Conference 7.286::golf

Freddy is hot.....

    
      I'll take Seve.  He has been playing extremely well over this past
     year and he is such an intense competitor.  Only the most intense
     players with the best concentration seem to win the Masters.  Couples
     although a great player has a couple of things going against him for
     Augusta.  He doesn't have the intensity of a Ballesteros, Nicklaus,
     Faldo, Floyd  and his natural shot is a power fade. Augusta favors
     the players that draw the ball.  Daly should be fun to watch on the
     par 5's eh?
    
    -rick

    
    Tom Watson

    1481.2 ????
    
    How can you say anything about Freddy that is not exemplary.  His fire
    burns hotter than anyones.  Just because he doesn't pump his arms, or
    stalk the fairways....you can bet that the other players can hear him
    out there.  One win and two seconds the last three weeks, still one of
    the longest out there, willing to takes a chance and what looks like a
    swing that is impervious to pressure.  His problem is that he also
    brings out the best in his competitors...instead of causing others to
    choke, they seem to be calmed by his demeanor and play well.
    
    As for Daly, it would be great to see him play well.  He has put
    together  two or three good rounds lately, but one round is usually
    ugly and causes him to lose sight of the lead.  Still among the best 
    swings to watch for excitement and anticipation.
    
    SCD

    My perennial favorite is Seve, I guess it runs in the latin blood.
    
    Second choises unfortunately  are  all  non-american also:  Woosy and
    Olaz�bal.
    
    I really like Couples, I love how easy  and  relaxed it all seems for
    him, that  may  be  his  problem also.   As Rick mentioned, and after
    seeing how he  threw  away  yesterday's tourney (for those of you how
    didn't see the Honda  Classic,  he  had two bougeys and one double in
    the last 9 holes, saved  only  by  a  great shot in the 18th that was
    less than a foot for a  birdie),  I doubt he has what it takes to win
    the last day.
    
    Tavo
    

    So-Cal,
    	And any other Fred fans, Sports Illustrated had a nice article on
    him in last weeks issue - glad to mail it to anyone - no not the swim
    suit issue that was the week before.
    
    	Conclusion of SI is - Fred is as able to handle pressure now as the
    best of them and he's not going to win them all (me talking now) but
    more than his share.
    
    	As always I say let everyone pick and I will take the American
    Field although the Masters has been a Foriegn Party lately.
    
    	Who in the field - how about a New Englander like Andrade

    
    Hi ,
    
    	Picking the winner of a golf tourny is REAL tough... who would
    have picked Floyd or Pavin? At least if you picked Freddy to win
    each of the last three tourny's you would have been right 1 out of 3, 
    and VERY close the other 2 ! :)
    
    	The Masters has to rank as one of the most difficult tourny to
    pick a winner. I think Golf Digest has gone 0-19 ? But it's still
    fun to give it a go !
    
    	True about Freddy being a left-right player... at Augusta it's
    really set-up for the draw. He doesn't seem comfortable when he
    tries to turn it over, his grip is already real strong... and can
    easily snap hook it. 
    
    	So I think you gotta go with a right to left candidate... like
    Tsongas ? Oops wrong topic !
    
    	I mean like Tom Watson . 
    
    	Tom Watson (-11) over Ray Floyd (-10) and Freddy Couples (-10) .
    
    	Americans 1 , 2 , 3  for a change. 
    
    	Walta

    I have to like Watson, too.  I recently watched my tape from last year
    and the excitement of his two eagles along with his bogey's and double
    on the back nine was just as good as it was last April.  He has the
    desire and the experience to learn from past mistakes.
    By the way, any comments about the short article in Golf Digest about
    Augusta not having a finishing hole?  Last year an 8-footer for par
    won it and others had a chance for a playoff if a par could be had.

    
    
     Several of the European golfers have as good a chance as any this
    year. Ballesteros and Olazabal have been "burning" it up already this
    year. Faldo, Montgomerie and Lyle are all spending several weeks in the
    States prior to the tourney so must be rated.
    
     As I don't know what's been happening in the States, it's hard to pick
    a winner from there. Baker-Finch must have a good chance as well.
    
     Personally, I don't see Watson winning this year. Although he won in
    Hong-Kong recently, he's still having problems with his putting.
    
    My selection,
    
                    Olazabal, Sevvy, Baker-Finch, Faldo and obviously a
    strong challenge from the States.
    
     I'll go for Olazabal.
    
    Danny...

If you look at the leader boards over the last few weeks -- even the last
3 years, particularly in majors -- Floyd is always hanging in there. He'll
be 50 by the Masters, and I think he has a better chance to win right now
than just about anyone. His game is hot. He's played it 29 years. He
knows every inch of the course. He's one of the most focused competitors
out there. And he's trying to build his legend. 

He's already done things Nicklaus hasn't, like win a PGA event at age
49. He's come close in recent years. I could see old Raymondo rewriting
the record books with a win.

He will CERTAINLY be in the top 10.

    As much as I would like to see Watson, Floyd, and Couples (in any order)
    I'm afraid it's going to be Olazabal, Seve, and Pavin.
    
    Stuart

   re: Freddy 'Boom Boom' Couples    Is he a blood relative SCD ?  ;^)
           Didn't mean to offend you but I did call him a great player. He's
           just missing the little extra oooomph that it takes to win the
           Masters.  I will say this, 1992 is the year where Fred has to dispel
           the 'laid-back' impressions and win one of the majors.  All aspects
           of his game are at peak. Now is the time!  

   re:  Andrade     Aw c'mon Bill Breen.   Billy really favors the fade and 
           his short game hasn't looked too good this year.  Not a great combo 
           to play Augusta.  His chances are null (programmer talk).  Now if
           you want to talk locals the guy you should mention is Hallet.  He
           did extremely well at Augusta when he was a top amateur. 

     The only young US player I see having the competetive drive and the type
    of game to win the Masters is Paul Azinger.  

