Conference 7.286::golf

    
    
       Some interesting facts and figures from the Masters.
    
      Miller Barber recorded 11 threes during his second round of 64 in
     1979. He was six under par for the par-4s that day.
    
      Gene Sarazen is noted for his albatross 2 at the 15th in 1935 but
     Sarazen also birdied the hole in the other 3 rounds, making him 6
     under par on the hole.
    
      Adding up the lowest scores ever recorded at each hole in the history
     of the Masters, we arrive at the score of 34  -  38 under par!
    
      Tommy Nakajima posted the record high score at any hole - 13 at the
     13th (unlucky for some) in 1978. Tom Weiskopf matched that in 1980 at
     the par 3 12th.
    
      Curtis Strange played the short 12th in 1,2,3,4 (not in sequence)
     during the 1988 Masters. Corey Pavin repeated this feat at the 16th
     in 1992.
    
      Starting at the 13th hole in 1982, Dan Pohl played four holes in six
     under par, recording the only incidence of back-to-back eagles in the
     event, followed by 2 birdies.
    
      Seve Ballesteros is the youngest professional to compete in the
     Masters - 20 years old in 1977. In 1980 he became the youngest player
     to lead the Masters after each round.
    
      The youngest player to complete all 4 rounds was Bobby Cole, aged 18
     in 1967.
    
      The Masters is the only MAJOR in which no player has broken 70 for
     all 4 rounds. 
    
      In 1984, Larry Nelson recorded 26 threes on his card over 72 holes.
     Twelve of these were birdies.
    
      The widest margin of victory was 9 shots by Jack Nicklaus in 1965.
    
      In 1991, Bernhard Langer became the only player in Masters history
     to birdie the par 4 14th in all 4 rounds.
    
      Craig Stadler's opening round of 75 in 1982 was the worst ever by
     an eventual champion.
    
      The MASTERS has never been won by a player using a metal-headed
     driver!!!!
    
    
      Danny.

    Pavin is a great player, but in the past the Masters has only been won
    by golfers who hit it long, they always say the par 5s are the key.
    
    Barry Lane may do well his first Masters, not much expected he may
    figure though not win.
    
    Joe

    
      Langer and Faldo aren't known for their length off the tee.  The
    Masters goes to the player who has the hot putter on the final day.
    Pavin, who has a reputation as good pressure putter, should be 
    considered as a pretourney fave.
    
    -rick

    Golf Magazine's (which I am beginning to appreciate far better than
    AD Digest) latest issue included some handicapping on the Master's. 
    I can recall Pavin being pretty far down the list due to being short
    from the tee.  Not surprisingly, anyone who hits it long and/or can
    play it right to left (for a righty), is good at course management, and
    is putting well, is in contention.
    
    Considering how well Price has been playing this year (and last), and
    with his style of play, I gotta consider him in contention.  Faldo,
    Langer, and Norman should do well, also.  Gee, any Americans worth
    considering here?  Davis Love, III maybe?

    I think you have to put Daly on the wild-card list.  He shot a 66
    yesterday, but finished about 8th or 10th.  He has the potential, but
    is so unpredictable.

    My sentimental choice -- Tom Watson.  He had a great tournament last
    week, and he sure can putt.  That chip in on 18 to save par was a
    thing of beauty.

    I wont "Bet the Farm" ,however I am going to consider John Daly as a
    threat. He placed very well last year and since his return to PGA from
    suspension I am very pleased with his attitude. He seems very
    different, almost at ease with himself and the game. He has played very
    solidly the last two weeks and I am picking him as my "take a risk"
    bet. I also like Payne Stewart, Scott Ch... Hoch, and Andrew Magee.

    
    	re .5 / Tom Watson - "he sure can putt".
    
    	Hunh?  I'm a big Watson fan but his putting is painful to
    	watch!  If there was ever a candidate for the long putter,
    	it's him!
    
    	I'll bet he'll be in condition until Sunday.  And if he has
    	a 20+ foot putt, he needs to either make it or lag it to 12
    	feet.  He makes more of them unfortunately...
    
    	Tom
    

    I just hope this year's Masters is bit more competitive than last. 
    After Beck's controversal layup last year, there was noone left in
    sight to challenge Langer.
    

    
    re: .5 / Tom Watson - "he sure can putt" -->  .7 / Hunh?
    
        I recall that Tom Watson was considered to be an outstanding putter
    	in his prime, though these days I also find him painful to watch.
    
    	Are there any examples of great putters who 'lost the touch', then
    	regained it for a sustained period of time?
    
    /jim
    

    
    	Golf Mag listed Watson at 40-1 for the Masters.  The comment
    	was something like "reminiscent of Hogan's later years; a
    	tragic figure on the greens".
    
    	He should just walk up to anything under 4 feet, take his
    	stance, line up quickly, look once and hit it.
    
