Mikes 2008 Masters Preview
Fri, 27 Feb 2009 01:30:15
One of the best weeks of the year has arrived. For me, the
Masters is truly a special occasion and it's great to be back at
Augusta National.
Ever since I can remember, the Masters really signified the start of the golf season. I guess that's in part because growing up where I did, this was really the time of the year when the golf courses started opening and when you could see the grass greening up. Winter was finally over and the Masters was on TV. Even though we've played a lot of golf already this year, I still get that feeling of this being a fresh start, just like when I was a teenager.
I got into Augusta on Sunday and I played nine holes on Monday and another 18 on Tuesday. I'll play another nine on Wednesday and then get ready for Thursday's first round. Now that I've been here for a few years, I find that I don't have to grind it out on the first few days. I feel that I know the course pretty well and I have my targets picked out and I know the subtle breaks of the greens. There have only been a few changes to the course so there isn't a lot I felt I have to get to know. It's mostly just reassurance and getting familiar with the place again.
Ever since I can remember, the Masters really signified the start of the golf season. I guess that's in part because growing up where I did, this was really the time of the year when the golf courses started opening and when you could see the grass greening up. Winter was finally over and the Masters was on TV. Even though we've played a lot of golf already this year, I still get that feeling of this being a fresh start, just like when I was a teenager.
I got into Augusta on Sunday and I played nine holes on Monday and another 18 on Tuesday. I'll play another nine on Wednesday and then get ready for Thursday's first round. Now that I've been here for a few years, I find that I don't have to grind it out on the first few days. I feel that I know the course pretty well and I have my targets picked out and I know the subtle breaks of the greens. There have only been a few changes to the course so there isn't a lot I felt I have to get to know. It's mostly just reassurance and getting familiar with the place again.
But the big plus for me is having won here. That gives me so
much confidence, a sense that I can get it done again. It's hard to
underestimate just how big of a factor that is at this course,
which is just so different than anything we play from week to week.
You have to keep the right mindset, stay patient and not try to
force things.
One thing I like about this week is all the tradition that goes on. Tuesday night I went to the Champions Dinner hosted by Zach Johnson. It was a great night and I love listening to all the stories from the great past champions. On Wednesday, I'll be playing in the par 3 contest and for the first time my daughters, Elle and Lili will be caddying for me. They're pretty excited about it but I'm not sure they have any idea of just how many people will be there watching.
On Thursday, everything gets going and I'm looking forward to it. I've been hitting the ball pretty well although I'm adjusting somewhat to a new driver that I've put in the bag, a Taylor Made Burner. It allows me to hit a fade, which is something I can use around this course. I just have to remember not to cut it because the fade will come naturally.
What I've really been working on heading into this week, however, is my short game. I know that with the length out here, I'll need to rely on my wedges and my putter to score well. That's really what did the job for me five years ago when I won - I didn't hit any of the par 5s in regulation so the chipping and putting had to be sharp. It won't be any different this time around.
My tee time for the first two rounds will be interesting as I'm playing right in front of Tiger's group. Normally that can be difficult as there's always a lot of movement with fans try to get in position to see him, but I think here it's somewhat different than say a U.S. Open. Here there's a little more decorum, the fans aren't quite as crazy so I'm hoping it won't be a distractionOverall, It's so much fun to be here in Augusta in the spring. It's a great time of year and I'm excited to get going in another Masters.
Thanks for your support.
Mike
One thing I like about this week is all the tradition that goes on. Tuesday night I went to the Champions Dinner hosted by Zach Johnson. It was a great night and I love listening to all the stories from the great past champions. On Wednesday, I'll be playing in the par 3 contest and for the first time my daughters, Elle and Lili will be caddying for me. They're pretty excited about it but I'm not sure they have any idea of just how many people will be there watching.
On Thursday, everything gets going and I'm looking forward to it. I've been hitting the ball pretty well although I'm adjusting somewhat to a new driver that I've put in the bag, a Taylor Made Burner. It allows me to hit a fade, which is something I can use around this course. I just have to remember not to cut it because the fade will come naturally.
What I've really been working on heading into this week, however, is my short game. I know that with the length out here, I'll need to rely on my wedges and my putter to score well. That's really what did the job for me five years ago when I won - I didn't hit any of the par 5s in regulation so the chipping and putting had to be sharp. It won't be any different this time around.
My tee time for the first two rounds will be interesting as I'm playing right in front of Tiger's group. Normally that can be difficult as there's always a lot of movement with fans try to get in position to see him, but I think here it's somewhat different than say a U.S. Open. Here there's a little more decorum, the fans aren't quite as crazy so I'm hoping it won't be a distractionOverall, It's so much fun to be here in Augusta in the spring. It's a great time of year and I'm excited to get going in another Masters.
Thanks for your support.
Mike