     The United States best chance comes from the old geezer crowd. Floyd,
    Watson, Stadler (hmmm maybe he isn't a geezer yet), Crenshaw, and Kite 
    (although I think he doesn't qualify to play this year). Can't dismiss the 
    Golden-Ager Bear either.  8^)

-rick
    

    Not a blood relative...
    
    Just had the chance to meet and talk with him as he was just coming
    onto the tour.  A very genuine person.  Very calm (laid back) but his
    boiler burns hot.  Hope he does well since he has had an unbelievable
    six months.  
    
    SCD

    	Being able to hit the draw does help whan playing Augusta but
    much more important is hitting the "high" ball. The greens are so
    small/fast/slick/hazzard-ridden that the low ball hitters have trouble.
    Jack is a fader and he doesn't seem to have trouble at Augusta.
    Azinger is one of the tours best but tends to hit knockdowns all day
    so the course gives him trouble. Augusta requires high accurate
    drives and approach shots and deadly putting. Boom Boom will be there.
    
    	As far as handling pressure is concerned, the Ryder Cup is more
    pressure packed than 2 "Masters" tournaments. Freddie did some 
    serious damage to the Europeans at Kiawah {sp} under intense pressure.
    I really believe he has turned it up to the next level of performance.
    
    	If Freddie, Ray Floyd (amazing guy) or Zinger won it, that would
    be fine with me. Where's the Shark....Is he in or out???
    
    Bob
    
    

    Reply -1
    
    	Hi Bob,
    
    	Hmmm good point about Jack being a fader....and still winning 6
    green jackets. But Nicklaus' not human. So whatever he does/did can't
    be compared to humans. ;) He doesn't seem to suffer at all from the
    snap hook, which accompany's most faders who try to draw the ball.
    Jack hit some INCREDIBLE tee shots at Augusta. Like on the 13th
    465 yd par 5, dogleg left... he simply torched one OVER the corner,
    leaving himself an easy 9 iron into the green. He's not human.
    
    	It's funny about that general statement
    regarding Augusta and faders... last year Watson,Woosy and Jose' all
    who play right to left made it to the 18th hole tied/leading. Then
    what do they have to face? The 18th, dogleg right uphill, with two
    tough/huge bunkers to the left ! Imagine the pressure they felt
    last year? Knowing they need to cut the ball or risk loosing the
    Masters! I'd passout ! Turns out the only one to survive was of
    course Woosy, by simply hitting so far it simply didn't matter
    where it went ! But Watson pushed his drive and Jose' pulled his.
    
    I feel Freddy won't control the draw tee shots, and it will eventually
    get him. I'm hoping he'll simply accept his weakness and bunt it
    out to the corner of the doglegs and play safe... but he's human.
    
    Can you imagine if Daly gets it going like last years PGA? It'll be like
    Jose' at the World Series of Golf.. everyone will be playing for
    2nd !
    
    sorry for rambling !
    
    	Walta
    
    	The Ryder Cup has truly become THE golf superbowl/World Series
    pressure pinnacle. By far. Then the majors. With the Masters taking
    2nd. What a test of nerves ! How many times do you see groups of men
    crying with joy and sorrow as with the Ryder Cup? Pressure or what.

    
      I'll make it quick since Walter has used up all the "space". 
      Ben Crenshaw or Jim Hallet (qualifies?).
      I'm still sitting on Hallet. Slight draw and sneaky long.
      Ben might be due for his all time putting show.
      Plus he has that sense of history. 20-1 and 50-1.
      I like those closers that come from off the pace to pick up
      the "chalk"!!
    
               Ang
    
    

    
    re .14 
    
    Unless he wins before Augusta, I believe the Sahrk is out!! Sort of
    unbelievable, eh?? What's at Sunday at Augusta without Norman ( 10
    strokes out) shooting 64 or 65?!?! ;^)
    
    Joe

    Didn't shark get a special invite ?
    
    Tony
    
    

    Re -1
    
    The Shark did get in under the foreign players exemption. It caused
    quite a bit of stir seeing Norman plays the PGA Tour. More interesting
    was that Kite who has played the best golf at Augusta over the last ten
    years did not get in. Kite will need to win before long to get in.
    
    Ken

    My predictions for Augusta:
    
    I like Olazabal, Floyd, and Seve. Olazabal is on fire. He is playing
    well in Europe right now and should have the game and the experience to
    win. Seve has also tuned his game for play at Augusta including a major
    swing adjustment just so that he can play better at the Masters. Floyd
    also has the game and the experience. He should be the highest American
    finisher. 
    
    Sorry for the un-patriotic message but I don't think the European's are
    ready to relenquish their strong-hold at Augusta.
    
    There must be something in the azealea's. Don't count out two previous
    winners who are playing better Langer and Lyle.
    
    Ken
    

    I agree with the last note about Lyle having a good chance this year.
    He is starting to peak just at the right time after a lousy three
    years.He is no stranger to the "green jacket".If the crowd give every
    player the same encouragement and courtesy  then a European(Lyle) stands
    a very good chance.Thus leaving the"players" with no added pressure.   
                                               
    

    RE: Walta...
    
    Yeah...Jack is superhuman at Augusta. I just think that Freddie is red
    hot and now has the mental aptitude to go along with the physical game.
    His mentor/friend Ray Floyd has got him pointed in the right direction.
    
    Shark and Curtis got special excemptions to the Masters this year. Kite
    got stiffed. He should be in there. I love the Shark (he is my
    favorite). I hope he wins it but is hurt right now and is a major head
    case. I like Woosie too cause he is such a little sh__ who hits the
    ball a mile and never backs down. But his game right now isn't "on".
    
    So I hope Mr. Smooth...Freddie brings home the green Jacket. Have you
    noticed, ever since the Ryder Cup, how popular Boom Boom is with the
    galleries....
    
    Bob

    
      Nicklaus is proficient at hitting both draws and fades. The main
     reason he does so well at Augusta is due to knowledge of the greens.
     But like folks said, there is Jack, then there is the rest of the
     golfing world.
    
       Is Phil Mickelson playing?  He would be my selection for the annual
     1st round leader surprise then fade into the pack player.
    
