What can be said about the second day at the Masters? It was a crazy windy and reeked havoc on all the players. Everyone to a tee said that the conditions were horrific and took all their skill to carve out any possible gains. With only 6 players breaking par during the second round (compared to 28 on the first day) this tells a story all on its own. Of course the wind was the main cause for all the players challenges on day 2, but it was not the only thing that had the field scratching their heads.
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The 2024 Masters – Day 1 Thoughts
The 2024 Masters commenced yesterday with the traditional tee off by the honorary starters. This year Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson showed that golf can be a timeless sport for athletes of all ages. It is fun to watch these living legends hit a ball off the first tee.
After a rain delay, the action started. There were many great scores considering the windy and wet conditions. It is not difficult to understand that Augusta National is playing differently because of the weather, which in turn forces the players to adjust a bit to be successful. Rory McIlroy explains it best:
The first round is not finished due to the early weather delay. Thirty percent (30%) of the field still needs to finish this morning. Some are near the top of the leaderboard, so the final standings for round one are yet to be determined. I will add, that Bryson Dechambeau’s -7 round was a great start. Scottie Scheffler is one stroke back and some pundits are marveling at their start. I would like to remind the readers that three players started with -7 last year and one (Jon Rahm) did go on to win his first green jacket. There is still plenty of golf left and it is way to early to think the players currently at the top of the leaderboard will be there on Sunday afternoon.
Today’s big influence will be the wind. It is forecasted to gust between 20 and 26 mph (34 and 42 kph). This is a fairly strong wind at any time, but for a Major and at Augusta National, this type of wind will reek all kinds of havoc for the players. I am thinking Tiger Woods stinger shot might come in handy today.
There is plenty of golf still left to play at this year’s Masters. It is too early to suggest who a clear winner will be until after the field is set for the weekend. Of course moving day will set the stage for Sunday, but I am getting way ahead of myself. For now, I am going to enjoy the action and keep cheering on my picks for this year.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
My 2024 Masters Predictions
For years I tried to predict the winner of the a Major. The Masters is one of the most challenging because if never seem to get it right. I have been close a few times and actually named a winner, but overall success is limited. Well, that does not discourage me from trying. Besides, if I am correct this year, imagine the bragging rights I will have….right? The 2024 Masters is starting soon and I thought I would drop my picks just before the Honorary Starters (Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson) hit the first ball.
Continue readingCongratulations To Jon Rahm The 2023 Masters Champion
Congratulations to Jon Rahm on winning the 2023 Masters Championship. On the 40th anniversary of when Seve Ballesteros won his second green jacket, another Spaniard eclipsed the top of the leaderboard at Augusta National. After a wild weekend of weather, Rahm proved that he has the winning game for all conditions. After a strong final round, Rahm outdistanced Brooks Koepka and Phil Mickelson to win his first of possibly many green jackets. It was fun to watch!
Congratulations Jon Rahm!
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
A Soaked Third Round At The Masters
As expected the third round of the Masters was rain soaked. Except for an hour or so in the morning, the rain pelted all the players. Very few were able to handle the wet conditions because of the unknown factor of how the wetness would affect chipping and putting. For the most part, Augusta National held up very well until it was time to call for a rain delay. The leaders still have 12 holes to play on day 4 and as expected, they will be heading off early in order to finish this years Masters. The wet rainy weather is supposed to be gone by Sunday morning to be replaced with cool sunny skies. The change might help most of the players, but unless Brooks Koepka faulters, I do not see anyone catching my on Sunday afternoon.
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The Grateful Golfer 