Masters Thoughts

Well, it's Masters week and the azaleas are in bloom and have been for a couple of weeks at my house (see above picture) despite temperatures in the 40's Tuesday this week here in Atlanta. The weather looks to be promising for the tournament however, with temperatures in the lower 70's and only moderate chances for T-storms on Friday. We should get our Sunday finish and everyone agrees we hope that the Masters' brass sets the course up for some fireworks.

I know the media have been piling on of late on the Masters course changes, but the last 2 years the weather has played a major factor in the scores and excitement, namely wind and cold. We should be able to avoid the cold and the new leadership (Billy Payne in for Hootie Johnson) realizes the need to soften the set-up to generate more Sunday roars, especially on the two "second nine" par 5's.

Obviously, the hope here is that Phil and Tiger can duel it out on the back nine, especially with their form of late. Despite Phil's MC at Houston, he has shown as recently as this spring that he can win a week after playing poorly. And of course, Tiger put a W up on the board at his last start, coming from behind to beat Sean O'Hair on the 18th hole at Arnie's place.

So where does that leave us? I mean...seriously, how can you not pick Tiger? I say that almost every year, but this year, it just seems to set up for him to add to his legend, a la Hogan winning the U.S. Open after his car accident. Tiger inches closer to Jack with his 15th major and with Bethpage on deck next, you have to consider him a heavy favorite there also.

Top 10 contenders:

• Mickelson - no matter what happens, Phil usually at least top 10's it
• Goosen - even when he has been playing poorly the last few years, this was the one place he still had a modicum of success
• Watney - played well here last year and has taken it to another level
• Paul Casey - I think he truly believes now. Has faltered on Sunday consistently here the last few years but has finished a couple of tournaments off in '09
• Zach Johnson - defended admirably last year and playing better now. Plays his own game and won't change his strategy.
• Stenson - showed some mettle in Houston on Sunday - ready to contend in the majors
• Ogilvy - a sexy pick to win, has won big events, but has too many bad holes that could hurt him
• Westwood - last year came close to the Mediate/Woods playoff at Torrey. Not sure about his putting but his ball striking has improved from years past
• Harrington - by sheer will, he will top 10, but I don't like his ball-striking consistency to-date this year. Plus, there have been only 2 players to win 3 majors in a row in the modern age - named Woods and Hogan. Gulp.
  

Pretenders:

• [Copy and paste each year] Adam Scott - never seen on TV on Sundays at majors
• Sergio - "where hath thou gone, Sergio?"
• Anthony Kim - please - 1st trip to Augusta and has not dedicated himself to practice this year.
• McIlroy - 1st trip - could make the cut due to talent but it's early everyone
• Ernie Els - Ernie hasn't been in real close contention in awhile and still can't put 4 rounds together. Would love to see it though.
• Kenny Perry - sure, he's focused on the majors (he says) - at least he's playing in them this year. Can't win here with his putting.
• VJ - back and knee issues still
• Freddie - have you seen Freddie's finishes this year at Riveria and Houston? And his putting stroke from 4-6 feet? Simply put, No.
• Steve Stricker - have you seen HIS finishes this year? 3 leads => 3 meltdowns on the back nine
• Greg Norman - MC; only thing going for him is low expectations
• Villegas - hasn't played here enough yet; not sure he is patient enough either
• Immelman - I thought he was ready to take on a larger stage - almost won at Memphis since then and that is it.

Can't wait until coverage on Thursday!