The Masters 2024 (*** NO LIV DISCUSSIONS ***)

[MattyO1984]

Augusta, The Masters, Amen Corner mention any of those to any golfer at any time of the year and their thoughts will instantly go to any number of memories and moments which reverberate throughout the history of this crazy sport. From Gene Sarazen and his shot heard around the world, Arnie and his Army dominating in the late 50's and early 60's with four wins, Mr Nicklaus taking that mantle and running with it until his improbable sixth and final triumph in 1986 and then Tiger with his record busting first victory, his Tiger Slam in 2001, the miraculous holed chip in 2005 and his 5th victory after years in the wilderness in 2019. These moments live in our memories and the history of this game, particularly in a competitive setting, is inextricably connected to Augusta and we are ready for the 2024 edition. As well as remarkable victories, glorious failure is never far away. Whether that is Spieth's hopes drowning in 2016, Rory visiting sections of the course never before seen on television in 2011 or Norman shooting himself in the foot over and over and over again. Drama is all but guaranteed and that is among the myriad reasons why we love the Tournament. 

 

Heading into this year, McIlroy again aims to complete the career grand slam. That this, of all the majors, the one that he should have won first remains the most elusive for him must be beyond frustrating for the Northern Irishman and with every passing year the chances of him claiming a seat at the top of top tables in golf becomes less and less likely. Of those dining at the top table circa 2024 none heads into the week on better form than world number 1 Scottie Scheffler. The 2022 champion seems at times that he has not gotten out of second or third gear but two wins, five other top 10's and nothing worse a tie for 17th in 2024 suggests that if he can put his poor final putt last week behind him then there is no one in the field that currently live with him. Of course, last years winner Jon Rahm will have something to say about that. Many of us will not be entirely sure where his game is since heading off to the greener grass of the LIV Tour but his pedigree is without doubt and playing with a chip on his shoulder always seemed to suit him. What of the others? Wyndham Clark was perhaps the most unlikely Major winner of 2023 but since then he has solidified his spot in the World Top 10, won again and had it not been for Scheffler he would be the man heading into the week with even more wins in his back pocket. A recent back injury may have halted his progress but there does not seem to be a track that he cannot play and it would be no surprise to see him in and around the top of the leaderboard late on Sunday. I would be remiss to not mention Jordan Spieth. It is obvious that mid-career Spieth is not the golfer that YJS (Young Jordan Spieth for those not in the know) was but something about Augusta almost always seems to spark him into life and it sure would be fun to ride the Spieth rollercoaster again. 

 

What about the old warriors? The Tiger camp has been very quiet since his withdrawal at The Genesis in February. He is listed as being in the field but nothing has been confirmed and as ever with Tiger, his cards are being kept close to his chest. If he does tee it up, he is not wining. There is just no way but some more moments for the highlight reel would be great. What of his old sparring partner Phil? His 2nd place finish last year was a huge surprise. Can a 53 year old, middle of the pack LIV golfer shock us again? If any one can it is Phil round Augusta although the prospect of LIV bots taking to social media afterwards may be enough to mean that many who may have pulled for lefty back in the past are no longer in his corner this time around.

 

Ladies and gentleman, it is almost time! 

 

Defending Champion:-

Jon Rahm

 

Notables in the Field:-

Scottie Scheffler

Rory McIlroy

Wyndham Clark

Xander Schauffele

Viktor Hovland

Patrick Cantlay

Ludvig Aberg

Max Homa

Matt Fitzpatrick

Tommy Fleetwood

Cameron Young

Hideki Matsuyama

Sahith Theegala

Collin Morikawa

Tyrell Hatton

Keegan Bradley

Jordan Spieth

Sam Burns

Tom Kim

Jason Day

Justin Thomas

Will Zalatoris

Brooks Koepka

Tiger Woods

Phil Mickelson

 

Course:-

Augusta National Golf Club

Par 72

7,555 yards

 

 

 

 

Edited April 11 by GwrxMod

[Ferguson]

The most wonderful time of the year. 

 

[iBanesto]

Schauffele to win.

 

[PracticeSwinger]

Best 96hrs in golf.

[Hawkeye77]

1 hour ago, Ferguson said:

The most wonderful time of the year. 

 

 

 

Edited April 2 by Hawkeye77

[Hawkeye77]

Already planning breakfast to eat during DC&P, setting aside time for the ANWA, sorting through some old pics from a great visit!!!!

 

 

[Hawkeye77]

Ahh, back in the halcyon days before the scary m__________s .......

 

"You know kids, the Tour has been so good to me and I'm so glad that putz Norman isn't playing the par 3 this year - let's always have these days."

 

 

 

 

Edited April 2 by Hawkeye77

[bscinstnct]

Nice @MattyO1984

 

Check it out,

 

Sahith been sharking his way up, Broke into the top-20 this year and now at #15

 

His stats are real good, 4th in SG total this year

 

4 top 10s this year including the Sentry, WM, AP, and The Players

 

Played his first Masters last year and got a solo 9th with a 67 on Sunday 

 

 

Edited April 2 by bscinstnct

[stinger_gc]

Favorite event/course of the year. With that said the last 4 have been snoozers for the most part. 