    

    re: .-1
    
    *Are there any examples of great putters who 'lost the touch', then
    *regained it for a sustained period of time?
    
    Well, Langer, although considered more of a good putter than a great
    putter, lost it three times and came back from each.  Amazing guy.
    
    Sam Snead maybe?

    Langer is very long off the tee and is a good long putter, he has
    overcome the yips a few times.
    
    Faldo is not long granted, however he is accurate with long irons
    when on his game, he is not an inspirational putter though and rarely
    gets the blade going.
    
    He just hits it so close he cant fail to get birdies, i would like to
    see Ray Floyd win another major.
    
    Larry Mize is a lucky man who can forget that chip in v Norman !!!
    Once in a lifetime trick that was.
    
    Ian Pyman the English amatuer Champ, watch him he is a Leadbetter clone
    but has got loads of potential, he will not win but is worth watching.
    
    They say the secret of the course is hitting it on the dance floor the
    right side of the band!!!!!
    
    

>    Langer is very long off the tee and is a good long putter, he has
>    overcome the yips a few times.
    
     I disagree on Langer's the length off the tee comment.  If I remember
     the stats correctly, he falls somewhere in the middle.  'Very long'
     refers to the elite club of Daly, Couples, Norman, Love3, and just a few 
     others.    
    
     They all can hit it though.
    
    -rick

    Langer is as long as Couples ,Norman, Woosnam, Lane check out the stats
    and you will be suprised.
    Daly is the only Extra long with i suppose Love.
    
    Hit it with a draw it goes further, and dont powershank it!!!!
    
    Joe.

    Being that he has two Green Jackets, it would seem as though Langer has
    found the right formula for the Masters.
    
    Although I must admit, Joe, I can't remember him being considered as
    long as a Couples or a Norman.  Joe, do you remember Langer being
    paired with Norman at the British Open last year?  (You might even have
    been there.)  Norman was clearly beyond him from the tee.
    
    You guys playing over there yet? Never stopped, right? It's hard to
    believe that those of us in NH may actually be getting out later than
    we did last year.  And last year was really bad...  What did we have,
    eighteen snow storms this Winter?  Spring is flirting with us today but
    we haven't seen the end of that white s*** (stuf) yet.
    
    Bob D.

    
    	This month's Golf Digest has Langer admitting that he's not
    	a long hitter at all.  He even said Chip Beck was longer.
    
    	He's one cut above the shortest; Lanny, Hale, Reid, etc...
    
    	Tom
    

    I have seen Langer a few times, i watched the Open last yr first day
    he never gets out driven by much.
    
    Of late he may have tried to hit it easier i dont know, but he is as
    long as most.
    
    Woosnam he won the Masters he is long, so was Seve in the old days.
    
    Couples he is long he has won , i still think round  Augusta hitting it
    long seems to help.
    
    We are playing over here as we always do even in the bad weather,
    stupid eh!!
    As our winter is like our summer we are hardy and WET!!!
    
    Joe (Have my waterproofs dried out yet?)

    
    Joe,
     have to disagree with you on this one. As was said in one of the other 
     replies Langer himself states he's not long from the tee. In this month's
     edition of "Golf World" here in the UK he talks about The Masters and
     what it takes to win. He says "Augusta suits the long hitters. Some
     guys hit it 40 yards by me. They have a 7 iron to the green and I have
     a 3 iron. That's a big difference." 
    
     Regardless of length he goes on to say that the most important part of 
     playing Augusta is hitting the ball into the right part of the greens. 
     He is without doubt one of the most accurate iron players in the world,
     hence his 2 green jackets.
    
     Del.
    

    Langer is a very modest man to say the least, he would never brag or
    boast in any way.
    
    I Do not believe there is a glfer in the world who hits a 7 iron
    where he hits a 3 iron exept perhaps Daly.
    Evan Daly i am not convinced i have see them both live as it were
    Langer many times , Daly at the Open in Sandwich.
    
    Couples, Norman, Langer are all much of a muchness, honest guv
    i am telling you how i have seen it.
    
    Langer is a tremendous fiddler always trying clubs and looking for
    perfection, i do know if he needs a long drive and a long iron to get
    to a par 5 he digs it out, he may have phases as i said earlier where
    he tries to hit it softer.
    We will have to watch the Masters i bet you a cup of coffee he does
    not get out driven by many players.
    
    Joe

    
    
    
     >>   I Do not believe there is a glfer in the world who hits a 7 iron
     >>   where he hits a 3 iron exept perhaps Daly.
       
       I think Langer was saying, because they hit it 40 yards past him,
       they are hitting 3 or 4 less clubs......
    
    
    	

    Joe,
    
    I read the same quote from Langer in this month's Golf Mag.  He admits
    to not being long off the tee but making up for it with course
    management and his iron play.
    
