![\"Thrash](\"\/b\/imgs\/thrash_talk\/tt_title.gif\")
The 2008 Masters is finally here! As usual, the hype is centered around the number one golfer in the world, Tiger Woods. Woods will be going for his fifth green jacket after coming up a little short the last two years at Augusta. His win streak might have ended at the WGC-CA Championship a couple weeks back, but he will be looking to start a new one this week.<\/p>\n
Can anyone stop Tiger from winning the second leg in his bid for another Tiger Slam? The Sand Trap<\/em> staff members have looked long and hard into the crystal ball and are ready to pick a winner, a possible disappointment, and more. If you have anything to add, feel free to comment below or discuss it in the forum. Erik J. Barzeski<\/strong> That said, they are still baby steps, and the course is still a whole lot less interesting with the added length and added trees than it was even five years ago. Aside from being the first “amazing” course we’ll see all year on our televisions, Augusta has lost a lot of its luster.<\/p>\n Donald MacKenzie<\/strong> Cody Thrasher<\/strong> Dave Koster<\/strong> Jack Waddell<\/strong> Alan Olson<\/strong> JP Bouffard<\/strong> George Promenschenkel<\/strong> Danny Ottmann<\/strong> Erik J. Barzeski<\/strong> Donald MacKenzie<\/strong> Cody Thrasher<\/strong> Dave Koster<\/strong> Jack Waddell<\/strong> Alan Olson<\/strong> JP Bouffard<\/strong> George Promenschenkel<\/strong> Danny Ottmann<\/strong> Erik J. Barzeski<\/strong> Donald MacKenzie<\/strong> Cody Thrasher<\/strong> Dave Koster<\/strong> I’m not too hot on anyone else, with the possible exception of J.B. Holmes. His lack of Jack Waddell<\/strong> Alan Olson<\/strong> JP Bouffard<\/strong> George Promenschenkel<\/strong> Danny Ottmann<\/strong> Erik J. Barzeski<\/strong> Donald MacKenzie<\/strong> Cody Thrasher<\/strong> Dave Koster<\/strong> Jack Waddell<\/strong> Alan Olson<\/strong> JP Bouffard<\/strong> George Promenschenkel<\/strong> Danny Ottmann<\/strong> Erik J. Barzeski<\/strong> Donald MacKenzie<\/strong> Cody Thrasher<\/strong> Dave Koster<\/strong> Jack Waddell<\/strong> Alan Olson<\/strong> JP Bouffard<\/strong> George Promenschenkel<\/strong> Danny Ottmann<\/strong> Erik J. Barzeski<\/strong> No, a bit more seriously: the number of Masters newcomers (not necessarily rookies) who will find themselves on the leaderboard on Sunday. I predict Tiger Woods will top the list, followed by a whole bunch of first-, second-, and third-time contestants.<\/p>\n Donald MacKenzie<\/strong> Cody Thrasher<\/strong> Dave Koster<\/strong> Jack Waddell<\/strong> Alan Olson<\/strong> JP Bouffard<\/strong> George Promenschenkel<\/strong> Danny Ottmann<\/strong> Photo Credits: © University of Florida’s Turfgrass Club<\/a>, © Andrew Redington\/Getty Images<\/a>, Unknown.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Can anyone stop Tiger from winning his fifth green jacket? Don’t bet on it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":29,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[22],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2307","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-thrash_talk"],"yoast_head":"\n
\n<\/p>\n
\nThoughts on the Course<\/h3>\n
\nI’m relatively pleased with Billy Payne’s actions so far. He seems to be taking steps that will move Augusta National back to the course we grew up loving, and not the course we’ve come to dread as another U.S. Open clone. He’s removing some trees, enlarging some greens to give more pin locations, etc. He can’t reverse everything in one year – and I doubt he’ll ever reverse everything<\/em> – but the baby steps he’s taken are still in the right direction.<\/p>\n
\nWhat can you say? It’s Augusta National. Like a curvy actress, you know she’s had work done – and maybe you even liked her better before she went under the knife. I wish the club would go back to the rough-less days of yore which would give some of the shorter players a more realistic chance of holding a few greens. But let’s face it, Augusta is a bomber’s paradise now. The perfect place to play smash & scrape and hope you have a hot week with the putter.<\/p>\n
