Brennans Caddy Reports- 2003 Masters

Wednesday, April 09, 2003:  Well, here we are again, at the Augusta National Golf Course for the 2003 Masters, for one of the most exciting weeks on the PGA TOUR.   What a great week it has been already, and there is much more to come.  A bunch of family and friends have come down south to support Mike, which makes this experience much more meaningful to both of us. 

We arrived on Monday, to a whole lot of rain, and it hasn't let up yet two days later.  The total rainfall has been more than 2 inches in less than 48 hours. There is sun for the forecast for Friday, and it is supposed to be quite windy and hot for the weekend.  The varying conditions at Augusta this week will demand all aspects of the golf game. 

The course is playing the longest I have every seen it right now, due to the amount of rain that has fallen.  The greens are currently soft, but as the week goes on they will most likely dry up, creating a tougher putting challenge.  Accurate approach shots and aggressive putting on the soft greens will be a key to success this week, as this will increase the odds of scoring early on. 

Mike has played a lot of golf already this week, with a practice round yesterday and one today before the Par 3 Contest.  Today is the Wednesday Par 3 Contest, and Mike is playing with Arnold Palmer, Vijay Singh, and his brother Jim as caddy.  Mike is feeling good about his game right now, and has a lot of confidence going into his first major of the season.

With the varying weather conditions the focus to this week will be long, accurate driving and a solid short game.  There was only one revision to Augusta National this year, on the par 4 fifth hole, where the tee was moved back and over to create a dogleg effect, and the fairway bunkers were moved closer to the green. The carry over the bunkers is now over 300 yards with the total length of the hole at 455 yards.  This hole will be long for Mike, and it will be important to stay out of the deep bunker surrounding the green, since there is no line of sight from the trap. 

Other challenging holes will be No. 10, 16, and of course, the finishing hole at 18.  Hole 10 is a 495 yard par 4, and one of the most difficult holes of the course.  Also the first playoff hole, No. 10 is a long downhill drive and has a green that slopes from right to left.  No. 16 is a 170 yard, par 3, and is played entirely over water, with a green surrounded by bunkers.  This green also slopes from right to left, so an accurate tee shot is mandatory for a chance at a birdie opportunity.  And, No. 18, a par 4 at 465 yards, is one of the most famous finishing holes in golf.  It is an uphill dogleg right that is protected by two bunkers at the elbow, with more bunkers protecting the green.

With the way the year started off, it would be great to be in contention this week.  This is Mike's fourth trip to the Masters, and it feels as though he is closest he has been to the green jacket.  Hopefully we will give you fans back home something to cheer about come Sunday.

My prediction this week for the winning score is 9-under par.

Take care,

Brennan Little