    -rick

    Re -1
    
    As far as I know, Phil Mickelson is not playing in the Masters. He did
    not qualify over the last year. I think it was two maybe three years
    ago, The Masters greatly reduced the number of amateurs playing. I
    believe its just the US Amateur Champ and runner-up and the Publinx
    champ. It used to be the entire Walker Cup team which would have been
    Phil's ticket in. 
    
    Norman withdrew from this weeks PGA event. He had othroscopic surgery
    on his knee a few weeks ago. I hope he is in shape to play at Augusta.
    
    Ken

    Personally, I would give Big Steven Richardson as good a chance as
    any....Watch out for Big D. Milne next year.

    I would love to see Greg Norman win, but I'm not sure his heart is in
    it anymore.  He's had more than his share of setbacks in the last five
    years, and I think they're taking their toll now.

    Jose Olazabal is probably the next foreigner to win the Masters.  He
    has the same kind of touch as Ballesteros and Azinger, but has much
    more control of his game.  I really thought he'd win last year.

    Couples is my sentimental favorite, but I'm not sure he's ready yet.
    He missed a couple of crucial shots against Pavin last week, and that
    experience may leave a bad taste.  He needs to start putting people
    away (like Jack used to do)...he could be the next dominant golfer this
    decade.

    Dale

    
    I believe Andrade has the game for Augusta and he
    is my sentimental favorite.  I think I picked Billy
    last year also not knowing he was not even in the
    field.
    
    My non-sentimental pick is Ian Woosnam to repeat, 
    with vengence. 
    
    /Dave

    Couples is on a roll right now and I would think he's got the best
    chance to win it.
    
    Tom
    
    

    
    	Freddy is hot right now, can he keep it up for couple of more weeks
    though. I know he shot a 67 in the first round of the Nabisco to take
    a 1 shot lead going into rd 2. I think Fred will be in contention but
    cool off a bit, with some long shot winning it.
    
    Ron

    What about Steve Pate who shot a final round 65 last year??
    
    						JT

    Re:        <<< Note 1481.5 by MR4DEC::DIAZ "Octavio, SME International" >>>

>   I really like Couples, I love how easy  and  relaxed it all seems for
>   him, that  may  be  his  problem also.   As Rick mentioned, and after
>   seeing how he  threw  away  yesterday's tourney (for those of you how
>   didn't see the Honda  Classic,  he  had two bougeys and one double in
>   the last 9 holes, saved  only  by  a  great shot in the 18th that was
>   less than a foot for a  birdie),  I doubt he has what it takes to win
>   the last day.

I guess  I'm going  to  have  to  eat  my  words.  Freddy won this week's
tourney (Nestle Invitational  at  Bay  Hill, Florida) by 9 STROKES!!!  He
couldn't do anything wrong.    And  that  win  put him on top of the Sony
World Rankings.  He has  also  won  over  $700K so far this year, and the
season is still very young.  I wonder if he'll pass $2 mil?

Tavo

    
       The Nestle Crunch Invite against Sauers, Duffy Waldorf, Faxon etal
       isn't quite the Masters, so don't eat all your words yet Tavo.
    
       Hope Freddie's wife isn't running down the fairways with him if he
       is leading the Masters on the last day.  Talk about distractions!
       This game is tough enough.
    
    -rick

Don't mock the field. It included Faldo and Woosnam (who missed the 
cut). I'm not sure about Olazabal. So the field was probably almost as 
strong as the Masters. Now, that Masters (majors) pressure...that's 
another dimension altogether. We shall see how Couples holds up. Given 
his game these days, and his performance at the Ryder Cup and the 
Jaimacan world championships, you've got to consider him the front 
runner.

I'm still rooting for Watson, but I won't be disappointed is Couples 
wins. I'd would be nice to see a Type B win a big one for a change.

>Don't mock the field. It included Faldo and Woosnam (who missed the 
>cut). I'm not sure about Olazabal. So the field was probably almost as 
>strong as the Masters. Now, that Masters (majors) pressure...that's 
    
        Olazabal, Watson, Nicklaus, Norman, Ballesteros, Rafferty,
        Ozaki, Langer, Stadler   to name a few.    I'll disagree with
        you Tom. The Nestle field wasn't Masters caliber.
    
    -rick

    
    Rick,
    
    I don't know about the Nestle, but the Masters has never been know for
    a strong field. Beacuse of the qualicication process, you get a lot of
    one timers in there. You also get some foreign and amateur exemptions
    that normally wouldn't be invited to other tournaments. 
    Given it is THE most exciting event of the year ( IMHO because it is
    not associated with the PGA tour ), and does have a very competative
    field, the field is the smallest of any tournament and definalty the
    weakest.
    
    Joe

     
    re. -1 
    
    sorry I got so excited and didn't use my spell checker!!!

My picks:

Floyd
Couples
Steve Pate
Seve
Olazabal
Mudd...Ok, so I pick a sentimental favorite here. Shoot me!  He does play Augusta
well though!  Unfortunately I think he's pulled a Johnny Miller and is off 
building a home...his in Kentucky I think.  

As for the old argument of Augusta not having a strong field...I say BUNK!  Every
player in the field is a proven winner!  And, I don't recall too many (there
have been a few) Master's winners that haven't been dominant at one time 
or another.  Ok, I'll admit it...I don't take Augusta criticism well.  I have 
this "thing" about it.  My wife, a native Augustan, claims I only married her 
to get tickets. (Which, oddly enough, I was never able to obtain BEFORE we got
married...hmmmm maybe I should consider her claim?!? Nah)

Can't wait to see the Main Event,

Donald  "An American Pig pulling for an American"  (Even as much as I like the
foreigners!)

    Seems as though everyone has covered the logical choices, but I'll go
    out on a limb and choose Craig Parry from Australia.
    
    He knows how to win under pressure having dueled it out with Seve in
    last years Scottish Open and has won several other times in Europe as
    well. He won the Australian Masters, coming from way back after two
    rounds and shoot a sensational 68 on a windswept Huntigdale course on
    Sunday, when everybody else was strruggling to make par. He backed up two
    weeks later and won the New South Wales Open at a sub-standard tourney 
    venue. Admitedly, these were not great big tournaments, but he has won
    lately and I think his confidence is high at the moment.
     
