so everybody has to make excuses for him yet when somebody else buckles down the stretch of a major its always called "choking".

And if people can only find a tourny exciting if tiger or phil wins then they really arent golf fans
Not making an excuse, he just wasn't playing very well and it surprised me that he could even get close to the lead. It is no ones fault but his own that he wasn't playing well. And in terms of excitement, i just didn't find the final groups very exciting, i didnt watch the majority of Tiger and Phil's round because i was out but i don't particularly love Tiger or Phil. They definitely provided the most excitement of the tournament with their final rounds. I mean shooting 30 on the front 9, how can that not be exciting?

[coreysetfail]

2011 masters have begun. let's keep this thread active over the weekend.

[jbaseball44]

watching the stream via CBS

edit - Garcia looks good early

[coreysetfail]

watching the stream via CBS

edit - Garcia looks good early

i'm streaming from the masters website. their video streaming is phenomenal. tiger's nearing amen corner, excited to see how he's playing today. bummed he's not included in either of the featured groups. when does this start getting televised? saturday?

[preppyak]

ESPN started their coverage at noon...

Thursday, April 7
12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., live first round coverage
4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., SportsCenter from The Masters
5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., encore presentation of the first round coverage


Friday, April 8
12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., live second round coverage
4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., SportsCenter from The Masters
5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., encore presentation

[coreysetfail]

ESPN started their coverage at noon...

Thursday, April 7
12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., live first round coverage
4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., SportsCenter from The Masters
5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., encore presentation of the first round coverage


Friday, April 8
12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., live second round coverage
4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., SportsCenter from The Masters
5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., encore presentation

all i've got from espn is sportscenter. i don't see any masters coverage.

[preppyak]

ha, and Stuart Appleby swearing on the Masters Amen Corner coverage...something to the effect "Shit, how the hell did that happen" after he flew the green

[Scott Weber]

all i've got from espn is sportscenter. i don't see any masters coverage.
i think those times are PST.

[preppyak]

i think those times are PST.
wow, yes, they absolutely are. Never saw that the title at the top of the article I posted them from was "SB Nation Bay Area"

[jbaseball44]

mcilroy's had a ridiculous round

[coreysetfail]

i think those times are PST.

you're absolutely right. coverage starts at 3 for me. thanks guys.

[jbaseball44]

tiger seems pretty pissed that birdie putt on 15 didnt go in

[preppyak]

*sigh*...the announcer just called the 12th "the most famous par 3 in all of golf". The 17th (Island hole) at Sawgrass disagrees

[preppyak]

haha, Phil doing his best to blend in with the shrubbery with that shot

[we are cured]

the 12th is playing pretty tough right now, winds must be swirling

[Chemical Love]

Nice tee shot by Tiger on the 6th.

[loveisdead]

Love Mcilroy. It's great seeing a kid out there playing like he is and so openly enjoying himself. Reminds me of Sergio a decade or so ago.

[Chemical Love]

And Tiger just gave another one back.

I agree, McIlroy looks like he's having a good time out there and he's playing really well. He's fun to watch right now.

[loveisdead]

Tiger, you fucking dolt.

[Chemical Love]

Tiger needs 2 more birdies and no bogies to end his day.

[loveisdead]

Tiger needs 2 more birdies and no bogies to end his day.

Would be cool. He's picked his game up quite a bit the last hour.

[Chemical Love]

Jason Day had an great day. I've never watched/followed him until today.

[loveisdead]

Jason Day had an great day. I've never watched/followed him until today.

He's a rookie, isn't he? I thought they said he set the record for a second round score for a rookie.

[Chemical Love]

It's his first Masters, I dont know if he's played other majors.

[Chemical Love]

Boom! Fuck yea, Tiger!

[loveisdead]

What a shot from Tiger.

[loveisdead]

Loved that montage of Nicklaus.

[loveisdead]

I knew he'd miss that putt. Tiger that's pretty unacceptable.

[Chemical Love]

Dammit! He should of hit that putt!