\nThere haven’t been many changes this year in comparison to recent years, and most of this year’s changes have been positive. Unfortunately, the damage has already been done over the past three or four years. It’s still Augusta National, and it’s still one of the most beautiful courses on the planet Earth. However, it was nice seeing a difference between The Masters and U.S. Open in the past. Right now, there isn’t much difference between the two when it comes to final scores.<\/p>\n![\"10th](\"\/b\/imgs\/courses\/augusta_national_10.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\nIt looks like it will be a little softer and longer this year. I doubt we’ll see a repeat of the scores of last year. The Augusta gang learned their lesson and wants to hear louder cheers on Sunday. I think we’ll get it.<\/p>\n
\nI’m among the legions who think the recent changes to the golf course were unnecessary and ill-conceived. It’s playing much more like a U.S. Open venue, so it’s less likely we’ll see a thrilling birdie barrage over the back nine Sunday a la some of Nicklaus’ stirring wins. Watching the best players in the world play defensively is not the most exciting spectator experience. While it appears the USGA has gotten that message and is less apt to consider an over-par winning score a goal, Augusta National’s leadership appears to be mired in such continued wrong thinking. Too bad.<\/p>\n
\nI was confused as I thought I was watching The Masters last year, but it looked more like the U.S. Open. I enjoy watching birdies and eagles, not a ton mind you, but some to make it exciting. Last year offered none of that. Here’s hoping this year does.<\/p>\n
\nThere is apparently nothing drastically different this year, but a comment or two about the sweeping. After reading Ron Whitten’s excellent review<\/a> of the history of Augusta National’s course design, it would appear that some of the criticism we’ve heard of the alterations to Augusta have been off base. Wet conditions will make the course play longer, but that doesn’t automatically mean it favors a bomber. Augusta demands accurate iron play, good chipping, and good putting more than long driving, especially if you end up behind too many of those new trees.<\/p>\n
\nDespite a long range forecast last week that had it looking like Augusta would be dry and firm for the Masters, downpours this past weekend may make it a bomber’s paradise. This all but eliminates guys like defending champion Zach Johnson. It makes you-know-who even more of a favorite. The Augusta National water sucking system (code name “Hootie Hoover”) will likely get the greens fast and firm even if the fairways are soft.<\/p>\n
\nThe course is beautiful, but we haven’t heard as much about it this year. Augusta National seems to be letting the golfers be the big story this year as opposed to the course itself.<\/p>\n
\nWinner and Score<\/h3>\n
\n![\"Tiger](\"\/b\/imgs\/pga\/tiger_woods_18thbunker_augusta.jpg\")
Tiger Woods, -8 (280). This could depend on the weather or a lot of other factors, but I think Woods wins in a relative walk, putting quite a few shots between himself and second place.<\/p>\n
\nTiger Woods, -4 (284). Sorry, but unless someone else comes in on a massive hot streak, you have to go with Tiger. His game’s in good shape, and there aren’t that many people who can hang with him over four rounds at Augusta National.<\/p>\n
\nTiger Woods, -1 (287). I’ve been known to pick against Tiger in the past, but I’m not messing around this year. Woods is on a roll, and he hasn’t won The Masters since 2005. That will be plenty of motivation for the world’s best golfer.<\/p>\n
\nTiger Woods (-7) 281. I’m not one to go out on a limb. Tiger might be playing better golf than he was in 2000. If he doesn’t win, you know he will be right there in the end. If Augusta does play soft and long, it favors him even more.<\/p>\n
\nTiger Woods, -8 (280). Tiger’s Masters performance last year was an aberration. He’ll make up for that this year and run away from the field. He’s again playing at a whole different level than every other golfer in the world. The only thing that can trip him up is himself. He won’t let that happen.<\/p>\n
\nTiger Woods, -4 (284). Tiger plays to win the Majors, and here’s the next one down.<\/p>\n
