2014 Masters Discussion Thread

[jamo]

It still shows how difficult the greens are. I've seen many 3 putts as well. For example, Senden just 3-putted.

We see that at every golf course on Tour. The greens are tough, but they're not insane.

[iacas]

It still shows how difficult the greens are. I've seen many 3 putts as well. For example, Senden just 3-putted.

You win the "Completely Misses the Point" award for the day.

We see that at every golf course on Tour.

Hush! You're making too much sense!

[tmac20]

You win the "Completely Misses the Point" award for the day.

So you don't think these greens are challenging? Because that was the point of my initial post.

[iacas]

So you don't think these greens are challenging? Because that was the point of my initial post.

No it wasn't. You took an anomaly (someone five-putting) and extrapolated that single anomaly to extremes.

I just saw a guy make a 30 foot putt. Bubba made a putt on 14 yesterday that broke 15 feet or so. The odds of making those putts are about 2%. So, it makes just as much sense (i.e. none) for me to say "the greens are so easy!" based on those anomalies as it does for you to extrapolate the five-putt.

When Brandt four-putted from 15 feet in Chicago, that too was an anomaly. The average PGA Tour pro would average 1.8 putts from that exact spot to that exact hole location. Brandt was a good putter who had a single bad hole.

You can't make sweeping generalizations based on a single occurrence of anything.

[Golfingdad]

Amazing that these guys (Bubba on 7) can hit iron off the tee of a 450 yard hole and be in perfect position. They didn't say, though, how far his drive went or how long his approach was. I'm gonna guess 250 and 200, respectively.

[Zwick]

Tough crowd here as usual... I think it's fair to state that the greens are exceptionally fast/difficult this week (especially compared to most weeks on the PGA Tour). But I guess unless I can prove this statement with 3 peer reviewed journal articles, it's also wrong ;)

[tmac20]

No it wasn't. You took an anomaly (someone five-putting) and extrapolated that single anomaly to extremes. I just saw a guy make a 30 foot putt. Bubba made a putt on 14 yesterday that broke 15 feet or so. The odds of making those putts are about 2%. So, it makes just as much sense (i.e. none) for me to say "the greens are so easy!" based on those anomalies as it does for you to extrapolate the five-putt. When Brandt four-putted from 15 feet in Chicago, that too was an anomaly. The average PGA Tour pro would average 1.8 putts from that exact spot to that exact hole location. Brandt was a good putter who had a single bad hole. You can't make sweeping generalizations based on a single occurrence of anything.

The point is that these are challenging greens. It's easier to 5-putt on challenging greens than easy greens. 5-putting is just one of many signs that the greens are difficult.

[jbishop15]

Bubba not looking great.

[Hammer 4]

Go...Ricky and Jordan...

[iacas]

The point is that these are challenging greens. It's easier to 5-putt on challenging greens than easy greens. 5-putting is just one of many signs that the greens are difficult.

2013 PGA Tour Median player: 1.782 PPG

2014 Masters: To get to 1.782 PPG you have to go down to 15th from the bottom, well past the median value, and well into the 46 or so players that MCed.

Point remains: anomalies are horrible things by which to judge things. It'd be like taking a hole in one on the 8th hole at Oakmont and calling it an easy hole… despite it being a 300-yard par three. "It's easier to ace an easy par three than a tougher one." One-time events are anomalies. You must look at the overall average. Brand Snedeker, on average, is not much better or worse at Augusta National.

The importance of putting is over-stated. Bubba has created a lead by hitting greens, and has lost the outright lead because he's missed some greens lately.

[jamo]

Kuch is out ahead of the leaders a bit, but he's also just a shot back.

[Golfingdad]

And don't look now but Lee Westwood is sneaking his way onto that first page

[jamo]

Kuch is out ahead of the leaders a bit, but he's also just a shot back.

Just had a pretty fantastic chip on 15. Now tied for the lead.

[iacas]

Just had a pretty fantastic chip on 15.

T1. Until Bubba makes his putt on 10.

[iacas]

Looks like the $50 I wagered was a waste. Probably not going to be enough of a spread to cover my bets tomorrow either.

Oh well. Let me root for a few players through at least Saturday. :)

[colin007]

C'mon Matt Kuchar... You're inside Butler Cabin. TAKE YOUR DAMN HAT OFF!!

[iacas]

C'mon Matt Kuchar... You're inside Butler Cabin. TAKE YOUR DAMN HAT OFF!!

That's not really a thing anymore. Sometimes I wear a hat sitting at my computer writing code, emails, etc. Who wants to see his balding hat-haired dome?

[Mr.Scarface]

No Tiger-Phil Missing the cut.   Where is the buzz and the excitement in the crowd?   WOW......this is boring.