[loveisdead]

I bet he falls apart now.

[we are cured]

this is setting up to be some weekend

[Chemical Love]

Finish strong, Tiger, finish strong.

[loveisdead]

Finish strong, Tiger, finish strong.

Not the best drive to get that done.

[loveisdead]

Holy hell. That was some shot.

[Chemical Love]

Yea that was ridiculous. Now he needs to hit this putt.

[Chemical Love]

Fuck yea! 7 under going into the weekend and only 3 back. Fuck yea!

[loveisdead]

McIlroy is even through 2. Tiger is even through 2. Day is -1 through 2.

[loveisdead]

Day is shooting lights out. That was an insane putt he just sank.

[loveisdead]

Tiger blowing it on the greens.

[jbaseball44]

yeah he's hit some decent shots just not making any putts. luckily for him no one has really run away with it so far

[loveisdead]

Tiger should be -2. Horrific putting for a person of his talent.

[loveisdead]

Jeeze, again.

[moonpies87]

tigers gonna win

[loveisdead]

tigers gonna win

Nah. He blew his chance yesterday.

[troubledbyinsects]

McIlroy will win.

[StuGrimson]

Players just arent afraid of Tiger anymore and I love it.

Half of Tigers game was intimidation and the other half was skill. Now that nobody is scared of him it makes for excellent golf

I have to say though the Masters makes for probably the gayest sporting event on TV. Its way to sentimental and poetic for my liking.

[nfggc10]

Players just arent afraid of Tiger anymore and I love it.

Half of Tigers game was intimidation and the other half was skill. Now that nobody is scared of him it makes for excellent golf

I have to say though the Masters makes for probably the gayest sporting event on TV. Its way to sentimental and poetic for my liking.Geez I see you're still commenting on Tiger with the same hyperbole you've always used.

Intimidation is only the result of being so much better than your competition and that took years for him to create. He was the best putter on tour, the longest hitter outside of Daly, one of the best ball strikers and had the best short game of anyone. To say that intimidation was half of the reason he's won over 70 tournaments including 14 majors is asinine.

As for today, I'm hoping Rory shoots 38 on the front and the first page of the board can get bunched together. Yesterday was probably the most boring Saturday at Augusta in years so any excitement today will be more than welcome.

[StuGrimson]

Im not saying that intimidation over takes skill but I think the crop of guys like Adam Scott, Sergio Garcia, Charles Howell etc were prone to collapsing under the intimidation factor of Tiger. Its not to say he didnt outplay guys but there were times where he guys basically did everything they could to let him win. The newer crop of younger players like Fowler and Mcilroy play the game essentially without fear which is what you need to win

I know Ive come across as Tigers biggest hater but Im not trying to discredit his game Im just saying that guys arent going to hand him majors anymore like they used to

[jbaseball44]

Geez I see you're still commenting on Tiger with the same hyperbole you've always used.

Intimidation is only the result of being so much better than your competition and that took years for him to create. He was the best putter on tour, the longest hitter outside of Daly, one of the best ball strikers and had the best short game of anyone. To say that intimidation was half of the reason he's won over 70 tournaments including 14 majors is asinine.

As for today, I'm hoping Rory shoots 38 on the front and the first page of the board can get bunched together. Yesterday was probably the most boring Saturday at Augusta in years so any excitement today will be more than welcome.
agreed

[nfggc10]

Im not saying that intimidation over takes skill but I think the crop of guys like Adam Scott, Sergio Garcia, Charles Howell etc were prone to collapsing under the intimidation factor of Tiger. Its not to say he didnt outplay guys but there were times where he guys basically did everything they could to let him win. The newer crop of younger players like Fowler and Mcilroy play the game essentially without fear which is what you need to win

I know Ive come across as Tigers biggest hater but Im not trying to discredit his game Im just saying that guys arent going to hand him majors anymore like they used toI can understand that but Nicklaus has admitted that a majority of his majors were won by steadiness and waiting for everyone around him to make mistakes. Besides, I honestly can't think of one major Tiger won where he was "handed" the tournament. He led all 14 going into Sunday and his closest battles ('00 PGA, '05 Masters, '08 US Open) were ones he had to play great down the stretch to finish them off.

