48 Inches: Woohoo, That's The Big Masters Storyline!

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Phil Mickelson practices off the 10th tee with his personal launch monitor

Phil Mickelson practices off the 10th tee with his personal launch monitor

And that’s not the predicted rainfall total by week’s end. Though you never know.

I can’t imagine a more nightmarish Tradition-Unlike-Any-Other storyline than talk of golfers and their driver shafts. And because, well you know why, we arrive at the 2020 rescheduled Masters without fans, without a Par 3 contest and without the usual spring delights, 48 inches is the talk of the town.

It didn’t have to be this way. Of course, Fred Ridley is the Masters chairman and he had his shot to ensure a focus on skill during his USGA Presidency, as have many other leaders.

Without further ado, I give you the 48-inch roundup.

Doug Ferguson’s AP story focuses on Bryson DeChambeau still pondering a move to a 48-inch driver shaft to get his swing speed up and ensure that he can hit the shortest club possible into Augusta National’s greens.

“I got my swing speed up to 143, 144 (mph),” he said.

The average swing speed for a power player on the PGA Tour is around 120 mph.

Numbers define DeChambeau these days, starting with the more than 40 pounds of muscle and mass he has added in the last year, remarkable gains from an estimated 5,000 calories a day in his diet and relentless work in the gym. More recently, it was the excitement at home in Dallas when one of his drives carried just over 400 yards.

Phil Mickelson is using a 47.5-incher this week—goose bumps!—and predicts that the 48-inch max will be standard Tour issue in our future pervaded by launch angle golf, In Proud Partnership With The Regulatory Recluses.

Mickelson, courtesy of Ryan Lavner at GolfChannel.com:

The first: “Ultimately, it might be five years, 10 years, 15 years, but every driver will be standard at 48 inches, and then you’ll have a weak driver – kind of a 2-wood, which is what I’ve gone to now. For me, it’s actually really good in that I’ve always used length of swing and leverage to create speed, rather than a violent, physical, rotational force. I’ve actually quieted my body down a little bit as I try to create more speed with a bigger, longer arc. So transitioning to a longer driver is not that much more difficult because it’s just a timing issue.”

And transitioning appears necessary this week with the course already soft and not likely to dry out.

The second part of the equation is that Mickelson believes distance and an aggressive style of play will pay off this week at Augusta National. Already softened by agronomic conditions in the fall, the course should play even softer with rain (occasionally heavy) expected each of the next five days. Without patrons, there’ll be more space for Mickelson to explore if he hits it off-line. Slower, softer fairways and a thicker second cut should also keep some balls from trundling into the trees and pine straw.

Huh, go figure, rough keeps balls in play and does not deter players. The things we learn. Over and over again.

Meanwhile, off the Augusta National grounds, Jonathan Wall and Andrew Tursky of Golf.com tested the new max length drivers as average dudes and shared their insights.

On a lighter note, GolfWRX filed this for PGATour.com on players testing longer drivers and their shaft selections. The end of the list:

Vijay Singh: Testing (no further details)

Dustin Johnson: Testing (no further details)

Tiger Woods Still Gets Chills Thinking About The 2019 Masters

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Tiger Woods held court as the 2019 Masters defending champion and grew emotion recounting last year’s fifth Masters win.

From Steve DiMeglio’s story from Augusta:

“I’m getting chills thinking about it,” Woods said about his one-shot victory over Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson and Xander Schauffele, picturing in his mind a few moments from his magical journey to his fifth green jacket and 15th major championship triumph. “Coming up 18, and knowing that all I have to do is just two-putt that little 15 footer and to see my family there and my mom and my kids and all of the people that helped support me or were there for me in the tough times, and I was walking up there trying not to lose it, and still saying, ‘Hey, I’ve still got to two-putt this.’

“Then I walked off the back of the green, to see (son) Charlie there, just opened up our arms, it meant a lot to me and still does. It just reminded me so much of me and my dad (hugging after his 1997 Masters win), and to come full circle like that, it stills gets me you know, a little teary.

Video of Woods speaking Tuesday inside the media center:

As expected, Woods served his traditional Champions favorites of sushi, fajitas and flan in a socially-distanced setting. You can see photos of the dinner and the dessert here at Masters.com. The menu:

Punter's Take Notice: Rahm Scores Second Practice Round Ace With Unbelievable Skip Shot

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While we focus on long drives and shafts, Masters numbers crunchers like the 15th Club’s Justin Ray will tell you iron play and very few three-putts will help you win a green jacket.

