Quality and quantity in this year's line up at Augusta
IN: News | US PGA | US Masters (2003) | Preview | by Bruce Young | 07 Apr 2003
www.iseekgolf.com's Bruce Young look at the history of the Masters and assesses some of the leading chances.
102 of the world's leading players including many of the legendary figures from the game's past will line up for the 67th staging of the US Masters when the field tees off on Thursday April 10th.
The tournament was not initially known as the Masters until 1939 when the green jacket was introduced for the first time, prior to that it was known at Augusta National Invitational. The Masters has been held each and every year since 1934, apart from three years during World War II.
The inaugural winner of the Augusta Invitational was Horton Smith, although the first player to win the event as the Masters was Ralph Guldhal. Since then, the US MAsters has become perhaps the most recognised event in the game and in recent years one of the most international with eleven of the last twenty winners being non-American.
Forty players have won the event from the 66 times it has been contested, with Jack Nicklaus the leadign title holder with six victories, spanning a period of twenty-three years from 1963 through 1986. Arnold Palmer won four times between 1958 and 1964. Gary Player, Sam Snead, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods have each won three times, although it is a fair bet that Woods may well move up a spot come this Sunday April 13th. Doug Ford has had the most starts (49) although Arnold Palmer has had the most consecutive starts in the event (48).
Augusta itself has undergone many changes over the nearly seventy years since it's debut in 1934 but perhaps none more so than in 2001 when Tom Fazio, a consultant to the Augusta National club for some ten years, was commissioned to make the changes that had been looming as necessary for several years. "We charted the course for several years" said Fazio "We had monitored just how much further the ball was travelling via GPS systems and what is was doing when it pitched so we were not just shooting from the hip with the changes".
The changes resulted in holes being lengthened and, in some cases such as the 18th, the tees being angled further right to create an even greater dogleg. The nett result was that some 300 yards was added. This year the only significant change is to the par four fifth where another twenty yards have been added and the fairway bunkering stretched to a position where the carry is now some 315 yards from the tee.
As is the case with most Alistair McKenzie courses, Augusta is all about positioning with not only the tee shot but also the approach, as it is one thing to hit the green at Augusta, but another to have it in a position where a putt of any length can be attacked.
The Bermuda grass greens were replaced by Bent in 1981 as the existng Bermuda was becoming increasingly slow. Following the introduction of Bent some of the contours had to be softened as it was becoming close to impossible to putt some of the greens especially with the degree of movement on holes such as 4, 6, 8, 9 and 14.
Only Nicklaus, Watson and Ballesteros have won at Augusta on both Bent and Bermuda greens and with the exception of Vijay Singh's win in 2000, the winner has always produced an exceptional week with the putter. Vijay Singh had one hundred and twenty four putts that week, while most winners average between 110 and 116 putts for the seventy two holes.
The field assembled for the 2003 Masters numbers 102 with each and every player having earned his way here by a range of qualifying criteria. Gone are the days of guys waiting by the mailbox for an invitation and thank goodness for that. They have qualified through money lists placings in selected events, being a previous champion, world ranking, amateur events placings etc. A player now knows exactly what he has to do to get an "invitation", as it is known by the players.
Tiger Woods
Logical and justifiable favourite. Three time winner here and in great form despite an ordinary (by his standards) Tournament Players Championship last week. Winner of three of five starts since returning from surgery in February. Every thing points to him being the man to beat although not unbeatable. Eight times a winner of majors
Ernie Els
Although never a winner here, has often played well including top tens the last three years. Second in 2000 behind Singh his best, and fifth last year six shots behind Woods. After a brilliant start to 2003, the only concern re Els is the wrist injury incurred three weeks ago while training on a punching bag. Three majors to his name.
Davis Love III
Moved into serious calculations for this event, if he wasn't already, with his emphatic win last week at Sawgrass. Has some history here with two second placed finishes in 1995 and 1999 and five top tens in his last eight appearances. Rock solid in every statistical category this year and will take some beating. Won the PGA in 1997.
Phil Mickelson
Best summed up by that great line of Forrest Gump's, Phil Mickelson's game is like a box of chocolates....you never quite know what you are going to get. Four top tens in five starts this year but the last, before last week's Bell South, was the Accenture Match Play a month ago. Has a very good record at Augusta without winning. Only missed one cut in ten starts and has six top tens amongst those. Third last two years. His missed cut at Bell South hardly inspires confidence.