\nTiger Woods, -3 (285). Does this require any explanation? I guess there could be another lurker in the mold of Mike Weir or Zach Johnson posed for a surprise, but something tells me Eldrick is going to have a very big week.<\/p>\n
\nTiger Woods, -10 (278). I’d be more confident if he wasn’t talking about the Grand Slam, but I still think that this year and 2010 are the most likely years for him to achieve the calendar slam because the courses will fit his eye.<\/p>\n
\nPhil Mickelson, -5 (283). Really.<\/p>\n
\nOther Top Contenders<\/h3>\n
\nTiger Woods’ B Game. Tiger’s C game with a good putting week. Okay seriously though: Aaron Baddeley, Adam Scott, Steve Stricker, and Fuzzy Zoeller. Okay, so I was only 75% serious.<\/p>\n
\nVijay Singh seems to have shaken off his disappointing 2007 form, and I’d expect him and Phil Mickelson to make some noise this week. And if he can play tee-to-green like he did at Oakmont last June, Angel Cabrera could be very fun to watch.<\/p>\n
\nPadraig Harrington is the first guy that comes to mind. Harrington has finished in the top 10 twice at Augusta (including last year), and now he has a major championship victory to his name. Stuart Appleby played well last year at Augusta, and he has plenty of talent to win a major. If Appleby can roll a few key putts in, he will be a contender.<\/p>\n
\nGeoff Ogilvy. He’s probably playing the best golf aside from Tiger. The best thing about the Aussie is he has the nerves as well.<\/p>\n
\nexperience in majors cools me a bit, however.<\/p>\n
\nVijay Singh still has the game and mental toughness to challenge Tiger this year. He feels the pull of age and is playing with a sense of urgency. Going back to the long putter has helped. Retief Goosen, who finished tied for second with Woods and Sabbatini last year, seems to have rediscovered his putting stroke. Since putting is such a premium at the Masters, I also like Steve Stricker’s chances.<\/p>\n
\nRetief Goosen has played well as of late, and he seems to enjoy fast greens. I picked Steve Stricker last year, and I’m going to pick him again this time around.<\/p>\n
\nNo real surprises here. I like Phil Mickelson, Geoff Ogilvy, K.J. Choi, and Hunter Mahan. Sergio is a mess mentally, but he hits it so well that he certainly stands a good chance to be a top contender.<\/p>\n
\nPhil Mickelson will be in the neighborhood over the weekend, but I don’t think this is going to be his year in the majors. Vijay Singh will move up the leaderboard, but he’s making too many loose swings lately to stay there on Sunday. Finally, Luke Donald will notch his third top ten at The Masters, furthering his case as the best player without a major.<\/p>\n
\nTiger Woods (of course), Adam Scott, Ernie Els (with Butch Harmon).<\/p>\n
\nDark-Horse Winner<\/h3>\n
\nSean O’Hair. He has the guts (as evidenced by his play at the TPC at Sawgrass), and he has the game.<\/p>\n
\n![\"Stuart](\"\/b\/imgs\/pga\/stuart_appleby.jpg\")
Stuart Appleby. He has at least one or two majors in him, and Augusta seems like a place where one could happen.<\/p>\n
\nBrandt Snedeker. He will be playing in his first Masters as a pro, but he played the event before as an amateur. Snedeker isn’t long off the tee, but his iron-play is solid, and he is a decent putter as well. The 2007 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year has a few top-10 finishes in 2008, so he is playing well coming in.<\/p>\n
\nMartin Kaymer. If you haven’t seen this guy play, do yourself a favor and watch him. Don’t be surprised if he jumps up and wins a major this year and jumps way up in the world rankings.<\/p>\n
\nWhile a strong fan favorite, statistically Fred Couples qualifies as a dark-horse. But his back is better, he played well this past week, and when he’s on there are few better ball-strikers in the game. If his putting holds up and Tiger gets food poisoning, he has a real chance for another Masters title.<\/p>\n
\nMartin Kaymer. Has played quite well on the European Tour in his brief career thus far.<\/p>\n
\nAndres Romero. He is playing very well this year, and European Tour players seem to thrive on the typical Augusta National challenges.<\/p>\n
