Course corrections and dramatic swings

Theoretically, it is possible that the entire field of 96 plays over the weekend but that would mean that all the players would be within 10 shots of the leader. This has not happened so far and probably will not and, in any case, at the Masters they would have a cut-off at the lowest 44 plus ties. Therefore, there have to be excellent, and favourite, players who will not make the cut.

For India, and for me personally, it was truly sad that Jeev missed the cut by just one, because of a terrible second half in which he had too many bogeys and could not pick up shots on 13 and 15 where eagles and birdies were there for the asking. However, all his numerous fans are confident that this setback will steel his resolve for the other tournaments and Majors coming up shortly.

 

Ernie Els of the Rolls Royce swing missed easy (?) birdie putts on 16 and 18 to miss the cut along with his compatriot Retief Goosen, who was expected to put up a better show having just won two weeks ago.

The absence of Ryo Ishikawa, the “bashful prince”, over the weekend is unfortunate because he is showing great character and humility. He will have learnt much from playing in the company of Anthony Kim, who just created a new record of 11 birdies in one round, and teenager Rory McIlroy who was looking fantastic at –4 when the 16th green humbled him with a four putt even as he went aggressively for a birdie.

Also, the disciplining interview that Rory had with the rules committee on account of his “sand abuse” in between two bunker shots would have been recorded as well into his young psyche.

These experiences, and the dubious records of a quintuple bogey, comprising a horrendous six putt – maybe he was being peevish, since even a beginner could not have six putted! – on the 10th by Danny Lee, the third teenager in the field, and the lead held by Campbell ( twice his age) and Perry (almost three times his age) are important lessons on possible outcomes in this greatest of games. Talented youth and strength does not guarantee success!

Tornado warnings were sounded just as the Friday round finished. The eye of the storm passed a few miles of Augusta but strong winds and torrential rain and a terrific hailstorm lashed Augusta and continued till the wee hours of the morning.

However, the storm had passed by 6 a m and a glorious, cloud-free day with temperatures in the mid-seventies and mild breezes predicted for the rest of the day augured for even lower scores than the previous day.

Watching Tiger at practice was amazing. A couple of his drives soared into the sky and seemed to merge into the contrail of a passing jet before gravity tugged them back into the safety of the net about 270 yards out.

Kim, the birdie man, attracted a large appreciative crowd wishing to study how someone who holds the club so far down the grip can hit the ball so far and so accurately. Can he win on his debut?

Vijay laconically hit astoundingly accurate chips to different pin positions. Some, like Shingo Katayama who held a balloon between his forearms as he hit to keep the ‘V’ intact, had parallel guide rods aimed along the target line placed on the ground (under the eagle eyes of their swing coaches), to ensure the integrity of their swing planes. Magical what they are able to do with the strong, long shots as well as with the delicate chips and pitches, and with such “practiced” ease.

But the true test is only a few minutes away and news filters through that Tiger has just double bogeyed the first, virtually ending any chances to win. Groan!

But wait! The putter has started working even though the driver is still a little rusty. He made up the two-shot deficit on the first half and, after dropping a shot on the very dangerous 11th, made three further birdies to close at -4 overall.

When any player, even someone like Mickelson is about to play, the crowd settles down but there is some movement, some whispers. When Tiger addresses the ball, no matter in what situation, there is dead silence and no movement, even if he takes many seconds over that shot. There is always the expectation that something dramatic is going to happen, some miracle is going to be pulled off and there often is.

For Tiger to win this year, he is going to have to pull out a miracle of miracles, maybe shoot a course record-breaking 62 or lower, because the course has laid itself open and those ahead of him are far too experienced and far too hungry for the famed green jacket to allow Tiger to overtake them.

Only Angel Cabrera and Todd Hamilton have won any major, although nobody had heard of the latter after his 2004 Open win until today. The powerful shouldered, almost bull-like, amiable but ferocious Argentinian competitor, however, is a different kettle of fish. They may have to prepare an extra large jacket for him!

So, Fruitland Nurseries morphed into the Augusta National Golf course circa 1900 and since the course was built, over 80,000 plants of over 350 varieties have been used to create the extraordinary beauty and atmosphere that is there for all patrons to enjoy.

White and Pink Dogwoods are much in evidence but it is the abundance of the Azaleas, particularly on the 13th (named Azalea) where over 1,600 Azaleas welcome spectators and players in an absolute riot of colour.

The competition is at its most intense phase right now and Augusta National may present a surprise winner. Till tomorrow....

---

Also read: APRIL 8: No slowdown handicaps this competition! 
 
APRIL 9: Who’ll stay the course for the Green Jacket? 
 
APRIL 10: The Par 3 course ‘bogey’ and living legends 
 
APRIL 11: Let the battle begin 
 
APRIL 12: High wind blows away much red