[Chemical Love]

McIlroy is killing himself right now. He cant start bogie bogie on the final round.

[Chemical Love]

C'mon Tiger!

[Drew Beringer]

Tiger is on the prowl! Only 3 back!

[Broken Parachute]

Players just arent afraid of Tiger anymore and I love it.

Half of Tigers game was intimidation and the other half was skill. Now that nobody is scared of him it makes for excellent golf

I have to say though the Masters makes for probably the gayest sporting event on TV. Its way to sentimental and poetic for my liking.Agreed on all accounts.

[joeag1985]

Schwartzel's the man to beat.

[Tyler Vagyler]

Tiger!

[joeag1985]

I was about to say you have to think Woods can't keep this going. Then he gives himself eagle chance.

[Chemical Love]

Tiger's shot on 8 was siiiick.

[Drew Beringer]

TIGER!

x

[Tyler Vagyler]

so awesome

[joeag1985]

nice camera work..

[troubledbyinsects]

Tiger's got this.

[Tyler Vagyler]

Save this for par and Tiger will win.

[Chemical Love]

Tiger tied for the lead, but has a tough putt coming up.

And fucking BOOM! Sank that shit!

[Drew Beringer]

Tiger is dialed in.

[Tyler Vagyler]

holy shit Tiger!!!

[troubledbyinsects]

Tiger is playing like he did before his wife found out he fucked a bunch of pornstars!

[xsandwichesx]

Holy fucking Tiger! He just might be back.

[Thomas Balkcom]

I can understand that but Nicklaus has admitted that a majority of his majors were won by steadiness and waiting for everyone around him to make mistakes. Besides, I honestly can't think of one major Tiger won where he was "handed" the tournament. He led all 14 going into Sunday and his closest battles ('00 PGA, '05 Masters, '08 US Open) were ones he had to play great down the stretch to finish them off.

blast from the past!

[Chemical Love]

It looks hot as hell there - everyone is sweating like crazy.

[joeag1985]

great putt.

[laxcrs]

tiger on fire in the sunday red

[Tyler Vagyler]

clusterfuck right now

[Drew Beringer]

Tiger is starting to fade a bit.

[Chemical Love]

Tiger needs to go on another tear to end the round.

[Tyler Vagyler]

Tiger is starting to fade a bit.

I don't know. He has a good chance at eagle or birdie on this hole. He'd be right back in it.

[Tyler Vagyler]

maybe not

[Drew Beringer]

I don't know. He has a good chance at eagle or birdie on this hole. He'd be right back in it.
well yeah, that's why I said "a bit"

[Chemical Love]

The eagle would of been huge, but he now needs to get that birdie to stay relevant.

[Chemical Love]

That was a horrible chip.

[Tyler Vagyler]

-13 is going to be the winning score

[Drew Beringer]

haha I love how Adam Scott putts.

[joeag1985]

Where's your messiah now Schwartzel?

[QuikTrig]

Hahaha holy shit they need to make a gif of them zoomed in on rory, then zooming out surrounded by the cabins and 100 yards off the fairway

[joeag1985]

ah, rory..

[Tyler Vagyler]

epic meltdown

[Tyler Vagyler]

Tiger!

[loveisdead]

Just leaving work. Will I catch the end if I'm home in 15 mins?

[Broken Parachute]

McIlroy just dug his own grave with that triple bogey. Gross.

[sodamnclever]

Poor McIlroy.

[QuikTrig]

Just leaving work. Will I catch the end if I'm home in 15 mins?
Absolutely, this is gonna be decided on the last hole, or extra rounds

[Tyler Vagyler]

Tiger could easily be -14 right now. Just can't sink the putts.

[S/T]

Faldo is such a douche, it's unbearable.

