Masters Wide Open: Stars Battle Dry Augusta

Masters Wide Open: Stars Battle Dry Augusta

Augusta National is set to play fast and firm this weekend, with a wide-open Masters field facing a challenging course. With top contenders like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Scottie Scheffler dealing with recent struggles or time off, the door is open for a new icon to emerge.

Scheffler’s Swing Woes and New Fatherhood

Scottie Scheffler, the world number one, is facing unusual questions heading into the Masters. He’s been struggling with his driver and hasn’t played much in the last month, partly due to the recent birth of his son, Remy. While Scheffler has been dominant, his recent form shows a dip, especially in approach shots, where he’s ranked 82nd this year compared to his usual top ranking.

“We don’t know how much his wife’s pending birth was on his mind the last couple of weeks,” said golf analyst Mark Shabar. “But each of the last three Masters, he came into the tournament ranked number one on tour in strokes gained approach. This year, he’s tied for 82nd.” This break, however, could also be what Scheffler needs to reset, much like players who take time off and return stronger.

Rahm and McIlroy’s Injury Concerns

Defending champion Jon Rahm is also battling a back issue, though he appears to be dialing in his game. Rory McIlroy, another top contender, has also been dealing with back problems and hasn’t played in nearly three weeks. His quest for a career grand slam remains a major storyline.

Morikawa and Schauffele’s Health Battles

Collin Morikawa, a two-time major champion, was playing some of his best golf before hurting his back at The Players Championship. He hasn’t competed since. Xander Schauffele, known as ‘The X-Man’, is back and playing well after dealing with a rib injury last year. He has a chance to complete three-quarters of a career grand slam this week.

DeChambeau and Koepka: LIV vs. PGA Heat

Bryson DeChambeau, who famously called Augusta a par 67 course a few years ago, is back in contention. He’s won his last two events on the LIV Golf League in Singapore and South Africa. DeChambeau’s powerful game and recent success make him a favorite.

Brooks Koepka is another LIV player to watch. “Big Game Brooks” has a history of stepping up in majors. He’s been hitting his irons well and has improved his putting after switching putters. Shabar noted, “If I’m taking 10 guys in a major, Brooks is one of them. He’s big game Brooks for a reason.” His odds are 37-to-1, presenting a potential value bet.

While the direct “beef” between LIV and the PGA Tour may have cooled since LIV’s inception, players like DeChambeau and Koepka competing at Augusta still bring an undercurrent of rivalry. “Not as much as like three years ago,” Shabar commented on the lingering tension. “LIV does a good job in Hong Kong and Singapore and Australia and South Africa… But it’s struggled to get footing in the US.”

Patrick Reed: The Augusta Native

Patrick Reed, who left LIV to return to the PGA Tour for what he called “real consequences,” is always a threat at Augusta. He won the Masters in 2018 and is an Augusta native who played college golf nearby. His track record here is strong, with five top-10 finishes since 2018, matching anyone else in the field.

Amateurs and First-Timers to Watch

This year’s Masters features 22 first-time starters. The last first-time winner was Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979. Among the amateurs, Mason How and Jackson Harrington are generating buzz. How, an 18-year-old, even played a practice round with Justin Rose.

“The amateurs as a kid from Tennessee, his name escapes me at the moment. They call him the fridge,” Shabar said, referring to Jackson Harrington. “And then Mason How, the kid I was talking about a minute ago… He is an absolute stud.” These young players, sleeping in the famed Crow’s Nest, represent the future of the game.

Augusta’s Conditions and Traditions

The course is expected to be significantly drier than in recent years. “It’s going to be firm and fast. It’s going to be crusty by Sunday,” Shabar predicted. “It could be a little bit of a blood bath on the weekend.” This dry condition will test players’ ball control and precision.

Fans, known as patrons, should be aware of specific Augusta traditions. The course is divided into the “first nine” and “second nine,” the “first cut” instead of the rough, and specific food recommendations like the egg salad sandwich over pimento cheese. Cell phones are strictly prohibited, with severe consequences for violations.

Source: DeChambeau, Koepka & Rahm in Augusta 🔥 PGA vs. LIV Golf beef alive & well? | The Pat McAfee Show (YouTube)