    He drives the ball well and is also exceptional on and around the greens.
    His only weakness seems to be his long irons, but if he can keep them under
    control, I rate him an excellent chance. I believe he is playing in
    most of the lead up tournaments, so keep an eye on him.
    
    matt

      Strength of the field to me is determined by the caliber of players
    in the top 20 on the final two days.  In the 'big ones', 90% of that
    top 20 are veterans, past winners, players who you would be looking
    over your shoulder at, waiting for them to make their move to win 
    the tournament.   At the Masters, year in and year out, that type of
    player dominates the leader board.  More quality players are in the
    hunt on the last day of the Masters, than any other tournament that
    I can think of.   Sure, there are more than a few players invited to
    the Masters that can't realistically compete, but you can almost 
    guarantee that the top 20-30 players in the *world* will be playing.
 
      All recent tournament winners qualify for the Masters, so that in
    itself sets it apart from other tournaments as well.  I'm sorry, but the 
    tournaments played in the US this year, do not reflect that level of 
    player.  Once again, some of you seriously underestimate the European, 
    Japanese and Australian players!

      Here are the top 15 finishers at the Nestle, and I sheepishly admit 
    that Langer did in fact play in this tourny and finished near the bottom. 
    But my excuses for the poor play of the Europeans in the Nestle are for
    another note.

         Couples, Sauers, Waldorf, Huston, Sluman, Brooks, Pohl, Kite,
         Faxon, Davis Love III, Price, Gardner, Harwood, Hallberg, Weibring

      Be honest, how many of them do you expect to see on top of the 
    leaderboard at Augusta?  And how many victories total do those 
    players represent over their careers.  All of the above are fine
    players and most have one at least one tournament in their careers,
    but........

      After the Masters, I'll post the top 15 and will compare against the 
    list above.  Someone else can figure out total career victories each list 
    represents. If, after comparing the two and it doesn't support my strength 
    of field argument, I'll come grovelling back into this topic and take it 
    on the chin.

-rick_who_is_going_stir_crazy_with_the_latest_snow
    

Has everyone forgotten that Davis Love has been playing very well the past
year?  He's got the high long ball to tame the par 5's and good temperment
and patience.  He'll be fighting off the spaniards though.

Bob

    
    	Like Daly, the winner will be a first timer, rookie, no-name,
    	outta the blue, longshot.
    
    	Don't ya see it?  The timing is perfect for the tour's up and
    	coming superstar...
    
    	Tom Lehman
    
    	Tom_who'll_pick_a_"Tom Team"_over_any_other_names ;^)
    

    Gosh, 41 replies, and nowhere did I see the name, COREY PAVIN.  Isn't
    he invited, since he is the leading money winner.  I like couples, but
    I would root for Corey if he's in it.
    
    Not to offend anyone, but I am for an american to win it.  Faldo and
    Woosie will be a threat for the money; Seve won't make the cut because
    for some reason, whenever he's at Augusta he thinks that he's in the
    military, you know, left right left right.  I honestly don't think he's
    ever seen an Augusta fairway.  I like norman, but he won't make the cut
    if he shows.
    
    Just remember this, a great putter wins the masters.  So all that talk
    about watching Daly on the par 5's, yeh, that's great, but the work
    starts when you get ON the green.
    
    Go red, white and blue,
    
    bob
    

    
    If Daly's invited I'd bet he doesn't even make the first two pages of
    standings.  Ya, he hits the ball a long ways.  Seems to me that, that's
    only one part of the game.  Frankly I'm not impressed with the
    remainder of John's game.  I can't see guessing, since this file has
    been open I don't think anyone's guessed correctly.  
    
    Tom

    
    	Daly is in because he won the PGA last year. Woosnam better get
    his game in gear, he missed the cut at the nestle and shot 75 in the
    opening round of the TPC. Daly opened up with a 68 at the TPC. Seve
    shot a 75, Norman 72, Olazabal 69.
    
    /Ron

   re:  Pavin    Great putter.  Not a Masters favorite because he loves to
                 fade (almost a slice) the ball.  Might be near the leaders
                 at the end, though.

   re:  Davis Love III   Another fader.  Is playing real well this year and
                 I like his competitive spirit.  He is developing almost a
                 Floydish steely gaze out there.  Has struggled on the 
                 Augusta greens in previous years, however.

   re:  Seve not making the cut.   Did you forget the green jackets Seve has
                 already won?  ;^)

     Some concern for the Europeans.  Woosnam isn't really playing well right
   now. Seve shot a 40-35 at the TPC yesterday and this was on a course that
   was playing extremely easy due to overnight rains.     

-rick
    

    Floyd should be there.
    

    RE: a couple back.
    
    If your talking about great putters then you must include
    Ben Crenshaw he has to be one of the all time great putters.
    I still think a European will walk off with the green jacket???
    
    

    
       Nice call Bob, just a couple of weeks premature though.

    
    Berhard Langer might just be the man.....as I'm sure he would love to
    prove a point or two. 
    
    Derzo.
    
    
      
    
    

    There is only one way Langer could win the Masters this year...
    abolish putting and play closest to the hole wins...
    
    Dav...

      Wasn't Langer ranked #1 in putting on the European tour last year?
     It's not pretty watching his new method of putting, but it has been
     very effective for him.  
    
    -rick

    ... and he's one of the best iron players in the world, especially long
    irons. I have a feeling this could be his year, but I think I've been
    saying that for a couple now.

    RE .51
    	doesn't Langer do some kind of weird thing like putt lefthanded.
    
    guy in our league switch to left handed putting awhile back - went from
    awful to just bad which wasn't bad since the rest of his game was
    terrific
    
    bill-who's-thinking-of-two-leagues-at-same-time-as-wife-is-thinking-of-0
    

    re -1. No, he's not doing it left-handed. He places his left hand down
    the shaft (about 8 inches, roughly), then grips the top of the putter
    handle and his left forearm, near the elbow, with his right hand! One
    thing this eliminates is breaking the wrists, and sort of locks the 
    upper body into one movement, shoulders and all. And it seems to work.

