So the number 1 player in the world now has a green jacket. From day 1 Dustin Johnson never looked like losing this one. He played smart and within himself and could go through the gears if he needed to. But most of all he didn’t make any mistakes. His record score was a just reflection on how well he played.
The highs and lows:
Where to start? First up the rain on Thursday meant delays and a golf course so soft there were mud balls aplenty, with no lift, clean replace in play. These delays meant players playing 26/27 holes on days 2 and 3 which normally wouldn’t be an issue but this is Augusta. I lost track of how many times I heard “mud ball” being muttered by the players.
All the talk in the lead up was about Bryson Dechambeau overpowering the golf course but Bryson made it through to the weekend on the cut mark, Augusta isn’t a course you can just go and hit it hard. I didn’t like his comment saying that par was 67 and in the end that made him look a bit silly. He said he wasn’t felling great, I wonder if he had shot 65 on day 1 he might have been feeling a bit better.
Rory’s back 9 of round 1 cost him the chance to compete, he played with fear, he tried to control his shots rather than play with the freedom he needs. But he fought back and finished in the top 5 and credit to him, at least he doesn’t have to wait too long for another go at a green jacket.
Jon Rahm’s build-up saw him score two holes in one but it was two shots on the 8th on Saturday that derailed his charge. He played the hole like I would, decent drive, topped 3 wood, hit a tree, take a drop then take a two-putt for an entertaining double bogey. If your an 18 handicap ok, but the world number 2.
Justin Thomas faded on the back 9 on Saturday which was a shame as he looked like the guy who was going to compete with DJ, he just made a few bad swings which ultimately cost him, still another top 5 major finish for JT.
There were some impressive performances from Augusta debutants most notably Cameron Smith, Sunjae Im, Abraham Ancer and Dylan Frittelli. Smith becoming the first player in Masters history to shoot 4 rounds in the ’60s. Unfortunately for this group of players they just came up against a rampant DJ.
Tigers defence looked promising on day 1 with an opening 68 however he faded over the coming days and physically seemed to struggle particularly during the third round. This Masters will also be remembered for Tiger making a 10 yes TEN on the 12th. He would however go on to birdie 5 out of the remaining 6 holes to finish -1, some bounce back!
Toby’s picks:
How did Toby do with his picks? Not too bad, he had 2 top 20 picks and a missed cut. Justin Thomas was his best placed at 4th while Xander Schauffele finished T17, Tyrrell Hatton surprisingly missed the cut. Let’s see if I do any better come April.
In summary:
There was a lot of talk about whether this was a boring Masters, that they need to make changes I don’t buy into that. Yes, the scoring was low but they’ve never played a tournament here in November. The course was soft, but you still had to put the ball in the right places to score. It was interesting to see some different pin placements and I wonder whether we’ll see more come April and maybe a new tee box on 13.
Personally, I can’t wait for April. Hopefully with the patrons in attendance so we can hear those Sunday roars!
Jeremy
Nine Hole Golf 