How did the International players do at the Masters?

[Ruari]

Looks like a pretty good showing for the Internationals at the Masters, with 26 of the 45 who made the cut from outside the USA.
Some disappointments, both among those who made the cut and those who didn't.
Overall, I'd say it augurs well for the global future of golf - and, with 10 of the top 19 being European Tour players, including the winner, it looks good for the Race to Dubai, too.

[RichF]

I was going to post a similar thread...but I knew you'd beat me to it!

[TourSpoon]

The whole Trevor story was really cool no matter where you are from. The South African Gary Player connection, playing with him earlier in the week and then winning 30 years later...priceless.

[BASHERBAKER69]

They did pretty well in my view. The main surprise for me was seeing Els miss the cut by a fraction.

[RichF]

They did pretty well in my view. The main surprise for me was seeing Els miss the cut by a fraction.

Not surprised at all by Els.

His last 4 years' results have been: 47th, T27th, MC, MC . His golfing peak was 8 years ago and IMO, he's pretty much done as a Majors contender.

[RichF]

Not surprised at all by Els.

Ditto

Vijay Singh and quite possibly Phil Mickelson , too.

[DavidFehertysBike]

Ditto

I disagree. When Vijay is hot he can beat anyone, including Tiger. He's done it before. Mickelson is still the 2nd ranked player in the world, and played one of the better final rounds at the masters this past sunday.

[larlev]

I disagree. When Vijay is hot he can beat anyone, including Tiger. He's done it before. Mickelson is still the 2nd ranked player in the world, and played one of the better final rounds at the masters this past sunday.

You know I have come to the conclusion that there really isn't a #2 player. After Tiger everyone plays the same. Phil shouldn't be #2 IMO, simply because he has not proven he is a rival to #1. Really there hasn't been anyone that has stepped up to rival, other than a lot of words....sabbatini, austin, etc.

Off topic I know...sorry

[Mr Eagle]

Apart from Immelman winning not very well. Harrington had a go but the rest fell away badly in the last couple of rounds.All six Englishmen competeing led at one stage or another,apart from Westwood who played supurbly (shame about the putting)where were they when it mattered on Sunday?

The little Argentinian Romero who I was screaming at through the telly to hole his putts (£10 ew @ 125/1) failed misserably to get in the top 5 by one shot.

At the top end where it matters five of the top seven were USA

Having said all that the play was so slow (5 hours for a 2 ball) how can anyone get up a head of steam,get in the groove and have a go when they are waiting in some cases over 10 minuites to take thier next shot?

[Ruari]

Some interesting opinions to check out here

http://www.golfalot.com/tv08masters.shtml

[Ruari]

Apart from Immelman winning not very well. Harrington had a go but the rest fell away badly in the last couple of rounds.

The fall-away of Casey and Poulter was disappointing, I have to agree, but even after a disastrous round, Casey still had a lot of positives to take from the week. Poulter's cock-ups at least indicated he was having a go - you can play safe and come in boring or have a tilt. I think he did the latter. You have to put yourself there a few times before the door opens. Westwood was very steady throughout - and excellent, tee to green. Not the only one to have putting issues but through the green he was among the best. Henrik Stenson went about things in his typically quiet way - he's going to leap up and bite someone in the backside, sometime soon.

Of the top Americans, you have to take notice of the remarkable showing from Flesch - I can't recall when he last had a top 10 showing; it has to be two years ago, or something. Does this push him into pole position for CBPY, do you think? Having said that, seven Americans in the top 19 against seven Europeans. The Ryder Cup teams, if picked now, would look something like this: Europe: Westwood Rose Harrington Stenson Chopra Karlsson Dougherty McDowell Jimenez Kaymer next two on World list: Poulter, Donald US: Woods Cink Mickelson Furyk Stricker Johnson Leonard Snedeker O'Hair Holmes next two: Austin, Trahan Europe would have two rookies - Chopra and Kaymer. I think I'm right that the US would have five - Stricker, Johnson, Snedeker, O'Hair and Holmes. Early days yet, but how do you think the match will pan out, given the relative histories of the two batches of players?

[Mr Eagle]

Europe would have two rookies - Chopra and Kaymer. I think I'm right that the US would have five - Stricker, Johnson, Snedeker, O'Hair and Holmes. Early days yet, but how do you think the match will pan out, given the relative histories of the two batches of players?

I think the European team will lead going into the last day,then anything can happen,just hope we are far enough in front to give ourselves the edge.

[Ruari]

I think the European team will lead going into the last day,then anything can happen,just hope we are far enough in front to give ourselves the edge.

Judging by the last two matches, any kind of lead on the last day would be sufficient. But let's not get carried away; let us hope the European team has built up its customary momentum by the Sunday!

[Ruari]

I thought the Europeans did pretty well. Shame about Sunday. But they're all pretty young, did you notice? I think Snedeker is, too, but the average age of the Euros has to be - what? 10 years less than tthe leading Americans?