In other words, 60 percent of the time this week HTL covers the Masters 100 percent of the time.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year for golfers. The Masters heralds the arrival (or in the northerly climes the pending arrival) of golf season, at least for those of us who live north of the subtropics. Even in New England, the snow is melting. Yes, it looks like winter is finally losing its hold, and there may be golf soon, even in Augusta, Maine.
In Georgia, the dogwood and azaleas are blooming, the pines are scenting the breeze, and the grass is that amazing shade of green that can only mean that the calendar is right… Spring is here.
On Sunday, the kids had their day on the grounds of Augusta National as the annual Drive, Chip, and Putt Championship took place on the range and 18th green. Next up at that hallowed course: the main event.
The buildup to the season’s first major (real majors aren’t subject to name changes from year to year) has been coming to a crescendo this week. When Tiger’s plane was spotted at the airport in Augusta last week it led to (even more) rampant conjecture as to whether the world #104 (as of April 5) will play (he will). Mickelson’s game finally showed signs of life in the first two rounds at Houston, before a Saturday 75 set him back. McIlroy and Watson will be rested and ready, while Spieth, Holmes, and Walker are riding solid play and recent wins into Augusta. It’s gonna be good. Let’s hit the links.
Hole #1: Lincicome Outlasts Lewis
The scores were going in reverse for much of the back nine on Sunday. Well, it was a major, the first of the year on the LPGA Tour. On the third playoff hole of the newly-rechristened ANA Inspiration in Rancho Mirage, California, Brittany Lincicome (-9) made par, which was good enough to beat Stacy Lewis’ bogey from a sand-filled divot in the fairway. [Link]
Hole #2: Hey Holmes
Dear J.B.,
I really admire how far and accurately you hit the ball, and that seven-under opening nine holes was amazing Sunday. But you’ve been playing golf a long time, and I really don’t think you need your caddie to line you up. All the best and congrats on winning the Shell Houston Open in a two-hole playoff over Johnson Wagner and Jordan Spieth. [Link]
Hole #3: You can play Augusta?
Think it’s impossible? No, it’s only very, very unlikely. Here are a few ways that you can actually play Augusta National without becoming a member. [Link]
Hole #4: LPGA Player Accosted by Drunks
Danielle Kang was eating dinner with her mother and a friend after the third round of the ANA Inspiration when two men reportedly began berating her for her play. She shot 77 Saturday. [Link]
Hole #5: Dufners Announce Split
Jason and Amanda Dufner are divorcing after three years of marriage. Jason, who will compete in Augusta this week, is reportedly keeping the houses. Amanda is keeping (at least a good chunk of) the cash. We will miss the Instagrams, Amanda. [Link]
Hole #6: Controversy at the Masters
While the membership of Augusta National would rather steer the Masters clear of any sort of ill light, over the years there have been a number of controversies that raised eyebrows or ire. [Link]
Hole #7: Every Tool in the Bag Has a Purpose
A man who bought a used set of golf clubs, including the bag, got a surprise in one of the pockets. It contained a loaded gun. That would probably come in handy for collecting on bets or for “crowd control” on some of the courses I often play. [Link]
Hole #8: McIlroy, the Face, er, Body of Fitness
OWGR #1 and favorite to win in Augusta, Rory McIlroy is on the cover of a fitness magazine and looking like he belongs there. Who said golfers aren’t athletes? [Link]
Hole #9: Ko Ties Sorenstam’s Mark
Lydia Ko shot 29 straight sub-par rounds through Thursday at the ANA Inspiration. But her hopes to win her first major, and to break Annika Sorenstam’s record for consecutive rounds under par, faded away over the weekend as she shot three straight over-par rounds (73-74-73) and finished +3. [Link]