Masters 2014--Tigerless

[mabrowndog]

Matt Kuchar is a top 10 machine, but he has a hard time winning tournaments given the number of tournaments he legitimately has a chance to win. I would be very surprised if Kuchar wins a major in his career. He's good enough, but just doesn't seem to have what it takes to get over the hump.
 
I thought winning The Players in 2012 was going to springboard him into a Major, but I'm just not convinced.

 
This sentiment is all over the place, perhaps justifiably so. But the last golfer I heard such persistent "can't win the big one" pessimism about was Mickelson. And once he finally cracked the door open at Augusta in '04, he kicked it the fuck in.

 

[FL4WL3SS]

Masters Pool = Yes.

 

[cshea]

I'm in for a pool as well.

In fairness to Kuch yesterday, even with the crappy shot on 18 (real tough hole too; par is no gimme with or without putting it in the drink) it took a 46-footer from Jones on 18 for him to even have a chance. Then Jones goes out and chips in for the W.

 

[FL4WL3SS]

 
This sentiment is all over the place, perhaps justifiably so. But the last golfer I heard such persistent "can't win the big one" pessimism about was Mickelson. And once he finally cracked the door open at Augusta in '04, he kicked it the fuck in.

Honestly, I've been waiting for it from him. Like I said, after the 2012 Players, I thought he'd break open (and he still may).
 
The comparison to Mickelson isn't really fair, though. Mickelson, at the time of the 2004 Masters was 33 and while Kuchar is only a few years older than Mickelson was at that point it's definitely not a point in his favor. Also, Mickelson at 33 was a way better golfer than Kuchar is at 36. Kuchar only has 6 career wins with his one big one being the 2012 Players. At 33, Mickelson had already won 20 times on tour including a win and 7 top 10s going into that 2004 Masters.
 
Kuchar is a good player, I don't think he's a great player. Not that it takes a great player to win a Major, sometimes guys just fall into one and Kuchar is in contention enough that he may someday fall into one, but I don't see him as a player going out and winning a major like Mickelson has done.

 

[FL4WL3SS]

I'm in for a pool as well.

In fairness to Kuch yesterday, even with the crappy shot on 18 (real tough hole too; par is no gimme with or without putting it in the drink) it took a 46-footer from Jones on 18 for him to even have a chance. Then Jones goes out and chips in for the W.

Kuchar had a 4 shot lead going into the final round. You can try to be fair to him all you want with the way that Jones won, but you don't win tournaments by going out and shooting even par on your final day.

 

[bostonbeerbelly]

Just came to check to see if there was a masters pool yet, I am in if there is. 

 

[mabrowndog]

The comparison to Mickelson isn't really fair, though.
 
Kuchar is a good player, I don't think he's a great player.

 
Agreed on both counts. In addition to the differences you cited, Phil had come painfully close in a bunch of majors without winning while Kuchar has come painfully close in a bunch of PGA events without winning. Mickelson came to mind because for a 5-year stretch, from the 99 US Open at Pinehust onward, the "can he get over the hump?" thing was part of every single media narrative on him. It's still part of the Open conversation every year, but not to nearly the extent it was pre-'04.
 
On CBSSN this morning, they noted that of the last 7 green jacket winners, only Charl Schwarzel (2011) had won in any of his previous 8 events (in his case, the Johannesburg Open in week 3). Their point was that it hasn't been the hot hand of late, so perhaps that bodes well for Kuchar finally breaking through even if it's purely coincidental.
 
FWIW the last Masters champion to win an event immediately preceding Augusta? Phil in 2006 (Bell South Classic at Sugarloaf).

 

[Freddy Linn]

 

[LoweTek]

Kuchar had a 4 shot lead going into the final round. You can try to be fair to him all you want with the way that Jones won, but you don't win tournaments by going out and shooting even par on your final day.

Nor by hitting the ball in the water when you're up by one on the 18th hole. He choked. It was not pretty. Stars aligned for Jones, yes, but Kuch swung the door open on his own, wide open.

 

[gtg807y]

 
Masters on the Range just ended on CBSSN, and they've announced Augusta is closed for the rest of the day with rain and thunderstorms expected all afternoon. No golfers, no patrons. Sucks for The Golf Channel, which starts 3 hours of Live From The Masters coverage right now..

 
I was there from about 9:45 to 10:15. The only golfer I saw almost hit a ball was Jonas Blixt, so good luck to him. 

