Golf Talk With Greg Holman – #73

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My predictions for the Masters were a little off base this year. I did think Tiger Woods would play but I sure did not think he would survive the hills of Augusta to play on the weekend, especially when I heard the soggy, windy forecast. I have even more respect for Tiger after having made the cut with all of his physical limitations. His first round of 71 was amazing, but his second round of 74 left him 9 shots off the pace at the halfway point. Tiger was quick to point out in the post round press conference that he was only 4 shots out of second… but the weekend was a disaster for Woods, who finished 78-78 and +13 over for the tournament.

How did my favorite do? Jon Rahm like so many of the world’s best, had a disappointing major. He did come back with solid 4th round of 69 to finish tied for 27th.

Justin Thomas said he played the first round in a fog, and he wasn’t talking about the weather. He fought back on the weekend to finish in a tie for 8th.

Rory McIlroy had the round of the tournament on Sunday, an 8 under 64, but he was too far back to catch the winner Scottie Scheffler who completed 72 holes at -10 to pick up his first green jacket.

Collin Morikawa had a good masters given the conditions, shooting a 67 in the final round to finish at -4, good enough for 5th place.

It looked like Cameron Smith from Australia would be the most serious contender as he and Scheffler headed to the back nine on Sunday, but like so many other chasers in the past, Cam stubbed his toe on the famous 12th hole by splashing his tee shot and finishing with a triple bogie which in effect washed away his chances at the green jacket.

Scheffler, who had been rock solid on the greens all week, did something very unusual on the 72nd hole. He 4-putted for a double bogey. Fortunately for Scottie, at that point he had built up a 5-shot lead and finished with a 3 shot cushion.

So here’s the top ten and ties: Scheffler shoots -10 to win by 3. McIlroy is second at -7. Lowry and Cam Smith tie for third at -5. Morikawa is 5th alone at -4. Will Zalatoris and Connors finish tied for 6th at -3. Im and Justin Thomas tie for 8th at 1 under. Champ and Swartzel tie for 10th at even par. Tiger Woods makes the cut but finishes +13, good for only 47th place.

Actually I believe Tiger should be encouraged by this performance and barring a setback we should see him at the PGA May 19th.

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