Fore Please. 2024 Masters Thread

If I got the chance to play Augusta, I wouldn’t care if I shot 62 or 162.
It would be walking on cloud 9 for 18 holes.

 

The two times I played the TPS Sawgrass stadium course, back in the mid 90s, I played really well -- was even on the par 3s -- and still shot in the low 90s. Playing from the blues, I just didn't hit it far enough to avoid trouble - and numerous doubles followed. I'm sure the same thing would happen at Augusta but probably 20% worse.

Eventually I learned to not keep score when playing great courses. Celebrate the rare birdie and occasional par, and don't even keep track of the rest.

 

I had my first ever birdie playing on a guest pass on the Mystic Rock course at Nemacolin a month before the 84 Lumber Classic on my way to a 100-whatever.

 

I played Pinehurst #2 a few years before Payne Stewart's win. The caddies' guidance on putts seemed counter-intuitive; it took a few misses on the domed greens until I started to listen.

Also, today I hit 700 balls at the range. I get a boost when the local high school team shows up and the driver was so good I just kept going.

 

Speaking of caddies, this is a great story about the caddies at Augusta a few weeks back. Cool to see these guys finally get some recognition.

https://gardenandgun.com/feature/masters-of-the-green-the-black-caddies-of-augusta-national/

 

I’d play 16. Too many memorable moments not to.

 

I wish I could quit Rory. It's ruining my Masters viewing every year now. Goddammit.

(...Maybe he'll shoot twin 62s this weekend to finish T2...)

 

He actually scrambled his ass off for pars on the last two holes — after horrible tee shots — to make sure he made the cut.

But dumping it into the water on No. 11 was a very avoidable mistake IMHO.

Yes, I too keep waiting/hoping Rory will get back on the victory train in majors, but he always seems to have just enough disaster shots and/or holes to keep himself out of contention. Or his putter goes ice cold.

 

Ok
I might be alone here, but so be it.
If I’m Rory, come Monday, I’m firing my caddy and getting someone else.
I know he’s one of his best friends, but he’s not a caddy.
He needs someone to say “no……you’ve got this…..hit this.”
He doesn’t have that now.
He’s got someone that says “yep. That’s it.”
He doesn’t need that.

 

There is no doubt in my mind I am going to cry on Sunday when CBS does a tribute to Verne Lundquist as he calls his last moments at the 16th tower