 

[savage362]

The Masters is providing refunds to patrons with Monday practice round tickets and guaranteeing them the opportunity to purchase practice round tickets next year.
 
Glad they're giving us the opportunity next year but it sucks that I drove 14 hours from VT to be there for a couple of hours. I'm currently sitting in the hotel trying to decide what time we're going to get back on the road for home. Next year I'll be flying.

 

[mabrowndog]

 
"NO, Mister Bond! I expect you to DIE!"

 

[Freddy Linn]

 
Thursday
7:45 AM: Stewart Cink and Tim Clark
7:56 AM: Ian Woosnam, John Huh, and Kevin Stadler
8:07 AM: Ben Crenshaw, YE Yahg, and Jonas Blixt
8:18 AM: Mark O'Meara, Steven Bowditch, and Jordan Niebrugge
8:29 AM: John Senden, Boo Weekley, and David Lynn
8:40 AM: Craig Stadler, Scott Stallings, and Martin Kaymer
8:51 AM: Tom Watson, Billy Horschel, and Brendon de Jonge
9:02 AM: Mike Weir, Matt Every, and Roberto Castro
9:13 AM: Angel Cabrera, Gary Woodland, and Ian Poulter
9:24 AM: Fred Couples, Webb Simpson, and Chang-woo Lee
9:35 AM: Graeme McDowell, Rickie Fowler, and Jimmy Walker
9:57 AM: Zach Johnson, KJ Choi, and Steve Stricker
10:08 AM: Miguel Angel Jimenez, Bill Haas, Matteo Manassero
10:19 AM: Hideki Matsuyama, Brandt Snedeker, and Jamie Donaldson
10:30 AM: Charl Schwartzel, Jim Furyk, and Thorbjorn Olesen
10:41 AM: Adam Scott, Jason Dufner, and Matthew Fitzpatrick
10:52 AM: Jordan Spieth, Patrick Reed, and Rory McIlroy
11:03 AM: Kevin Streelman and DA Points
11:14 AM: Larry Mize, Branden Grace, and Michael McCoy
11:25 AM: Sandy Lyle, Matt Jones, and Ken Duke
11:36 AM: Jose Maria Olazabal, Lucas Glover, and Garrick Porteous
11:47 AM: Nick Watney, Stephen Gallacher, and Darren Clarke
12:09 PM: Vijay Singh, Thomas Bjorn, and Ryan Moore
12:20 PM: Matt Kuchar, Louis Oosthuizen, and Thongchai Jaidee
12:31 PM: Trevor Immelman, Graham DeLaet, and Oliver Goss
12:42 PM: Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano, Derek Ernst, and Sang-Moon Bae
12:53 PM: Bernhard Langer, Francesco Molinari, and Chris Kirk
1:04 PM: Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, and Henrik Stenson
1:15 PM: Bubba Watson, Luke Donald, and Sergio Garcia
1:26 PM: Joost Luiten, Marc Leishman, and Hunter Mahan
1:37 PM: Keegan Bradley, Victor Dubuisson, and Peter Hanson
1:48 PM: Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, and Justin Rose
1:59 PM: Harris English, Lee Westwood, and Russell Henley
 
Friday
7:45 AM: Kevin Streelman and D.A. Points
7:56 AM: Larry Mize, Branden Grace and Michael McCoy
8:07 AM: Sandy Lyle, Matt Jones and Ken Duke
8:18 AM: Jose Marie Olazabal, Lucas Glover and Garrick Porteous
8:29 AM: Nick Watney, Stephen Gallacher and Darren Clarke
8:40 AM: Vijay Singh, Thomas Bjorn and Ryan Moore
8:51 AM: Matt Kuchar, Louis Oosthuizen and Thongchai Jaidee
9:02 AM: Trevor Immelman, Graham DeLaet and Oliver Goss
9:13 AM: Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano, Derek Ernst and Sang-Moon Bae
9:24 AM: Bernhard Langer, Francisco Molinari and Chris Kirk
9:35 AM: Jason Day, Dustin Johnson and Henrik Stenson
9:57 AM: Bubba Watson, Luke Donald and Sergio Garcia
10:08 AM: Joost Luiten, Marc Leishman and Hunter Mahan
10:19 AM: Keegan Bradley, Victor Dubuisson and Peter Hanson
10:30 AM: Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els and Justin Rose
10:41 AM: Harry English, Lee Westwood and Russell Henley
10:52 AM: Stewart Cink and Tim Clark
11:03 AM: Ian Woosnam, John Huh and Kevin Stadler
11:14 AM: Ben Crenshaw, Y.E. Yang and Jonas Blixt
11:25 AM: Mark O'Meara, Steven Bowditch and Jordan Niebrugge
11:26 AM: John Senden, Boo Weekley, David Lynn
11:47 AM: Craig Stadler, Scott Stallings and Martin Kaymer
12:09 PM: Tom Watson, Billy Horschel and Brandon de Jonge
12:20 PM: Mike Weir, Matt Every and Roberto Castro
12:31 PM: Angel Cabrera, Gary Woodland, and Ian Poulter
12:41 PM: Fred Couples, Webb Simpson and Chang-Woo Lee
12:53 PM: Graeme McDowell, Rickie Fowler and Jimmy Walker
1:04 PM: Miguel Angel Jimenez, Billy Haas and Matteo Manassero
1:26 PM: Hideki Matsuyama, Brandt Snedeker and Jamie Donaldson
1:37 PM: Charl Schwartzel, Jim Furyk and Thordbjorg Olesen
1:48 PM: Adam Scott, Jason Dufner and Mark Fitzpatrick
1:59 PM: Jordan Spieth, Patrick Reed and Rory McIlroy