[rukahs]

Seeing those LIV names in the line up really makes me miss the old PGA TOUR.   😞 

[Trippels]

Tiger will withdraw in the second round and announce his retirement.

Rory will barely make the cut, then just barely miss a chance at contention with an amazing sunday round.

Hovland will get in good position before the final round, then miss the critical putts all day sunday.

Cantlay will win.

It's going to be rainy every day.

Edited April 2 by Trippels

[Avidswampthing66]

5 minutes ago, Trippels said:

Tiger will withdraw in the second round and announce his retirement.

Rory will barely make the cut, then just barely miss a chance at contention with an amazing sunday round.

Hovland will get in good position before the final round, then miss the critical putts all day sunday.

Cantlay will win.

It's going to be rainy every day.

No Tripples!

NO.  

Ok, maybe so.  

 

You're probably right...

[Socrates]

Notables in the Field:- Shorter list

Scottie Scheffler

Rory McIlroy

Viktor Hovland

Ludvig Aberg

Max Homa

Hideki Matsuyama

Collin Morikawa

Jordan Spieth

Justin Thomas

Tiger Woods

 

[Ronnie Mundt]

Best week in all of sports IMO.

[dmbolp]

Best week in Life!

[stinger_gc]

Even @MattyO1984 doesn’t care about valero 😂

[Yanki01]

[Jayjay_theweim_guy]

56 minutes ago, Socrates said:

Notables in the Field:- Shorter list

Scottie Scheffler

Rory McIlroy

Viktor Hovland

Ludvig Aberg

Max Homa

Hideki Matsuyama

Collin Morikawa

Jordan Spieth

Justin Thomas

Tiger Woods

 

If that's potential winners (with some wishful thinking on Tiger's part), I'd add Xander to that list.  Been there a half dozen times before, 3 top-tens and a runner-up.  Guy's due.

 

I hope it's not too late for Rors.

[idrive]

Dang, looks like my guy Jake played his way out of the "notables" last week.  😢

[jdl]

2 hours ago, Trippels said:

 

Hovland will get in good position before the final round, then miss the critical putts all day sunday.

 

 

He'll look good doing it, too!

 

 

[PracticeSwinger]

2 hours ago, Trippels said:

Cantlay will win

Cantlay matched up with Koepka in the final twosome on Sunday - having Amen Corner by themselves by the time they get there… and Brooks looking to smack Cantlay with his ‘5’ iron once they get to 15

[PJE]

6 hours ago, MattyO1984 said:

Augusta, The Masters, Amen Corner mention any of those to any golfer at any time of the year and their thoughts will instantly go to any number of memories and moments which reverberate throughout the history of this crazy sport. From Gene Sarazen and his shot heard around the world, Arnie and his Army dominating in the late 50's and early 60's with four wins, Mr Nicklaus taking that mantle and running with it until his improbable sixth and final triumph in 1986 and then Tiger with his record busting first victory, his Tiger Slam in 2001, the miraculous holed chip in 2005 and his 5th victory after years in the wilderness in 2019. These moments live in our memories and the history of this game, particularly in a competitive setting, is inextricably connected to Augusta and we are ready for the 2024 edition. As well as remarkable victories, glorious failure is never far away. Whether that is Spieth's hopes drowning in 2016, Rory visiting sections of the course never before seen on television in 2011 or Norman shooting himself in the foot over and over and over again. Drama is all but guaranteed and that is among the myriad of reasons why we love the Tournament. …

 

 

This is so well written. Thanks for the commentary and each of your weekly insights. 

[idrive]

8 minutes ago, PracticeSwinger said:

Cantlay matched up with Koepka in the final twosome on Sunday - having Amen Corner by themselves by the time they get there… and Brooks looking to smack Cantlay with his ‘5’ iron once they get to 15

 

He won't use the 5i.  Everyone knows he can't hit a 5i.  😇

[m d g]

 

Hello, friends...

[elwhippy]

Backing Schuffler, Rahm and Wyndham. 

[Titleist99]

1 hour ago, stinger_gc said:

Even @MattyO1984 doesn’t care about valero 😂

Nothing wrong with Valero Texas open there's a legion of fans out there that appreciate PGAT golf period....

 

You should speak for yourself young man....😄😄

[Hawkeye77]

2 hours ago, stinger_gc said:

Even @MattyO1984 doesn’t care about valero 😂

 

Just cutting off the claim jumpers at the pass . . .  or wants to get some sleep come Sunday night!

[Ronnie Mundt]

Cantplay hasn’t put together four solid rounds all year. I don’t expect it at AGNC. 

[stinger_gc]

Rooting for anyone but Cantlay. Him winning would #shrinkthegame

Edited April 2 by stinger_gc

[Socrates]

2 hours ago, Jayjay_theweim_guy said:

If that's potential winners (with some wishful thinking on Tiger's part), I'd add Xander to that list.  Been there a half dozen times before, 3 top-tens and a runner-up.  Guy's due.

 

I hope it's not too late for Rors.

Just guys I want to watch.  FWIW, the LIV guys are dead to me so that's why they aren't on my list.