    
    After reading the golf reports in todays papers it seems as though 
    Sevvy is starting to turn it on at the right time.He shot 67 in the
    New Orleans Classic.Sandy Lyle is also hitting form at the right time
    he was -1 thru 14.Ian Woosnam isn't out of it either.Olazabal is still 
    hanging in their as well.So who going to win THEE big one.????
    
    Dav....
    

    Whoever wins, WILL BE BECAUSE OF PUTTING.  I just read the paper last
    night, and it said that the greens at Augusta are in ultra slick mode,
    and that it's almost impossible to sink a 3 footer on the first try.
    
    Looking forward to April 9.
    
    bob
    btw, that was the Atlanta Journal Constipation
    
    

    I think that I might have to change my prediction,you say that a good
    putter will win this week,Lyle stated in the press that every part of
    his game is good except his putting.He is hoping that it all comes
    together at the right time.This I think is a bad sign,either that or he
    is playing his cards very close to his chest.
    If he does'nt win he can blame it on his caddie ????
    
    
    Dav..
    
     

    Okay, I know it's a real longshot, but I can't resist picking Greg
    Norman...
    
    Heck, I pick him for every major...one of these times, I may be right!
    
    	Frank

    -1
    
    It seems Greg Norman might not be a bad choice,did'nt he finish 
    second in the New Orleans Classic at the weekend.I understand this was
    only his second tournament since he had surgery on his knee.
    
    
    Dav.....

    	I'm presuming Norman got an exemption into the Masters this year
    since some are choosing? If so, I'll go  with the Shark.

My Favorite:


		Tom Kite


This has gotta be his year !!

    re: .61-
    
    Errrrr- unless I'm mistaken, Tom wasn't invited this year.

    r -1 
    
    That will be tough since he is not in the Masters this year
    

    My fav is "The Shark"....I hope he wins....finally.

    Does anyone know if the following players have been invited?
    
    Irwin, or Lietzke.
    
    A buddy and I have been betting on the majors for about 4 years. I pick
    a few and he matches up a few. He's got Irwin or Lietzke but my papers
    at home and I'm at a loss.
    
    Ken

    Found my reply in the Trotter practice round note. Irwin is in.
    
    Thx

    
    	1-900-555-5555 is USA Today's sports hotline.  Press 3 to
    	get PGA, Senior, and LPGA info.  They say "fresh developments
    	from the greens".
    
    	95 cents a minute...
    

    
    	btw, there's a bonus section is today's USA Today about
    	the Masters.  Lots of interesting stuff.
    
    	Tom
    

    
    Since he has been pretty hot lately and always seems to come up in
    majors when playing well, I pick ......  Tom Watson.
    
    He was close last year and he wasn't playing all that well. He seems
    to be well on his way back this year, with strong finishes several 
    times so far.
    
    Also in the top: Freddie, Norman and Olazable (sp?). Jack will make
    a brief appearance but will fade away.
    
    --Bob
    

    Call (404)667-6173 or 6177 for "up to the minute" Masters
    updates.  Free recording.
    
    Later,
    
    Ken
    

    The leader board after rd 1
    
    Lanny Wadkins   34 - 31 - 65  = -7
    Jeff Sluman     31 - 34 - 65  = -7
    Wayne Grady     36 - 32 - 68  = -4
    Mike Hulbert    34 - 34 - 68  = -4
    Davis Love 3rd  33 - 35 - 68  = -4
    Ted Schulz      36 - 32 - 68  = -4
    Craig Parry     34 - 35 - 69  = -3
    
    	Woosnam, Couples, Nicklaus, Huston, Floyd, Elkington, Richardson,
    Langer, Allem, Lietzke, Mudd. Were all also at -3.
    
    	Other Notables.
    
    	Greg Norman  -2
    	Stadler      -2
    	Azinger      -2
        Baker-Finch  -2
    	Faldo        -1
    	Zoeller      -1
        Daly         -1
    
    	Watson       +1
    	Ballesteros  +3
    	Olazabal     +4
    
    
    	Did anybody catch Daly's drive on 18? He sliced it right around
    the corner and was 120 from the pin, the annoucers couldn't remember
    anybody being that close. They even mentioned that the pin was 26 yrds
    from the front of the green, so he was only 94 yrds from the green
    Incredible.
    	Seve and Jose-Maria better have really good rounds today or they
    will miss the cut. For one last tidbit, that course just looks in
    emaculate shape, what a beautiful course. This is from looking at it
    on TV, I couldn't imagine having a chance to go there.
    
    /Ron

    re .39
    
    	Well one of your list of Nestle top 15 made it to the top and it
    wasn't Couples - it was good ole Jeff Sluman
    
    Of course there's three more rounds to go and I like Lanny's chances
    better than Jeff's.
    
    The American tour is not easy because of the likes of the Slumans or
    Brooks or Walsdorfs it is that tough because there are hundreds of them
    all capable of winning at any time but only a handful are at the
    Masters.  Of course, that is one of the great things about the Masters
    is that only the top players are there and it makes for a great
    international competition.
    

    
      Sluman has won a Major (PGA).  Brooks and Waldorf haven't.   
    
      They aren't dancing in the streets in Barcelona.  Seve and Jose Maria
      are going to have to work hard to even make the cut. Seve's putting
      stroke looks a little suspect (yippy?).
    
      Woosnam and Langer lurk.  Boy did Ian get his game together fast.
    
      Couples and Davis Love look confident, relaxed and reeeeeal good.
    
      How about Nicklaus, Floyd and Wadkins !
    
    -rick

RE: .61 & .62

I tried to enter a note yesterday but the network got zapped..

I found out Tom was not playing from the special USA Today section.

SO, my next choice is Ray Floyd...

He's playing well...He's won before....

Watch out...