So with two aces in as many 2020 practice days, maybe Jon Rahm is someone to keep an eye on. And who says I don’t provide live tips?

This one is at 17.5 million views as of this posting because he was skipping the ball off the lake. Yes, I know, it’s a shot he won’t try on tournament play. Still, this takes iron skill and he’s just really good in general.

Rahn’s fourth hole ace Monday was not caught on camera but the moment he grabbed the ball was later posted by the 10-1 Spaniard:

Sigh: The "Second Cut" Is Up, New Trees Planted At Augusta National

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Eureka Earth’s overhead from a few weeks ago shows a new grove of trees left of the 18th hole fairway bunkers (left side of image)

Eureka Earth’s overhead from a few weeks ago shows a new grove of trees left of the 18th hole fairway bunkers (left side of image)

I felt like we were making such progress with Augusta National, down to public comments by Chairman Fred Ridley to uphold the original architectural vision of Alister MacKenzie and Bobby Jones.

So to read of Hootie Johnson-era manipulations to the course via rough and trees is, well, a setback given the well-stated views of the architects.

From ESPN.com’s Bob Harig Monday course assessment:

The rough appears longer. It's possible it will be cut prior to the first round, but on Monday it was thicker than what the "first cut'' would normally play and look.

  1. In various spots, clusters of trees have been added. One interesting location is beyond the fairway bunkers on the 18th. At least five trees have been added, making the idea of blasting a tee shot over those bunkers less advantageous. Could this be in response to Bryson DeChambeau, who could easily bomb his tee shots that distance.

  2. There is also another cluster of trees farther up the right side of the fairway at the par-5 13th. It may prevent those who think they can just blast the ball into the 14th fairway from the tee into thinking they can do so.

It’s been written about ad nauseum, but a wider Augusta National with fairways running like they did before the grain-cut toward tees would be more interesting and no less difficult. Given that there is an established record of comments by Jones and MacKenzie regarding artificial rough and use of trees, this is a disappointing sign that Augusta National anticipates no changes on the equipment regulation front.

A Tradition Unlike Any Other: The AI-Inspired Masters My Group

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Every shot. From every player. On every hole. That’s the pledge of “My Group”, the newest feature in the Masters app and website (with a Jimmy Roberts voiced tutorial here).

Developed by IBM, the 2020 Masters rolls out the next innovation in viewing after last year’s mostly excellent debut of every shot, every player (with just a few exceptions).

The latest twist: you can build a playlist of players and artificial intelligence will put together shots and highlights for you. They are also saying you can view (almost) live coverage of only the players you want to see.

I will be most interested to see how this “sounds” given the lack of fans on site or announcers adding big picture context to what you’re seeing. That’s also a nice way of saying you might want to have your Masters music playlist on a loop.

For an overall CBS/ESPN/streaming viewing guide, you have Ward Clayton’s Masters.com summary here.

As for “My Group,” here is a setup video hosted by Scott Van Pelt featuring a distinctly pharmaceutical ad vibe with actors pretending to look at screens in places no normal person would watch golf. I’m not sure they should be encouraging viewing while behind the wheel unless, of course, AI is also driving your Tesla. Then it’s okay:

Masters Says Goodbye To The Ten Shot Cut Rule?

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Certainly with daylight at a premium and a bleak weather forecast, you can understand the Fall Masters going to a 50-and-ties cut format.

But as GolfDigest.com’s Alex Myers notes, the vaunted ten shot rule helped nine others make the cut in 2019 and on a course where a huge comeback is not out of the question. Yet today’s Tweet suggests the change is permanent.

Sergio Garcia's Major's Streak (84 Straight) Ends With COVID-19 Diagnosis

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Feeling symptoms on his Saturday night drive back to Austin following the Houston Open, Sergio Garcia got tested in advance of the Masters and “informed” the club of his plant to withdraw. It’s obviously concerning any time someone experiences coronavirus and was participating in a PGA Tour event while positive, but hopefully it’s a minor event for the 2017 Masters winner and those closest to him.

He becomes the second player to WD due to a positive test. Garcia’s incredible run of 21 years and 84-straight majors ends, as GolfDigest.com’s Alex Myers notes here.

Adam Scott, who recently covered from a short bout with the virus, commented on the bad break for Garcia. Jim McCabe reports for Masters.com:

But with the aura of the Masters here and both Garcia and Niemann back at home in Texas and Florida, respectively, Scott shakes his head. “Terrible timing. I feel for Joaquin and certainly for Sergio, a past champion,” he said. “It’s got to be tough to miss out. I hope they are both just feeling OK, nothing serious.”