[Drew Beringer]

Ogilvy is on a roll right now.

[JuneJuly]

Crowd was ready to explode when Tiger tried for birdie.

[Drew Beringer]

Day hits a birdie, five way tie, but Cabrera is scuffling right now.

[Drew Beringer]

yep, Cabrera is about to lose a stroke.

[Drew Beringer]

wow great shot by Ogilvy.

[Broken Parachute]

Yeah, don't let Ogilvy get lost in the shuffle. He's on a roll. It's gonna be a crazy finish.

[Tyler Vagyler]

this is so intense

[S/T]

KJ Choi and Derrick Rose have roughly the same number of facial expressions.

[Chemical Love]

What an unbelievable final round - so many people in contention.

[Tyler Vagyler]

man, that is heartbreaking for Rory

[Drew Beringer]

I feel really bad for Rory. Choi and Ogilvy birdie putts away from making it a 6 way tie.

[Chemical Love]

I feel bad for McIlroy, he's completely imploded.

[J.C.]

McILOLroy

From 4 strokes up to out of contention.

[S/T]

Good God this is terrible for Rory.

Why?! WHY couldn't that be Phil instead?

[Drew Beringer]

Ogilvy EN FUEGO

[Broken Parachute]

Ogilvy is KILLING it right now. Five birdies in a row.

[Drew Beringer]

gonna be a painful post-round interview from Rory

[J.C.]

Pulling for Adam Scott. Love him on Parks&Rec.

[Drew Beringer]

Day making moves!

[Chemical Love]

Ogilvy looks really strong right now. I think he has the most momentum right now.

[Drew Beringer]

Pulling for Adam Scott. Love him on Parks&Rec.
he could really use this after the IceTown debacle.

[Drew Beringer]

Tough par attempt coming up for Tiger.

[loveisdead]

I echo what you guys said about Rory. What a shame. And he's wearing his heart on his sleeve.

[Drew Beringer]

Scott takes the lead!

[S/T]

Adam Scott is one of the biggest bosses in sports. If he cared just a little bit more I think he'd be there in almost every tournament.

[QuikTrig]

All their forehead tanlines are distracting me from golf..

[Drew Beringer]

wow Day missed it.

[Drew Beringer]

Tiger pars 17, needs to birdie 18

[loveisdead]

Doubt Tiger wins this. Oh well. It was a great round regardless.

[Chemical Love]

Tiger is gonna need help to win this now.

[cscwell107]

This has been a fantastic final day.

[Drew Beringer]

Van Pelt at 10 under now

[Drew Beringer]

Doubt Tiger wins this. Oh well. It was a great round regardless.
could have been an amazing round, left a lot of birdies on the course

[Chemical Love]

This has been the best Masters I think I've ever seen.

[S/T]

Tiger needs some of these guys to ground their clubs in a few "hazards" along the way.

[Chemical Love]

could have been an amazing round, left a lot of birdies on the course
If he hit those he'd be up by 2 strokes.

[J.C.]

oooooof

[loveisdead]

could have been an amazing round, left a lot of birdies on the course

Did the same thing yesterday. He should be up 4 strokes.

[Chemical Love]

Yes, thank you Scott.

[Drew Beringer]

wow Adam Scott, that was IceTown-esque

[Drew Beringer]

Did the same thing yesterday. He should be up 4 strokes.
agreed

[Chemical Love]

Cmon Tiger! Let's go, hit this birdie.

[Drew Beringer]

Welcome to the party Luke Donald.

[S/T]

Yeah Faldo, the current pin placement is why he didn't want to hit it into the gallery, not because that's a terrible shot.

[QuikTrig]

Cmon Tiger! Let's go, hit this birdie.

lol isn't it a 50+ 'er?

[Drew Beringer]

damn

[JuneJuly]

Tiger's done. Damn.

[Drew Beringer]

Van Pelt bogies.

[J.C.]

Eldrick's done.

[Drew Beringer]

Tiger's done. Damn.
how is he done? He is still alive for a playoff.