Mark’s Kaddy Korner

Master’s Predictions

There are only three first time winners in Masters history and the first two don’t count, Horton Smith and Gene Sarazen in 1934 and 35. Fuzzy won his first time around but other than that you need experience, local knowledge, patience and maybe an Augusta caddy, they know the course better than anyone except maybe Jack. Zach Johnson won his Green Jacket and laid up on every par five; try to get Phil to follow that strategy. What I’m trying to say, Augusta really favors no particular golfer except maybe the long knocker and the great putter but don’t they usually do well at any event.

Another week off but a lot going on and I tried to follow the Tiger parade through Augusta as much as possible. The cabin was still intact, Zach chased a few critters from the shed, and when we left on Thursday snow was collecting on the deck. Everywhere I went folks wanted to know my thoughts about Tiger. How would he finish at the Masters? What was going on in his personal life? Would Stevie keep his job? What did you think about the press conference on Monday?

Masters Preview from Kaddy Korner

When Arnie and Jack hit the ceremonial first drives Thursday morning hopefully all the Tiger trash will be over. The Monday press conference could drag on into Tuesday morning and nobody is worried about the golf yet. A lot of the players are gearing up for the press onslaught, the reporters will have a lot of down time and they’ll be looking for someone to talk to besides Tiger.

My Tiger Take        

He’s coming back, not when I thought, but at a place that will provide all the protection he needs. Augusta National, once you step behind the clubhouse, is off limits to press, photographers, and paparazzi. There may be an occasional discreet interview on the lawn under the oak and the Masters allows their networks limited access to the players but once a player leaves the driving range or parking lot, passes through the clubhouse and walks to the putting greens, he is off limits to the patrons. There are no autographs behind the clubhouse only golf.

Transitions Championship – Innisbrook – Tarpon Springs, FL           

The Transitions Championship (a few other sponsors also) has been coming to Innisbrook since 2000 and prior to that the Mixed Team PGA/LPGA was held here in the late 80’s and early 90’s. It was a lot of fun back then, still challenging, but it was the off season and a chance to make a little Christmas money. Now the course has been redesigned (1999), lengthened, and toughened up enough that a major could be staged here.

(Just after I published this article rumors from Australia surfaced Tiger would play Accenture Match Play in Tucson, and it was also reported on local Phoenix news stations. We’ll see what happens, I’m still sticking to my guns)

Tiger is tucked away in Hattiesburg, MS trying to get his shaft under control. Over the years we’ve watched him trying to control many wayward drives. The flex in your driver shaft often determines how well you control your tee shots. Tiger’s recent flex point control issue has more serious implications on his life, children, and marriage. Who knew two months ago we would be waiting his return while he regained flex point control at Pine Grove Institute instead of a golf testing center in Carlsbad, CA?

We do a lot of things out here, but when it comes to nut crunch time, nothing is more important. All the preparation, yardages, wind charts, elevation change readings, diagrams and scribbled notes in the yardage book mean absolutely nothing unless you can turn to your pro in a crucial situation and calmly, confidently say, “I like smooth seven iron”. Then, you better be able to back up your answer if he questions you again. You can’t waffle, you have to stick to your call. Hesitation signals uncertainty, and when you’re coming down the stretch, or really any time during a round, there is no room for indecision. It could be the perfect club but if your pro’s not sure he’s not pulling the shot off.

Masters – A Caddie’s Day at Augusta National

Every day at Augusta is different, but they all start with a meandering walk from the parking lot behind the busy souvenir building to the caddy locker room. It feels like you are sneaking in the back door; maybe that is the plan. If you are lucky, have a house in the neighborhood, you can walk in off Berckman Road and avoid all the traffic. Augusta traffic is some of the worst on tour; paying an extra $500 a week for a house close by is definitely worth it.

 

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Masters – Changes at Augusta

I started this article about 1 o’clock because I wanted it finished before air time. During editing, copying, pasting, and critiquing there was some unfortunate deleting, definitely pilot error. Maybe the Augusta committee was looking over my shoulder and hit the delete button; my comments were not complimentary. I’ve got to blame my miscue on something else, isn’t that what every golfer does after a misplaced shot?