THE BUZZ
Here’s your obligatory Tiger Woods note of the day.
Woods, who is not playing this year at Augusta because of back surgery, was in the middle of a controversy last year at the Masters for an illegal drop that led to a penalty. Some thought disqualification was in order; the Masters ruled otherwise.
In his state of the Masters address, chairman Billy Payne addressed it and what they still believe in hindsight.
“I think that we made the right decision,” he said. “I believe that the golf world has affirmed that. I know that some of you disagree with the decision. Nevertheless, I think it is important that we communicate quickly with people, as we have a serious matter under deliberation, and we’re going to do that.”
CHAMPIONS DINNER
The Masters tweeted a photo of the past champions, all gathered in their green jackets, on Tuesday night for the annual Champions Dinner.
Held in the Augusta National Clubhouse on the Tuesday of tournament week, the traditional gathering dates to 1952. Ben Hogan had the idea as the previous winner,l and nine of the previous 11 champions attended the first dinner.
The defending champion chooses the fare, pays the check and receives a gold locket bearing the insignia of Augusta National. The champions gather at long, adjoining tables.
Adam Scott’s choices: Australian surf and turf including Moreton Bay bugs, aka Bay lobster.
DREAM STATE
Matthew Fitzpatrick, 19, one of six amateurs in the field, has realistic expectations.
“Certainly I can’t say I’m looking to feel like I can win it. … But I mean, my aim is to main the cut. That’s the aim at the start of the year for me is to make the cut in the majors.”
Fitzpatrick, of Sheffield, England, is the first Brit to win the U.S. Amateur in 102 years. He’ll play in the Masters and both the U.S. and British opens. He made the cut in the 2013 British Open.
BY THE NUMBERS
Top 10 favorites and best Masters finish. There are four previous winners among the favorites:
Golfer; Odds; Best
Rory McIlroy; 10-1; T15
Adam Scott; 10-1; 1
Phil Mickelson; 14-1; 1
Jason Day; 15-1; T2
Matt Kuchar; 18-1; T3
Dustin Johnson; 22-1; T13
Bubba Watson; 25-1; 1
Henrik Stenson; 25-1; T17
Sergio Garcia; 25-1; T4
Zach Johnson; 28-1; 1
HE SAID IT
“Make a confession here. At the time it happened (the ice storm that destroyed the Eisenhower tree), I was in the Bahamas bonefishing (laughter). I received the emergency call, got back as fast as I could. We required and received a multitude of opinions from some great arborists and botanists all over the country, frankly. You know, somebody’s got to make the decision, and when there was unanimity that it was not salvageable, we made the decision to take it down.” — Masters chairman Billy Payne
IF YOU GO
Forecast: Best news of the week, zero percent chance of rain with highs gradually rising from 75 on Thursday to 81 on Sunday.
Tee time: The traditional first tee shot is set for 7:40 a.m. Thursday, with Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player.
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