\nStuart Appleby. He’s near the top of the PGA Tour in scoring this year and has five top-10 finishes in eight starts. Plus, he has plenty of length which will come in handy if the fairways stay wet.<\/p>\n
\nFred Couples. He is playing well, he loves Augusta, and Augusta loves him.<\/p>\n
\nBiggest Disappointment<\/h3>\n
\nErnie Els and Phil Mickelson will have a disappointing week. Ernie is sick coming in and has been streaky at best. His swing is changing slightly and won’t be ready yet. Phil is streaky by nature and is currently in a down period.<\/p>\n
\nErnie Els. He should have at least a couple green jackets by now, but I don’t see any reason to believe his game’s really ready to make a run this year.<\/p>\n
\nRory Sabbatini. The South African played well at Augusta last year, and he started off 2008 on fire. He is a streaky player, however, and has struggled the past month or two. Sabbatini won’t be around for the weekend.<\/p>\n
\nErnie Els. After pulling out of a bunch of tournaments, I’m just not confident in the big guy. Unfortunately, Rory has replaced Els as the best South African golfer on tour.<\/p>\n
\nAs I did last year, I’m picking Phil Mickelson to turn in another disappointing Masters performance. He played like dirt this past week and clearly couldn’t putt. Despite his Pollyanna professions after his final round that he learned what to work on, I don’t think he’s close to ready for Augusta National. Someday we may be treated to a Sunday back nine duel between Tiger and Phil, but it won’t happen this year.<\/p>\n
\nBesides not having DirecTV? The “hype” for a Phil vs. Tiger rivalry is quickly gone as Phil hangs around for the weekend but isn’t in contention.<\/p>\n
\nThis is a wild guess, but a very big-name star won’t make the cut. Vijay has unveiled some swing changes, and as far as I know, they haven’t had to hold up to major pressure yet. Look for the big Fijian to make an early exit.<\/p>\n
\nFred Couples rides his strong finish at the Shell Houston Open into contention at The Masters. However, the soft fairways will aggravate his back, and he’ll fade over the weekend. I hope I’m wrong about this one. It really wouldn’t bother me at all.<\/p>\n
\nVijay Singh will miss the cut.<\/p>\n
\nLargest Surprise<\/h3>\n
\nColin Montgomerie, dressed as Mrs. Doubtfire, pickets Augusta National with that Martha Burke gal. They want equal rights for women AND whiny sissies. Monty, of course, is still ticked that he wasn’t invited while the likes of Jeev Milkha Singh were invited.<\/p>\n
\nA return to red numbers. I get the feeling that members at Augusta National would like to see a few more birdies and a little less drudgery on the course this year. Maybe a little less bikini wax on the greens will help make that happen. My guess is there will be three or four players under par at the end, compared with zero last year.<\/p>\n
\nThe lack of back-nine roars on Sunday for the second consecutive year will take a little air out of this year’s Masters. The changes made to Augusta this year won’t yield many more birdies and eagles, and the scores will still be pretty high. Tiger will break par, but nobody else will.<\/p>\n
\nTrip Kuehne will make the cut. He’s said that he will be playing less and less competitive amateur golf after The Masters. I don’t think this will be the last we’ll hear of Trip, but it will be the last trip for him to The Masters.<\/p>\n
\nJohnson Wagner will make the cut. I’ve been a fan ever since he dominated the New York metropolitan golf scene in 2001 and 2002. He’s a class act in every way. Winning his way into the Masters with his Shell Houston Open victory after a dismal start this season was a great story. He just may enter this major shell-shocked enough to make his mark, and I sure hope he does.<\/p>\n
\nWith only one putter in his bag, Sergio Garcia figures out the putting thing and wins.<\/p>\n
\nFred Couples will flirt with the lead before faltering down the stretch.<\/p>\n
\nWoody Austin hits the Masters Daily Double, falling into both Ike’s Pond and Raes Creek on the same day.<\/p>\n
\nFred Couples will make a run at the green jacket. Also, Trip Kuehne will be low Amateur and retire on a high note.<\/p>\n