Video: Golf Channel Errie Ball Feature

A few of you who saw my appearance on Live From yesterday asked about seeing the 1934 Augusta National flyovers, but because of rights issues they are not viewable online. However, the outstanding feaure airing just prior can be seen. 

Produced by Scott Rude and narrated by Rich Lerner, it's feature on the only man still alive who played in the first Masters tournament: Errie Ball.

Big Oak Rumblings And Bumblings, 2014 Edition

Didn't get to spend as much time as I'd like under the Big Oak, but the industry heavyweights were out in force at Augusta National's premier hangout not called Berckman's Place.

- Weather was a big topic, and not because of the beautiful forecast in Augusta. But instead because of the brutal winter's likely dent on the 2014 golf business. The Masters really is the start of the golf season this year, to the chagrin of many.

- Tom Fazio, Rees Jones and Robert Trent Jones amounted to the star architect presence. Fazio was said to be tight-lipped about any possible remedy to the 17th hole post-Ike’s Tree.

- New IMG owners Patrick Whitesell and Ari Emanuel were conspicuous in their presence, announcing to the world that Hollywood's super agency intends to continue its major presence in golf.

- Phil Scott talked about his first round with son Adam and confirmed that he’s never played greens so fast (and that was last Friday). Phil five putted the first green and never could manage the pace. The group consisted of two side-saddle putters and of course, Adam the anchorer.

- The Paulina Gretzky cover was still part of many conversations, with most not quite understanding the outraged side for helping fuel more attention to the photos.

- There was much chatter about Monday night's NCAA Basketball Final featuring a Drive, Chip and Putt sign-up promo during the first half. There was a sense among the Big Oak dwellers that CBS might have voluntarily posted the promo after seeing the successful event. It's hard to imagine that this was anything but a contractual obligation, albeit one that seemed out of place on a college basketball telecast. Then again, Fox is already promoting the 2015 U.S. Open...

Let the Masters begin!

Augusta National Hasn't Decided What To Do Post-Ike's Tree

Chairman Billy Payne visited the media center for his annual State of the Masters press conference and talked about the club's plans for replacing the befallen loblollly. I summed up the Ike's Tree component here for GolfDigest.com

I did find it surprising that in answer to my question about suggestions he has received from armchair architect golfers, Mr. Payne said that no one has said anything to him.

Q.  Golfers are notorious armchair architects.  I'm wondering if you've received many suggestions for what to do with the Eisenhower Tree and maybe what was the most interesting that you have received.

CHAIRMAN PAYNE:  I have not.  I have read a lot that y'all have written about the subject and quotes from other players, but nobody's made a direct suggestion to me about it.

Alex Miceli wrote about the press conference and the continued afterglow of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship.

Bob Harig covered Payne's answers related to possible walking rules officials in the wake of last year's Tiger drop mess.

Finally! Scripting Of Masters Outfits Gets Proper Parody

You'd have to be working hard not to see all of the Tweets and stories previewing what Jordan Spieth or Rickie Fowler will be wearing this week at the Masters.

So a very nice job by Tim Herron and his friends at Bogey Pro for finally doing what needed to be done: a send up of the out-of-control pre-Masters announcements of player outfit “scripting”. Herron, not playing in the Masters, tweeted what he'll be wearing around the house this week.

Ryan Herrington reports.

The Tweet:

Here’s what I’ll be wearing during @The_Masters tournament. Tumble dry low, everyone. pic.twitter.com/UZgR9moKfg

— Tim Herron (@PGALumpy) April 7, 2014

Merchandise Addendum...The MacKenzie Plan!

The Drive, Chip and Putt merchandise was taken out of the Masters merchandise pavillion for Tuesday and while my initial review still stands, there was this in its place and for just $25. Some might call it an ashtray, but my receipt says glass tray.

And yes, that's an Alister MacKenzie early plan for the course. We have a winner!

A First Look Around Augusta National

It's pouring, so I neglected to get into how dry and immaculate the course appears (Nick Masuda on the 10 am closure).

Instead, reports of shredding and other dire descriptions (Jim McCabe talked to past champs Sunday) had me expecting the worst when taking a Monday morning tour of Augusta National. It turns out that yes, a lot of trees suffered damage but in general, the place still looks beautiful and dare I say the damage did some good on  the 7th and 17th holes?

I did.

Here's the full report (including flora and fauna), with images of the 17th and the 12th.