Jim

I was impressed that Ray Floyd made 2 doubles but still shot 69.  Saw my pick
Davis Love make a double on 11 but come back with birdies on 12(!) and 13 - 
pretty good composure.  Seve really did look anxious out there.  John Daly 
should be near the lead but missed 3ft for eagle on 13, 6ft birdie on 15, made
on 16, missed from 7ft on 17 - was hitting it big and with time should eat up
A.N.  How about those guys with miss reading those putts!  Same guys, same
course, same pin positions, but they had trouble knowing which way the putts
break (especially 18).

Bob

    Certainly enjoyed the coverage so far, but I can only take so much Ben
    Wright.  
    
    A sports talk show had one of the original golf press members
    talking about the Masters.  His opinion was much more like Norman's
    than Ben Wright's.  Not the best players, probably third best after the
    Open and the TPC.  Not a "tradition" until the press made such a big
    deal out of it.  Not a major until Arnie won it...even though it
    started as RT Jones' Clambake, it is Arnie that made the Masters. 
    Interesting perspective when a guy like Ben Wright or some of the other
    media mouths hype the event this weekend.  To some it is important
    (like Payne...one he has not won), to others, it is important to be
    there, but not their kind of course on which to shine.
    
    But definitely fun to watch, especially the way they are attacking 18,
    over the bunkers and into the rough that is footworn.  Next thing you
    know, they will be planting more trees to guard against the Woozies,
    Boom Booms and others taking the bunkers out of play.
    
    With no wind to harden the greens and push the shots around, the Jeff
    Slumans of the world could prove most of our predictions invalid.
    
    

    
     Well done to Freddie Couples on winning his first major. He looked to
    be in total control of his game throughout the 4 rounds and was a
    deserving winner. He had a huge slice of luck on 12 when his tee-shot
    somehow stayed out of the water but he played a great recovery to make
    par.
    
     All the European tour players completed the 4 days but nobody really
    looked liked winning after the first 9 on the final day.
    
     Good performance from the Aussies as well but Craig Parry must be very
    disappointed with his putting on the final day. He must have missed 6
    or 7 putts inside 8 feet.
    
     Danny

    
    HI,
    
    	Congratulations to all who picked Freddie, there was a lot
    of you ! Fred has offically taken over the tour and has become
    the first to break from the pack and dominate world golf.
    
    	Poor Raymond, he must be sad... once again his putter let him
    down on the back nine. Three putting 11, three putting from off
    the green on 12, then three putting 13...
    
    	How about Calc? Setting 2 records... lowest back nine "29" and
    most consecutive birdies 6 !
    
    	May be the Sony Rankings will post 
    
    	1. Fred Couples
    	2. Ray Floyd ?
    	3. Corey Pavin ?
    
    	Walta

    Way to go Freddie!  The red, white and blue won the green! Also took
    second and third.  Man, what a tourney.  Freddie is Mr. Composure.
    Looks like Craig Perry needs to get a cordless screw driver to fix
    himself.
    
    bob
    

Don't want to say I told you so....but....he is awesome. He lucked out on the
12th....smoothed it out the rest of the way and walked home with the jacket.
How about that 2nd shot out of the sand on the 18th. He made it look sooooo
easy....

    re: .78  Floyd's putting.
    
    When did he dump the ZEBRA?  This tournament was the first time I 
    noticed he was without it.

   As promised, the top 15 finishers from both the Masters and the Nestles
   tourneys are listed below.  I have to grovel some but not entirely. There
   were several top foreign players on the leaderboard the final day, but
   dropped out of sight when the going got tough. Just seeing their names
   up there might have put some pressure on the unflappable Couples.


             Nestles                     Masters
            -----------------            ------------------
             Couples (U)                 Couples (U)
             Sauers (U)                  Floyd  (U)
             Waldorf (U)                 Pavin (U)
             Huston (U)                  O'Meara (U)
             Sluman (U)                  Sluman (U)
             Brooks (U)                  Henke (U)
             Pohl (U)                    Schulz (U)
             Kite (U)                    Pate (U)
             Faxon (U)                   Norman (A)
             Davis Love III (U)          Mize (U)
             Price  (S)                  Price (S)
             Gardner (U)                 Baker-Finch (A)
             Harwood (A)?                Faldo (E)
             Hallberg (U)                Lietzke (U)
             Weibring (U)                Grady (A)


      (U)s, (E)uropean, (A)ustralian, (S)outh African

   What does it prove? Couples was tested more at the Masters but he still
   came through.  He's the world's best right now. It also proves that the
   foreign contingent had their worst showing at the Masters in years.  
   Woosnam fell out of contention dramatically yesterday as did Parry. My
   choice (Ballesteros) had a horrifying 81 to close out the tournament.
   
   -   Floyd and Pavin provided the only sparks yesterday. 
   -   Maybe the US players gained quite a bit of maturity over the last year
   -   Couples got *extremely* lucky on #12, and almost let Floyd and Pavin
       back into the tournament by playing 13 & 15 indifferently. He also
       made a major mistake by hitting into the bunker on 18. He was clutch
       around the greens though on that back nine. 
   -   Glad they didn't have a playoff. They wouldn't have been able to 
       finish the first hole!  Why was Couples and Parry a hole 1/2 behind
       at the end?

-rick
    

    As President of teh Freddy FAn Club, I was really pleased to see him
    win.  It seems that when he is in the hunt, the other players spend as
    much time worrying about him as they do their own game.  Seems to give
    him an edge on the last day.
    
    I like to see the smiles and chuckles as unpredictable things happen. 
    LAtely, it seems that Freddy is enjoying himself and can even have a
    laugh or two along  the way.  Of  course, some may say it is easy when
    you win....laugh all the way to the bank....but watch the mannerisms
    and expressions of the players the next few tourneys and see how many
    of the clones are having fun and how many have turned it into a grind.
    
    I think that is one reason Mr. Parry folded.  The pressure (and
    comments from the gallery) took the fun out of it for him and his game
    stiffened.
    