 

[cshea]

Spieth, Reed and Rory is one heck of a group.

Day, DJ and Stenson is also a great group

 

[Lupe Whalewatch]

They pair Kevin Stadler with Ian Woosnam instead of his old man??? That kind of seemed like a no brainer to me.

 

[Zomp]

Hope poulter likes hitting first every second shot

 

[Freddy Linn]

They pair Kevin Stadler with Ian Woosnam instead of his old man??? That kind of seemed like a no brainer to me.

I think if they had a better relationship they would have.

 

[FL4WL3SS]

They pair Kevin Stadler with Ian Woosnam instead of his old man??? That kind of seemed like a no brainer to me.

I think it's a no brainer to NOT pair them together. I don't think it's fair to the field to pair them together. If they both make the cut and get paired together on Saturday, that's one thing, but the PGA is not in the business of pairing buddies up. I think it would give Kevin an unfair advantage to have someone he's comfortable with and who will openly be rooting for him and possibly giving him advice, green reads, etc.

 

[barbed wire Bob]

I think it's a no brainer to NOT pair them together. I don't think it's fair to the field to pair them together. If they both make the cut and get paired together on Saturday, that's one thing, but the PGA is not in the business of pairing buddies up. I think it would give Kevin an unfair advantage to have someone he's comfortable with and who will openly be rooting for him and possibly giving him advice, green reads, etc.

Kevin and Craig are not buddies. They have had a rocky relationship ever since Craig's divorce. If anything pairing the two up would probably make both uncomfortable.

A little background on their relationship.

http://www.golf.com/tour-and-news/masters-2014-kevin-stadler-craig-stadler-and-problems-between-fathers-and-sons

 

[inJacobyWeTrust]

Phil, Ernie and Justin Rose is a group to watch as well.

 

[Lupe Whalewatch]

Kevin and Craig are not buddies. They have had a rocky relationship ever since Craig's divorce. If anything pairing the two up would probably make both uncomfortable.

A little background on their relationship.

http://www.golf.com/tour-and-news/masters-2014-kevin-stadler-craig-stadler-and-problems-between-fathers-and-sons

Interesting. I had no idea of the family history there. I was just thinking of it from historical perspective, as it will likely be the only time ever a father and son would be playing in the Masters together. I caught their press conference yesterday and just figured it was a forgone conclusion they would tee it up together. The PGA isn't in the business of pairing buddies up, but they are absolutely in the business of creating interesting pairings...think Tiger paired with Jack for his last major, or the best player to have never won a major pairings in the US Open. If they have a rocky relationship or genuinely don't get along I guess its a moot point.

 

[FL4WL3SS]

Kevin and Craig are not buddies. They have had a rocky relationship ever since Craig's divorce. If anything pairing the two up would probably make both uncomfortable.

A little background on their relationship.

http://www.golf.com/tour-and-news/masters-2014-kevin-stadler-craig-stadler-and-problems-between-fathers-and-sons

I've known about the issues and I think they've been overblown, to be honest.

Even still, you don't think that Craig would be openly rooting for his son? There's a conflict of interest there and I'm glad they aren't paired together. Kevin has just as much of a shot to win this year as anyone else and even a slight advantage could be huge.