Augusta National Establishes Scholarships In Lee Elder's Name, Names Him 2021 Masters Honorary Starter

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Long overdue and a small token of compensation for any number of pitiful actions, Augusta National announced that Lee Elder’s pursuit of a Masters invitation and overall career arc will be acknowledged several ways.

I’m not sure why the honorary starter role isn’t starting this year, but he will be invited to kick off the 2021 Masters according to the club’s press release. Here it is:

Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, announced today that Lee Elder, the first Black man to compete in the Masters Tournament 45 years ago, will be honored by establishing scholarships in his name and inviting him to be an Honorary Starter for the 2021 Masters.

At a press conference at Augusta National, Ridley revealed the creation of the Lee Elder Scholarships at Paine College, a Historically Black College and University located in Augusta. Two scholarships will be awarded annually, one each to a student athlete who competes on the men’s and women’s golf team.

As part of this effort, Augusta National also will fund the creation of a women’s golf program at Paine College. Soon, the Lee Elder Scholarships will help foster opportunities for Black men and women alike as they pursue their dreams on and off the course.

“We would like to thank our friends at Paine College, especially President Dr. Cheryl Evans Jones, who immediately embraced the idea of honoring Lee Elder together,” Ridley continued. “Through this partnership, we look forward to further cultivating our relationship with Paine College, helping the school create its first women’s golf program and celebrating Lee Elder’s distinguished legacy through these scholarships.”

“Augusta National Golf Club has been a supporter of Paine College for many years, and we are excited to build an even closer relationship through the game of golf,” said Dr. Jones. “The endowed Lee Elder Scholarships and creation of a women’s golf program are now a permanent example of the Club’s investment in our institution and will open doors for our students for years to come. We appreciate receiving this support and recognition and look forward to working with Augusta National on initiatives that will positively impact everyone affiliated with Paine College.”

Ridley also shared that Elder had accepted a special invitation to join Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus as an Honorary Starter for the 85th Masters Tournament on Thursday, April 8, 2021.

“Mr. Elder’s participation in the Honorary Starters Ceremony next April will recognize his courageous life and commemorate all he has done in his career to help eliminate barriers and inspire Black men and women in the game of golf and beyond,” Ridley said. “We hope that by having him serve as an Honorary Starter for the 2021 Masters that he can be joined at the first tee by family, friends and patrons for a moment that will be treasured worldwide.”

“The opportunity to earn an invitation to the Masters and stand at that first tee was my dream, and to have it come true in 1975 remains one of the greatest highlights of my career and life,” Elder said. “So to be invited back to the first tee one more time to join Jack and Gary for next year’s Masters means the world to me.

“It also gives me great pride to know that my first Masters appearance continues to make a positive impact on others. Throughout my career, helping young men and women achieve their dreams through education has been a cause close to my heart. I am deeply honored to share a connection with Paine College and these scholarships, which will provide life-changing opportunities for the deserving recipients.”

Elder first competed in the Masters in 1975 and would later qualify for the Tournament for five consecutive years, 1977 through 1981. His best finish came in 1979, when he tied for 17th place.

The official account produced this account of Elder’s groundbreaking efforts:

“Greatness realized without thunderous applause is no less great”

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True words and yet the lack of patronage at this week’s Masters will be impossible to ignore. Nonetheless, a nice head on approach here from The Masters team to set the table:

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The Masters plays on. #themasters

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Bryson Will Get Most Of The Early Week Masters Attention, As He Should

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The Bryson DeChambeau show arrived in Augusta for the November Masters and he’s got the 201 mph ball speed ready to go:

On top of that, DeChambeau’s recent round at the course included some eye-opening approach yardages:

Of course this is all how it should be. The best player in the world right now is arriving at Augusta National with a game and distances like we’ve never seen. The opportunity to dismantle the place and render the course obsolete is real. That is easily the top storyline and one most of us who’ve seen the distance complacence by multiple governing bodies come to this fruition (including during Masters Chairman Fred Ridley’s USGA days).

Now, whether this assault on the place and focus on one player is what the Lords of Augusta like, is another thing.

Then again, Phil Mickelson was putting with a fairway wood on Sunday so…

Ortiz Wins Houston Open As Memorial Holds Up Much Better Than Fan Safety Rules

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A diverse set of playing styles highlighted the huge success of Memorial Park’s renovation and Carlos Ortiz punctuated his win in 18th hole-birdie style before dam of emotions burst.

He is the first Mexican to win a PGA Tour event in 42 years. The finale and strong showing by Memorial made for great viewing and was unquestionably better with fan support.