    Bob
    

    
    re. -2
        
    thats the way I read it as well. It's a lot easier to hit the right
    part of the green from 140 yards than it is from 180. Thats why the
    course will always suit longer hitters.
    
    Del.

    There are other aspects of the game, have you ever played against
    some guy who hits it shorter than you but straight , no rough
    no bunkers no OB, whilst the longer hitter is getting into trouble
    and racking up a cricket score.
    
    The year Calcavechia won the Open a play off victory verses Norman
    and Wayne Grady (I think), he hit his drive into a cros bunker where no
    other golfer had been near all week and this cost him the title.
    
    So it is no good being long unless you know where it is going.
    Radar Reid is a fine golfer but he is meant to be short (I have
    only seen him on the TV)
    Calvin Peete he was another fine golfer but a short hitter.
    
    Does anyone know the odds on the Masters ?
    
    Nick Price
    Barry lane
    Fred Couples

    Joe,
    
    I would be surprised to see Couples play, or play well with his current
    back problems.  With 'Zinger and Couples out there aren't any Americans
    really in the running.
    
    So, how about some predictions?
    
    I'll go with Nick Price.  He's hot, and the Masters is well suited to
    his game.  Langer's been tinkering with mechanics lately, which
    could hurt him in the short term.  If Faldo is on, and putting well,
    he'll be up there.  Norman could very well win this, too.  I don't
    think he's so much a right to left player though, which could hurt.  I
    like Love's chances here, too.  (No surprises in these predictions,
    yet...)
    
    Outside shot?  I like Chip Beck or Vijay Sigh (sp?), with Beck being
    WAY outside...
    

    
    
    yeah....Beck's so far back, he'll probably have to lay up!!!! ;^)

    Vijay is a brilliant golfer , i believe he will win a Major, as
    for Norman not being a right to left i would have to disagree
    he hooks the ball as all long players do with the exeption of
    Daly who just blasts it.
    
    Vijay he is a long hitter.
    
    The Masters even though no as old as other Majors sticks to tradition
    and has strange procedures which are nice, the holder of the title
    picks the supper on the eve of the next championship.
    There is a Champs dressing room and many more i believe.
    
    Does anyone know any more weird and wonderfull rules and traditions,
    it is covered well by the TV in England all golf fans love it.
    
    When the best golfers 5 putt, us hackers think we would not do as
    bad!!!!!!!!
    
    Has anyone ever played the course, it is meant to be impossible to
    get a game  or so us Brits are told.
    
    Joe

    	The current Masters champion is considered an honorary member
    during his reign but I've read that it is frowned upon for him to have
    guests like the other members.
    	I've also heard that they put dye in the water (food coloring?) to
    make it look 'more blue' on TV.  Not sure I believe this one, though.
    
    					JT

    
    It would seem rude not to believe Price and Norman will be in with a
    shout at the end.
    
    Is Price a long hitter ?
    
    I must agree with Joe, Langer is long, not the longest but in the top
    20% no doubt.
    
    Will couples be playing ? if he is then thats the best bet for a US
    win. I believe Lane is the best European bet and Price/Norman for the
    rest of the World.
                               
    Faldo is my outsider, if he makes the cut and is within 5 shots going
    into the last day who knows. The masters is the best viewing of the
    golfing year (other than seeing Joe cold top on the 1st).
    
    Me and Boom Boom play Lynx.

    Price is both long and accurate off the tee.  There's not much in his
    game that needs improvement.
    
    I haven't seen Couples in any events lately.
    
    Never read anything about blue dye in the water, but Agusta is
    definitely extremely well groomed, perhaps a big too much considering
    there is not much rough to be found.  Of course, for all of us who have
    played some pretty ragged courses, a few rounds of golf at A.N. would
    seem like heaven.
    
    Let see, some other traditions at A.N.?  Well, it was never one of Lee
    Trevino's favorite places, but I think that has all changed in the past
    few years.
    
    By the way, Langer's dinner is going to be turkey with all the fixins.

    
    If Price is long, and Joe is right about A N then all my money is on
    him (Price). Price was also leading at SAWGRASS I believe with a 63 ?
    
    No doubt the player of the year.

    Is this note for the Masters or about me cold topping of the first!!!
    
    It is not a funny site i take exeption!!!!!!
    
    As for Lane i would agree he is not well known world wide
    but has a good chance.
    
    The masters is good veiwing, however the best veiw of the year
    has to be Leigh being outdriven by Mole and Rimmer at Wooton Basset
    National.
    
    Joe Cold top!!

    Sorry for all the spelling mistakes in a hurry!!!
    
    
    Montgomerie has a chance, he is a very popular member of the tour
    or so i have been told

    The water at Augusta is definitely dyed. It's more of a bluish green
    than straight blue. It is done for the TV cameras and has been for as
    long as there has been color TV. Remember this is Georgia and the soil
    is mostly red clay. Virtually all the running water in streams is
    brownish red and not very pretty to look at, especially after a rain.
    Don't know if they dye it year round or just for the tournament.
    