    As for Mr. Daly, final day 68.  Not bad for a first timer.  He took
    home some cash and his goal was to be a top 20 to get invited back. 
    
    SCD

    Sensational golf this weekend. Boy did Fred come thru, to be in total 
    control of his game through the week was exceptional. He came in the 
    favorite and delivered. Hat's off the all the golfers, the Masters is
    the grandest of them all. You have to feel for Raymond real gutsy
    performer and came so close. I never realized how short Woozy really
    is. The delay really did him in Sat.
    
    When they started the braodcast and there looming was Faldo, I had to 
    worry for the Americans, but he never made the charge on the back nine.
    
    MM

         I am really surprised to see there arenot any notes on the finale'
    of the MASTERS. Boom Boom came through again. He is playing some
    unbelievable golf and to be able to go into a major tournament as the
    favorite and come out the winner is phenomenal! I thought for a while
    he was going to let the others back into the tournament especially on
    the twelveth hole which he said himself it was a miracle it did not go
    into the water. He did seem a little tight the last 6 or 7 holes. I 
    really like seeing Raymond Floyd there to greet him at the final hole,
    a true example of friendship. Boy, Craig Parry really choked big time!
    Couldn't make a putt if his life depended on it. Not sure what Boom
    Boom will do from here til the end of the year but it would be my guess
    that he has golfer of the year wrapped up already and they have just
    started. He is becoming the dominant player folks have been looking for
    since Jack and Tom. All I can say is "go Boom Boom" keep it up and
    clean up the entire year!!!!
    
    Gordi

    Fred is fantastic!

    ::ROGERS_G
    
    what he said.
    
    -Dotti

    
    Freddie did great, but the one who I hold in high regards is
    Tom Watson. On Saturday he was on 17, not out of contention, but
    not doing real great. He hooks his shot left, into a bunker, from
    the bunker he hits a tree to another bunker (both bunkers were on
    the 6th hole green I believe), from there he gets it out and ends
    up with a double.
    
    Why the big deal over a terrible hole. Well the guy was trying to 
    win the masters and while it is falling away from him while he
    hacks around in the bunkers, what's he doing? Laughing and
    smiling, talking to the crowd. Was a pretty good display that
    some can smile even when it ain't going so good.
    
    --Bob
    

     Did anyone see the interview with Freddy and Woosie after the fourth
     round?  Fred mentioned that he was really nervous on 12, and that it
     "really showed" (I forget hs exact wording.)  How many 'noters thought
     he looked nervous?

     Also, I thought it was snobbish to award Freddy the green jacket just
     in front of a TV camera.  Did they have another ceremony for the crowd
     around the 18th green, or only the TV ceremony?

     Bill

    Reply -2,
    
    	Hi Bob,
    
    	Good point. I thought the same thing when I saw Tom smiling his way
    through a rough 17th ... he's quite a player.
    
    	Another moment I noticed, was during the 3rd round. Ray Floyd and
    Freddy were either tied or one shot from each other, and battling
    for the lead. On the 8th? I think, Ray spun his approach shot to
    within 6 feet. Freddy followed by slam dunking a wedge that spun out
    of the cup stopping 3 feet away. You probably saw the shot a few
    times as they kept replaying it.
    	Well   after Ray made his birdie putt, he leaned down to get the
    ball and noticed an irregularity in the green along Freddy's line.
    He motioned to Freddy and pointed to the spot on the green for Freddy
    to fix it.  Fred nodded and promptly repaired the spot. Then tapped
    in the 3 footer.
    
    	It amazes me the type of gentlemen that the game produces. Golf
    is truly a test of character. The games greatest players are all known
    for their integrity and sense of fair play. 
    
    	Walta

Congratulations to Fred Couples. A great champion and a great ambassador for   
the sport.

As for Craig Parry, well what can you say. His putter picked a terrible time 
to go cold. I think he let the 'patriotic' gallery get under his skin. This
experience will toughen him and he'll be back.

As for the gallery, pathetic behavior. Their lust to see an American champ
after a five year drought,  brought out the worst example of golf spectator
decoram I have ever seen. Maybe the rednecks will give up their tickets now 
that a good 'ol boy has finally won again.

     re: .92   Maybe I missed something, but it seemed like the crowds were
               well behaved and there was little anti-foreign sentiment.
               Woosnam received a nice standing O coming up 18.  Was there
               something in the papers about this?
    
    -rick

    re last
    
     Newspapers over here are carrying stories regarding Craig Parry and
    the "treatment" he got from the American fans. 
    
     Parry has stated that as early are the 3rd hole on the final day,
    spectators were making noises during his backswing and generally not
    giving him the same respect as was granted to Couples. Also, although
    he was out of it by then, Parry was very upset at all the hassle on the
    last hole when he pulled his second shot wide of the green. The gallery
    would not move to allow him a view of the green as they had been
    sitting there for hours and wanted to see Couples putt out for the
    title. Having watched it live on telly, I thought the behaviour of the
    crowd at 18 was pretty bad. Parry just got totally p'd off and
    eventually played his shot even though people were still milling
    around.
    
     His complaints also mentioned the cheering from the crowd when he 3
    putted 3 greens in a row to throw away his 3 shot lead. Quote, "the
    spectators were so one-eyed, it was very hard to play out there"
    
     Remember, Woosnam was given a hard time by the American fans last year
    during his final round with Tom Watson. I think the applause granted to
    him at 18 on the final day was a mark of respect to a good champion.
    
     Danny.
    
    ps On the golfing side, Parry took 8 putts more than Couples on the
    final day to eventually finish 8 behind. I think he'll be looking for a
    new putter soon.
    

    
    
    Reply -1
    
    	Sounds like typical patriotism to me ... After Kiawah etc.
    Fred could probably run for President :) !
    
    	It's VERY wrong for any intentional noises to hamper ones
    play. But I'm sure the cheering when anything good for Freddy
    happened, was expected. Even if it did bother Craig, I'm sure
    he understands it. There has been quite a string of European
    winners of the green jacket... it shows just how tough it was
    for them to win.
    
