We edged one day closer to the hotly-anticipated start to this year’s Masters Tournament today, and there was plenty to keep golf fans around the world hooked on events in Georgia.
Each day this week, europeantour.com will recap the best of the day’s action, from online to down on the ground.
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With seven Green Jackets between them, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson were always going to attract some attention during their practice round today. Thomas Pieters, who finished in a share of fourth on his debut last year, joined them for their morning round.
Ahead of tonight’s Champions Dinner, Sergio Garcia revealed his menu of choice for the annual feast.
Martin Kaymer’s caddie has been hard at work…
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Just after lunchtime in Augusta, the tee times were released to the world…and they didn’t disappoint. One of the most fascinating groups pits Adam Scott, Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm together. The fascinating thing about this trio is they all have very different reasons for wanting to win the Masters, outside of it being one of the biggest tournaments in world golf. Rahm could reach World Number One with victory, McIlroy would complete the career Grand Slam if he triumphs and Scott would claim his second Green Jacket. Subplots everywhere you look.
It’s not uncommon to see Phil Mickelson pull out his famed flop shot. It is, however, a little less common to see him hole on. That’s exactly what he did on the par five 15th in his practice round today, leading to Tiger Woods to comment afterwards, “That was just silly.”
World Number Two Justin Thomas admitted he’s been seeking some inside knowledge from Augusta National’s playing marker, Jeff Knox. “He probably gets annoyed with me I’ve asked him so many questions.”
On the course
Ian Finnis, Tommy Fleetwood’s caddie and best friend, successfully skipped a ball across the 16th during practice today. Nice bow, Ian!
What they said…
Tiger Woods – “[on winning his first Masters] In 1997, that was the last year they changed the rule on the tour, so we would be getting a 10 year exemption. So I had a job for the next 10 years out here. You guys laugh at it now, but, I mean, it was the coolest thing in the world.”
Tiger Woods – “[on Phil Mickelson’s shirt out on course] I always give him a little bit of grief about that. The only thing that was missing was a tie.”
Jon Rahm – “[on Tiger Woods] To be honest, I want and I don’t want him to get back to the level he was when he was playing great. I want him to because it would be great to see it again; I don’t want him to because he will be winning 30 per cent of the tournaments he plays, which gives a lot less room for the rest of us to win.”
Rory McIlroy – “To have Harry [Diamond] on the bag, I’m looking forward to it. We had the opportunity to play here last week. He was right there and got to see the golf course as a player, and so I think he appreciates that a little bit more. We feel like we have got a good game plan. If your best friend growing up can’t keep you relaxed out there, no one can.”
Tommy Fleetwood – “[on being grouped with Tiger Woods] The first real Masters I watched was 1997, when he [Woods] won his first. A few years on I get to play with him and I don’t think you can get a better draw than Tiger at the Masters, especially with what’s going on in golf at the moment.”
