It was a calm and relaxed Matt Kuchar who arrived at Augusta National this week — when he finally got here.
“Yeah, I came in late Tuesday,” said Kuchar, a Georgia Tech graduate who is playing in his ninth Masters. “I think I was the last person to register. Played nine holes Tuesday, nine holes Wednesday, now I’m ready to go.”
Kuchar has been a little less intense about his preparations for this year’s Masters. In fact, he took care of a little pleasure Monday before getting down to golf business this week.
Kuchar remained home in Sea Island to partner with Venus Williams to play Luke and Murphy Jensen in an exhibition tennis match Monday at The Cloister. It was to promote Williams’ new clothing line, EleVen by Venus.
“It was fun,” said Kuchar, who claimed a 6-3 victory with the five-time Wimbledon champion. “We’re friends and I was just trying to help out.”
Kuchar is an exceptional tennis player in his own right. He is married to the former Sybi Parker, who played tennis for the Yellow Jackets while they were both at Georgia Tech, and they play mixed doubles often.
“I play a good bit,” he said. “I really enjoy the game.”
Kuchar has now turned his attention to his primary sport. The 2014 Ryder Cup team member always seems to play well in Augusta. He has five Top 25 finishes in eight starts, including a tie for third in 2012. And he felt good about his game after finishing a practice round with Gary Woodland and Hunter Mahan.
“I’m really excited about my game,” Kuchar said before teeing off in the Par 3 tournament. “ I’m playing some pretty good golf right now. I’m pretty pleased with the way things are rounding into shape at the present time.”
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