Vijay Singh
Previous champion here, that win coming in 2000 when he won by three over Els. Apart from that only one other top ten in a total of nine starts, that being last year when seventh. Won earlier this year in Phoenix then plagued by injury problems until returning at Bay Hill. Missed cut at the Players Championship last week and was twentieth the week before at Bay Hill. Late withdrawal at Bay Hill
Mike Weir
In great form this season with two wins, two top tens and two other top twenties in seven starts. 27th last week not great, but not bad. Has played Augusta on three occasions finishing 28th, 27th and 24th last year where a last round 76 did him no favours. Has missed the cut at the Bell South.
Retief Goosen
Second here last year, but 40th was best in previous three starts. Played well early in the year when fourth at the Mercedes and third at the Phoenix Open and good efforts at the Malaysian Open and the Johnnie Walker. Missed cut at TPC but having won a major (2001 US Open) he does not have that monkey to get off his back. Great last round of 65 at Bell South for tied third place
Jim Furyk
Seven times to Augusta for two top tens and another two top twenties, his best being fourth in 1998 behind Mark O'Meara. Missed cut last year but his form of late is brilliant with six top tens in eight starts this year including a very good fourth last week at Sawgrass.
Padraig Harrington
Truly one of the quiet achievers in world golf over the last twelve months. Fifth here last year and went on to finish eighth at the US Open and fifth at Muirfield then 17th at the PGA giving him one of the best records in the majors last year. Has played here three times for 19th in 2000, 27th in 2001 and fifth in 2002 and the way he played last week (tied second at Sawgrass) suggests he is ready to do well again. Has not played a lot this year but seems primed. Has missed the cut by two at the Bell South but no real damage done.
David Toms
Five start at Augusta with sixth being best in 1998. Has pedigree, in that he has won a major (2001 PGA) but his form of late, despite making the Accenture Match Play final, is ordinary. In six stroke play events his best has been 11th and he has missed his last four stroke play cuts until this past week when he made the cut at Bell South finishing 28th.
Justin Leonard
A winner just three weeks ago at the Honda. Has a good solid record at Augusta missing the cut just once, that as an amateur in 1993 having qualified via his US Amateur win. As a professional however he has played here seven times and not once been outside the top thirty, his best being in 1997 when seventh. A more accomplished player now however and seems to be doing everything right at present. 21st last week not bad.
Chris DiMarco
Has been sneaking along almost unnoticed this year with several good finishes without threatening a win of late although he did go close early in the year at the Bob Hope and the Sony where he was third both times. Has won nearly $US1,000,000 without making a lot of fuss. Finished strongly at the Players Championship last week for 21st after a slow start (77) and was 8th at the Honda and no doubt comes into the Masters in a good frame of mind. Has a good record at Augusta finishing 10th in 2001 and 12th last year. He actually led through 36 holes in 2001. A solid week at Bell South finishing ninth.
Charles Howell III
Knows this area as he was brought up in Augusta and was actually a member at the neighbouring Augusta Country Club. Played the Masters just the once, that being last year when 29th. Last few weeks not as sharp as earlier in the year when he had a great run of form including five top twenties in his first six starts with second his best at the Nissan.
Sergio Garcia
Has had a shocking run of late as he tries to cement swing changes. Four times here once being as an amateur in 1999 just before turning pro. His best was last year when eighth but apart from that his next best was 36th. Missed three of last four cuts this year and logic suggests that kind of form is hard to turn around quickly.
Darren Clarke
Has often played well here including an 8th in 1998 and 20th last year. Nothing special at the Bay Hill event when 38th but a very good tournament last week when 6th at the TPC.
Jerry Kelly
Kelly has been playing just great this year. He missed the cut last week but prior to that was there or thereabouts most weeks. He had five top tens in his previous eight starts this year and in his only appearance at Augusta last year was a very respectable 20th, his best finish in a major.
Robert Allenby
A multiple winner on the USPGA Tour but has hardly threatened the scorer in majors. His best has been tenth twice at the British Open in 2002 and 1997 but given that he has had twenty-seven starts it is hardly a reflection on his ability. His fourth place last week after a last round 65 will provide a huge boost of confidence especially given the quality of those he beat. He has had just the three starts at Augusta his 29th place last year his best.
Nick Price
This will be Price's 18th time to Augusta since 1984 with fifth being his best in that time. He was 20th last year and missed the cut in 2001. Has played well in just five events this year although missed cut last week. Three time major winner but not since 1994.
Scott Hoch
Hoch's missed putt at the first playoff hole against Nick Faldo in 1989 has become part of Masters folklore but Hoch himself never gives the impression that it has bothered him as much as others. He has never gotten that close again, although he was fifth in 1996. His form this year however has been as good as ever even at age 47. He won the Ford Championship and reached the quarterfinals at the Accenture Match Play but he withdrew last week from the Players Championship from injury.