    	I walked the course with Faldo and Curtis during the playoff
    of the US OPEN at The Country Club. I remember thinking how alone
    Faldo must have felt. In between holes , as the players walked to the
    next tee, everyone was cheering on Curtis... patting him on the
    back etc. That experience only strengthened Faldo. Who after
    losing to Curtis, followed it with back to back Masters.
    
    	Craig is upset and I'm sure he'll be back. Only next time he'll
    be ready... and know what to expect. Look for Mr Parry at the Open !
    
    	Walta

    Danny,
    
       Well that is sad news.  Watching Parry on the tube Sunday gave
     no indication that he was distracted by the crowd.  His constant
     misreads on the greens does point to a drop in concentration though.
     He is only 25, so hopefully this will be a learning experience and
     he will be able to deal with it the next time.  He's got a lot of
     talent.
    
       No excuses for poor crowd behaviour though.  It is always a rowdy
     few that spoil it for the conscientious and behaved many.
    
    -rick

    In watching the matches, I was unaware that the crowd was "anti-Parry",
    although I was intent on the Freddie/Ray drama.
    
    What I *did* notice was that the "YOUDAMAN" a**holes seem to be back.
    That seemed to die out what with all the bad press that was getting
    from the announcers/Golf mags last year- and there they were.....back
    again. Sheesh- maybe they will issue masking tape to cover the mouth
    next year...
    
    RE: an earlier question as to the awarding of the Green Jacket in
    private- I saw a UP photo showing Woosie putting it on Freddie, and
    it appeared to be taken out of doors, so I assume they "re-created"
    the on-camera ceremony at the 18th green.
    
    The Seniors better decide who's going to be in 2nd place when Raymond
    gets on the circuit!

    Guess what...the British Open tends to favor the European and Aussie
    golfers as far as fan support.  And in the states, some players get
    more support than others.  Those are the breaks.  While making a putt
    for several hundred thousand dollars with people rustling about, or
    cheering when you miss, is understandbaly upsetting....how difficult is
    it to make a free throw with fans( painted faces and chests) waving flags
    and towels, yelling at the top of their lungs.  
    
    Maybe Parry needed the Davis Love approach when he heard two guys
    wagering on his chip shot at the TPC.  He holed it and turned and
    said.."I hope you both lost money on that one."  One reason Ian got
    respect is because he gets motivated by adversity.  When someone cheers
    against him, the Terrier in him comes out.
    
    You can either be a victim of circumstance or grab the situation by the
    throat.  Parry just grabbed the wrong throat.  Better luck next time if
    he learned something.  I can tell you that Freddy was there at the
    Ryder Cup in 88'(??).  He learned.  Nicklaus lived thru it when he was
    coming up and beating the best or at least challenging them.  Do you
    think Arnies Army was always polite.  Trevino had to battle too.
    
    SCD
    

RE: -.1

Yeah, maybe the British Open crowds do cheer harder for the Europeans, but I 
doubt British crowds like to see the Aussies win anything. Cheering and fan
support is one thing, but blatent verbal baiting and disruptive behavior, 'cause
you know it's going to piss off the bad guy is quite another. I haven't heard
any Americans complaining about British Open fans, unless maybe it was Scott
Hoch ;-)

This analogy with basketball is a little hard to take, I mean cheering, waving 
kids behind the backboard are part and parcel of the sport and have been for 
quite some time. Basketball coaches simulate these conditions in practice. I
can just see it now...David Leadbetter on the range with Nick Faldo...yelling
"SHANK IT" at the start of Nick's downswing. One has stuff all to do with the
other.


The point is this: cheer for your guy as hard as you want, oooh the misses and
clap politely when he finally taps in for bogey. But give the guy he's playing
with at least the same courtesey. Sure, there is going to be a few hoons that
yell and whup it up, but Arnie marshalled his army quite well thank you, and 
Trevino, he'd let you know if you were pissin' him off.


RE: Fred Couples

I'm not taking a thing away from Fred Couples. He's a great player. But ain't it
great all the bandwagon jumping goin on, when just 18 months ago he was lablled
classic underachiever, i.e. tremendous ability, no desire. The expectations
are very high now on the man, and if he doesnt fulfill them, it won't be a
pretty site.

matt

    I agree with
    
    Freddy Bandwagon...just so happens that he has been a personal favorite
    of mine for years.  Of course I am glad to see him do well now and show
    those pundits how little they know about people, character and winning.
    
    I agree with
    
    Basketball practicing for crowd noise, but there is no reason you
    couldn't simulate that in golf if it was an issue you needed to
    address.
    
    SCD

    I've just heard who won the Masters,congrats to Fred couples I
    hate to say it but he deserved it.I noticed and heard some strange
    things in the crowd(tv coverage only) but this sort of behavior is
    becoming more and more common everywhere.I feel sorry for Craig Parry
    but I feel him being a professional he should be able to handle this
    sort of thing,after all he chooses to play his golf on the
    international circuit.If he can't handle this sort of pressure he
    should've stayed in Australia.
    
    Dav....

>    of mine for years.  Of course I am glad to see him do well now and show
>    those pundits how little they know about people, character and winning.
    
         Couples is 32 and up until Sunday hadn't won a "major" despite
       possessing a globally recognized talent.  Pundits were justified in 
       questioning why.  Those questions have been laid to rest temporarily,
       and we can chalk it up to him being a late bloomer.  You can include
       his fellow competitors as doubting Thomases as well.

         To be rated up there with the Nicklaus's, Watson's, Palmer's, 
       Irwin's, Faldo's, Trevino's and Player's of the golfing world, he had 
       to do what he did at Augusta.  But guess what.  He has to continue 
       playing at that same level.  If Fred stops winning and is satisfied 
       that he has achieved his goals, then the pundits will start chirping 
       again.  Don't dismiss their opinions and accuse them of not knowing
       about character and winning.  I think anyone with a little common
       sense can recognize who has character and who is a winner.  In sports
       it is the player (especially those recognized with superior talent),
       who ultimately must demonstrate character and winning.  It's part
       of the game.    

-rick