(And no, Ortiz was not in the 2020 Masters field so he will not be headed to Augusta. That’s how things roll this strange year.)

About the “2000” fans a day.

The look, at least on television in a time America is about to hit 10 million cases and over 1000 deaths a day, was awful. Fans sandwiched together, maybe 60% mask buy-in and an uncomfortable look given the tournament rules and reminders.

Besides the largest 2000-fan crowds you’ll ever see and the lack of buy-in, the potential for getting fans back soon seems remote unless more measures are taken. Off the top of my head: designated eating/drinking areas, mask enforcement folks (sorry, I know, horrible job) and designated seating assignments (also, an enforcement nightmare).

While the outdoor setting hopefully helps avert a spreader event disaster, the ultimate problem is one of optics. Ratings will be light given the Golf Channel airing and competition from the NFL, but had the Houston Open been seen by a large audience, I’m fairly certainly most county health officials would have been horrified by what they saw. Most painful of all: the enjoyment of hearing roars and enthusiasm but also knowing that the spewing of droplets is, ultimately, problematic.

A few images from Sunday’s telecast:

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Rescheduled Masters: Multiple Augusta Hotels Hit Hard, Including Patridge Inn

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Bloomberg’s Patrick Clark looks at the impact of a postponed Masters on Augusta, Georgia’s rental market and finds that multiple hotels are behind on loan payments. Including, sadly, the legendary Partridge Inn.

From Clark’s story:

That’s bad news for properties like the Partridge Inn, a historic 143-room hotel that’s 60 days delinquent on its $15 million mortgage, according to an Oct. 19 report compiled by Wells Fargo & Co.

A representative for the owner -- listed in property records as Partridge Inn DE LLC -- declined to comment.

At least two more Augusta hotels are delinquent on loans that have been packaged into commercial mortgage-backed securities, data compiled by Bloomberg show. Several others are on servicer watch lists.

Even with the 2020 Masters rescheduled for this week, the fan-free status of the Masters means almost none of the normal demand for hotel rooms. Just one of many economic victims of this dreadful pandemic.

Rory's Augusta National Scouting Report: "More Bermuda" And "Soft"

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ESPN.com’s Bob Harig talks to Rory McIlroy in advance of next week’s rescheduled Masters where an already wet course is expected to see more rain.

Besides the softness, I was intrigued by the role McIlroy sees Bermuda playing versus an April playing of the Masters.

"A lot more Bermuda [grass] in the fairways and in the surrounds of the greens,'' McIlroy said. "The greens are exactly the same as they always are. But for the fairways, it just hasn't been cold enough for the Bermuda to die off. That's going to make things very interesting around the greens. Chipping will be a lot trickier.

"[The fairways], instead of being thin it can be a little grainy or a thicker patch. But it was soft. There were a lot of mud balls and looks like some rain during the week so that can be an issue. It's just going to play very different. They haven't done anything to the golf course -- it's just the way it's playing.''

The current forecast calls for rain possibilities Tuesday to Sunday, with the remnants of Eta also a possibility next weekend.

Phil Unveils A $69 Hat (Antimicrobial Triple Quilted Sweatband Included)

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5300 or so fellow owners enjoyed a Breeders Cup Classic win today and I thought of buying a $49 “Authentic” hat to commemorate. But that’s a lot for a cap. Unless, you’re Phil Mickelson and Melin.

For $69 ($82 and change after shipping/taxes), this Melin cap armed with Mickelson’s logo is now available and will help your game. After all, it repels water and helps for those morning workouts when you don’t want to take a shower, according to the hall-of-famer. Operators should be standing by to take your order for just three easy payments of $32.99!

Warning! Here’s the launch video with several gratuitous calf shots.

**Club Pro Guy has already countered with a competing lid.

Niemann Out Of Masters After Positive COVID-19 Test

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The rescheduled Masters lost its first player to a COVID-19 and a particularly painful WD by Joaquin Niemann given his current form.

The 2018 Latin America Amateur champion announced the news on Twitter (below) and ESPN.com’s Bob Harig shares the statement in English:

"I have tested positive for coronavirus and unfortunately I will not play in the Masters next week as a result,'' Niemann wrote. "This event means a lot to me, and I have had incredible memories playing as the LAAC champion. I am disappointed but will do everything possible to recover quickly while keeping my family and team safe."

As you might expect from Augusta National, the announcement was handled differently than the PGA Tour, which has disclosed COVID-positives/WD’s with a statement.

The Lords, at least in this case, left the announcement up to the player to announce: