It is time for Masters, the most fascinating and exciting stop on tour! Hosted by Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, there is no other event steeped in so much tradition. The Masters manages to capture the essence of golf and gives fans a taste of what this game is really about. I think Aaron explains it best, “It is a different atmosphere than any other event. It is one where there is mutual respect from the players, officials and crowds about the tradition of the tournament, golf course and who has played there and won over the years.”
Winning at Augusta is no easy feat. With wide fairways but narrow and small greens, and unpredictable wind, a perfect game plan and execution is the only way to go here. Augusta often receives some tweaking – just enough to reshape the way holes need to be played. The course is 7,445 yards and par is 72. It’s considered one of the most beautiful courses on tour and is always in the most pristine condition. It is a dream for all players to tee up here this week and only the cream of the crop will be out there come Thursday.
Last year was tough, and everyone was surprised at how high the scores were. The cut was made at +8 and Zach Johnson walked away with the green jacket when he closed the tournament with a 1 over. It was Zach’s 1st win at a major and he played incredibly well to claim victory.
I asked Badds for his thoughts on the Masters.
The US Masters!! Wow what a great week this is! It is my favorite week of the whole year. I remember when I was little I would get up early to video tape and watch the tournament and now I'm here playing in my fourth is very exciting.
I feel that this year I’m very prepared and ready for the week. I came here about 3 weeks ago to practice and play the course to see if any changes had been made and to work out my game plan.
Two things that are the most important around this course are: Course management and game management. If you can have a game plan and then execute the shots you can score around here. I feel my game is in good shape, I played nicely on the weekend in Houston despite a poor last couple holes. I feel I have some momentum going into this week.
It will be a great week, one where I will be patient and giving 100% on each shot!
I hope you are there in person to see the Masters this week or at least have a TV in your office to watch all the action unfold. I would love to see Aaron be the first Aussie to wear the green jacket!
Shelley