 

[barbed wire Bob]

I've known about the issues and I think they've been overblown, to be honest.Even still, you don't think that Craig would be openly rooting for his son? There's a conflict of interest there and I'm glad they aren't paired together. Kevin has just as much of a shot to win this year as anyone else and even a slight advantage could be huge.

I'm sure Craig will be rooting for his son but will it help Kevin or end up actually hindering him? A lot will depend on how both handle it. Father and son relationships are complex because there is always an inherent rivalry between the two. Regardless, I agree there is a conflict of interest and they should not be paired together.

 

[Freddy Linn]

What is the conflict of interest?

 

[Over Guapo Grande]

Pretty enjoyable press conference with Phil. Talked about losing a wager to a patron today, and the fact that he hasn't hit a shot between 90 and 130 yards in the past several years, so he is able to take out two wedges and experiment with other clubs.

 

[FL4WL3SS]

What is the conflict of interest?

Strictly my opinion, but you have a guy who is a ceremonial player and knows he has no chance of winning playing with a guy for whom he has a vested interest in seeing him win.

Not saying he would, but Craig could basically try to follow Kevin's ball around the course giving him a read on every green or give him swing advice or any number of things that the other competitors would not be privy to. Now, I'm sure the other players would call them out on any obvious interactions like that, but even if Craig gave Kevin just one read on a single green, it could affect the outcome of the tournament.

Obviously I think both of them would be professional and none of this would happen, but I understand why the tournament would not want them paired together.

EDIT: Assuming the committee gave it even a half second of thought, which I'm sure they didn't. I've probably spent more energy on this than I should have.

 

[Freddy Linn]

Strictly my opinion, but you have a guy who is a ceremonial player and knows he has no chance of winning playing with a guy for whom he has a vested interest in seeing him win.

Not saying he would, but Craig could basically try to follow Kevin's ball around the course giving him a read on every green or give him swing advice or any number of things that the other competitors would not be privy to. Now, I'm sure the other players would call them out on any obvious interactions like that, but even if Craig gave Kevin just one read on a single green, it could affect the outcome of the tournament.

Obviously I think both of them would be professional and none of this would happen, but I understand why the tournament would not want them paired together.

EDIT: Assuming the committee gave it even a half second of thought, which I'm sure they didn't. I've probably spent more energy on this than I should have.

 
I guess the "conflict of interest" phrasing doesn't sit with me, as it suggests that a former Masters champion is going to torch his reputation, which is so defined by this tournament, by giving overt or tacit advice.  I think it is as simple as the media wanted things one way and the Masters does things their way. 

 

[BigMike]

Spieth, Reed and Rory is one heck of a group.

Day, DJ and Stenson is also a great group

 
Rory said something like.   
 
I can tell you what's missing from that group,   no top 5 players

 

[johnmd20]

Strictly my opinion, but you have a guy who is a ceremonial player and knows he has no chance of winning playing with a guy for whom he has a vested interest in seeing him win.

Not saying he would, but Craig could basically try to follow Kevin's ball around the course giving him a read on every green or give him swing advice or any number of things that the other competitors would not be privy to. Now, I'm sure the other players would call them out on any obvious interactions like that, but even if Craig gave Kevin just one read on a single green, it could affect the outcome of the tournament.

Obviously I think both of them would be professional and none of this would happen, but I understand why the tournament would not want them paired together.

EDIT: Assuming the committee gave it even a half second of thought, which I'm sure they didn't. I've probably spent more energy on this than I should have.

 
This is the ultimate strawman. Are you saying that Stadler senior would actually try to hit is ball behind his son's on the green so he could give him reads? That would most certainly not happen. It almost couldn't happen.
 
And you can't give swing or shot advice to another player. That's a penalty.

 

[Zomp]

My favorite 4 days of the year.  I took Thursday-Friday off to watch on my two laptops and television.  Looks like Amen Corner begins at 10:45am followed by feature groups at 11:45am (though I can't find who they'll be).  ESPN takes over at 3pm.

 

[FL4WL3SS]

This is the ultimate strawman. Are you saying that Stadler senior would actually try to hit is ball behind his son's on the green so he could give him reads? That would most certainly not happen. It almost couldn't happen.
 
And you can't give swing or shot advice to another player. That's a penalty.

Did you read my post?

 

[Zomp]

I don't know how strained Kevin and Craig's relationship is.  They're playing practice rounds together...

 

[barbed wire Bob]

I don't know how strained Kevin and Craig's relationship is.  They're playing practice rounds together...