Adam Scott
Scott's first and only appearance at Augusta last year was a stunning one, finishing ninth. He has followed that up with several good finishes this year as he spends more time in the US. He lost a close fought match to Tiger Woods in the semi final of the Accenture Match Play and then went on the win the consolation against Peter Lonard. He had a last round 62 at the Honda Classic, the very next week had the best last round (67) at Bay Hill and just last week was 17th at the TPC at Sawgrass. Showed last year that he will not be fazed by Augusta or the occasion.
Rocco Mediate
Has made the cut in each of his four starts here although 15th is best in 2001. Has played solidly this year if not spectacularly. Was second early in the year at the Mercedes and then 5th at Pebble Beach. Has not missed a cut this year in six stroke play events but ordinary last two events.
Brad Faxon
Plays very well at Augusta. In ten starts has missed just the one cut and has had two top tens and five top twenties. Best was ninth in 1993. Is playing well at present with three top tens in eight starts this season including second at Bay Hill and 11th at TPC last two starts.
Fred Couples
A very good long shot chance. Couldn't help myself putting him in a list of chances. Especially at the odds available. Won here in 1992 and has never missed a cut here in 18 starts. Seems to have a renewed interest in competing now and his results of late reflect that. 13th, 7th and 10th at this last three starts this season including 10th last week at Sawgrass. Very solid at Bell South this week for 13th.
The Australians
Robert Allenby and Adam Scott (see above)
Peter Lonard
First visit to Augusta but if his performances in the three majors in which he played last year (11th, 14th and 17th) and are anything to go by a good finish is looming. Played well last week until the last five or so holes and by his own admission is very happy with the way he is playing, especially his driving. Seems unaffected by the big occasion as last year's US Open (11th) and the recent Accenture Match Play (4th) would suggest. Has the rock solid fairways and greens game that is so important in majors. May suffer from the first time syndrome here but a good showing is likely.
Stuart Appleby
Missed four of six cuts here his best being in 1997 at his first appearance when 21st. A better performance last week at the Players Championship when 21st after a run of ordinary form. Has shown in the past, by his runner up placings at the British Open last year and his 4th at the PGA in 2000, that major golf is not too great a hurdle for him, but clearly he and Augusta aren't on the greatest of terms.
Craig Parry
His best effort in six starts at Augusta was in 1992 when he led into round four only to have the rather partisan crowd get the better of him, a 78 and 13th place the eventual result. Is not playing great at present losing his first round match at the Accenture Match Play, 31st at Bay Hill and missing the cut last week. His win last year at the NEC World Golf Championship will no doubt have added a greater belief in his ability to win big events but for him to seriously contend at Augusta is a big ask it seems.
Steve Elkington
Ten starts at Augusta for two top tens the best being 3rd in 1993 and 5th in 1995. Has missed the cut just twice in those ten starts. Missed the cut last week but form prior solid if not spectacular. Has the big event game and brain with wins at the PGA Players Championship (twice) and runner up in last year's British Open. Seems relatively free of all the allergy problems that have plagued him and may well figure amongst the Australians although poor showing at Bell South last week.
The New Zealanders
Phil Tataurangi
First time to the Masters for Phil. Has yet to make the cut in the four majors he has played during his career but he is on a different level with his game since his last start in a major at the US Open last year. Has missed cut at last two starts this year, but only by one shot last week at the TPC. Hard to see this week being other than a learning curve for the future as only three players have won at their first appearance He does enjoy however enjoy playing on traditional courses and on bent greens. Perhaps surprisingly not playing the Bell South this week as he has done well there before and so heads into Augusta with nothing special in the way of lead in form.
Craig Perks
Turned things around last week with a fine performance. Although he slipped to finish 17th at Sawgrass he will have been given a great boost of confidence after a run of outs. Played all four majors last year, 29th being his best at the PGA. Missed the cut by five here last year but perhaps to be expected so soon (three weeks) after his surprise win at the TPC. Has made five of nine cuts this year with his best finish 13th at the Buick Invitational. This company perhaps a bit too rich at present, especially given that the swing changes he is making are yet to fully kick in it would appear.
Michael Campbell
Difficult to work out what is going on with Michael as an injury sustained when lifting luggage has hampered him the last couple of weeks and it now appears a long way back to form and health, especially in time for the Masters. Has yet to make the cut at the Masters in three starts, although he only missed by one last year, and has a very ordinary record in majors apart from his third at St Andrews in 1995. 12th was his next best in 2000 at Pebble Beach. He has made just seven cuts in nineteen majors to date in his career.