Are the pairings assigned for the practice rounds?

 

[mabrowndog]

I don't know how strained Kevin and Craig's relationship is.  They're playing practice rounds together...

 

Are the pairings assigned for the practice rounds?

 
Yes, though I don't know if there's a specific mechanism for doing so. Do they accommodate players who may prefer early AM or afternoon rounds, or who may have schedule limitations? Is it first applied, first served? Do they give the nod to players who might voice a preference to play practice rounds together? Likewise, do they honor any "please don't put me with that guy" requests? Does tenure and previous performance factor in? Who knows. But yes, practice round slots (and pairings) are allocated.
 
At his press conference, Billy Payne was just asked whether there was any thought to pairing them for Thursday/Friday. He deferred to the head of the competition committee who said the Stadlers are paired together for the Par 3 today, but that there was no special consideration given to doing so for the Masters.

 

[Freddy Linn]

The players make their own groupings for practice rounds.  Fowler evidently had nine birdies and an eagle yesterday playing with Phil, DJ, and Dufner.

 

[Bob Montgomerys Helmet Hat]

Golf Channel just showed a pretty cool story on Errie Ball, the only surviving golfer from the original Masters(Augusta National Golf Tournament) in 1934.
 
He's 103 and drinks a Scotch every afternoon, as one of his secrets to longevity.  He's my new idol.

 

[Red(s)HawksFan]

Cross Ryan Moore off your list of favorites to win.  He won the Par 3 Contest this afternoon, which is historically a kiss of death for his chances on the weekend.

 

[Dogman]

My favorite 4 days of the year.  I took Thursday-Friday off to watch on my two laptops and television.  Looks like Amen Corner begins at 10:45am followed by feature groups at 11:45am (though I can't find who they'll be).  ESPN takes over at 3pm.

 
 
I remember the pic you posted on FB last year of this setup.  I'm with you on this weekend as I can't wait for it to start.

 

[mabrowndog]

Golf Channel had a great feature tonight recounting Scott Hoch's crushing playoff loss to Faldo when he over-analyzed a short downhill putt and muffed it. I'd forgotten all about it, since heartbreaking Masters losses seemed to have become the exclusive domain of Greg Norman for so long.

 

[BoSoxFink]

Looking through the channel listings, is it true that tv coverage doesn't start until 3 PM?

 

[WayBackVazquez]

Looking through the channel listings, is it true that tv coverage doesn't start until 3 PM?

Yes. There has never been full day TV coverage of the first and second rounds. Twenty years ago there was only 2 hours of TV coverage each of the first two days. Five years ago, there was only 3 hours. And obviously all the internet coverage is recent.

 

[BoSoxFink]

Yes. There has never been full day TV coverage of the first and second rounds. Twenty years ago there was only 2 hours of TV coverage each of the first two days. Five years ago, there was only 3 hours. And obviously all the internet coverage is recent.

damn, that sucks. I get to work from home today and was hoping to watch some of the opening round.

 

[Bob Montgomerys Helmet Hat]

Featured Groups--
McDowell, Fowler, Walker
ZJohnson, Choi, Stricker

 

[mabrowndog]

Cink birdies #3, Woozie does the same at #2 to share the extremely-early lead.
 
Tim Clark starts out with a pair of bogeys.

 

[mabrowndog]

Woosnam gives a stroke back at #4. Clark bogeys #5 to go +3.
 
Blixt birdies #3 to share the lead with Cink.
 
Of the first 16 golfers, 6 have bogeyed at #1. No birdies there yet.

 

[FL4WL3SS]

damn, that sucks. I get to work from home today and was hoping to watch some of the opening round.

It never starts before 3, kind of adds to the mystique, even though I hate it.

UVerse has 3 channels that mimic the online coverage for Amens corner, 15 and 16 and a featured group. You should check your cable provider. Otherwise look at online coverage.

 

[FL4WL3SS]

I'm going to go get in 18 before coverage starts. My favorite weekend of the year.

 

[FL4WL3SS]

Webb Simpson with three birdies to start his round.

Making birdie on one is really tough.

 

[gtg807y]

I think Tim Clark, at 5-over, just laid up on the par 4 11th. That's how I play golf.

 

[Average Reds]

I think Tim Clark, at 5-over, just laid up on the par 4 11th. That's how I play golf.

 
It's an uphill drive to a 505 yard par 4 with the green surrounded by water front/left.  Lots of people will be laying up this week.