    Chris

   As with most Southern US courses, they use a sand mixture to fill in 
divots on the course. Before and during the tournament at Augusta, they
dye the mixture to match the grass, so it appears that there are no
divots.

    Pretty standard for the TV cameras - the dyes in the water, on the
    grass, on the sand  for divot replacement etc.  A few years ago, I was
    playing La Costa just before the Tournament of Champions.  I noticed
    that they were planting a lot of extra flowers, and paying special
    attention to the flower beds spelling out "La Costa" and also the green
    dyed seed and sand for divot replacement.  When I got back to the cart
    barn, I looked at my all white shoes, and realized they were green. 
    The clubhouse attended must have seen the shock on my face and quickly
    assurred me that it was no problem, he would have them white as new
    when next I played.  Then I realized that lots of areas in December and
    January near San Diego have almost brown grass which wouldn't look as
    pretty on TV.

    O.K. I'll take a shot. After watching the Players Tournament this
    weekend I'm placing my bet on Fuzzy Zoeller. I don't think Greg Norman
    will stay hot that long. Zoeller seems to play the game in a sort of
    flow style.....his pre-shot routine is much less detailed than others I
    see. He's played well the last several weeks. Nothing seems to disturb
    him.

    
    
    RE LAST
    
    How did the Players Tournament finish. Last I heard, Norman for 4 or
    5 clear of the field. I take it he won the event?
    
     Danny.

    	I like Fuzzy, too.  He must have 4 or 5 second place finishes this
    year.  I believe he's a former Masters champ also.  The Shark sure
    looks good.  1 bogey in over 90 holes of tournament play!! (Yes, he
    won TPC).
    					JT

    I have always liked Greg Norman, so he is my sentimental choice for 
    the Masters.  Fuzzy is definetely a good contender.  I heard Chip
    Beck's name earlier.  How dare you use his name in the same sentence as
    the Masters.  Chip will be on the sidelines doing parking control, or
    selling his duds at Walmart.  He had his opportunity, and didn't take
    it.
    
    Go shark or Fuzzy!
    
    Bob
    

    I must say that I've been watching as many golf tournaments on the tube
    as I have access to since I was biten by the golf bug two years
    ago.......I know, get a life, right? Anyway, I have never seen such a
    display of good sportsmanship as I did this weekend in the TPC. Fuzzy
    and Greg put on quite a show of good natured sportsmanship and
    fantastic golf. There's usually a shaking of hands and a little dialog
    as the game progresses. But those two guys were actually carrying on.
    
    At the 18th, after Fuzzy had putted out to give Greg the center stage
    as the champion, a very good sporting thing to do in itself, Greg
    attempted his putt. He missed and left about a four footer. Fuzzy came
    out on the green with a big, white towel and wiped greg's brow. Greg in
    turn placed his nice white "Shark" hat on Fuzzy's head before Fuzzy
    left the green for Greg to complete his putting.
    
    It was quite a treat with much more ood natured fun than I have seen in
    quite some time. Makes me want to tune in next week.
    
    

    
    Fuzzy and Greg have a history like that, and that white towel seems to
    always be around!!!

    One thing to remeber about Agusta is that no other course, probably in
    the world, spends as much on grooming as they do there.  Also, the
    course closes for 6 MONTHS a year, including the Summer (yes, Summer)
    so the grass won't get harmed.  (And we're talking GA, not the rotten
    climite we have in NH!)
    
    Where other big name course have maintenance sheds and programs, Agusta
    has a college and the most state-of-the-art equipment and science
    available.  They get everything they need or want before it is
    available anywhere else.  If it's used at Agusta it's the best there
    is.
    
    Don't know if they dye the grass, but it doesn't seem like they would
    need to giving the investment in grooming they make there.

    Before each round of golf, a tractor will be going over the fairways,
    dragging a bunch of chain.  The purpose of this is to pick up the dew
    off the grass, and fluff it up.  Also, all tee boxes are cut so the
    grass stands 1/4 inch, all fairways 1/2 inch, and all greens 1/8 inch.
    
    I love the masters.  It is the ultimate in golf.  Greg Norman stated
    that he loves the masters the best.  It is the only true golf
    tournament there is.  He said that there is no sponsor tents, or heavy
    advertising.  Now, if I recall, the Masters will have commercials by
    Cadillac, and I think some Company like Arthur Andersen, or something
    like that.
    
    Every year, a bunch of us get together and have a final round masters
    party at someones house.  This year it's at mine.  We will play 18 at 
    a nice course in the morning, and then get to my place for BBQ, beer,
    munchies, and the final round on 32" stereo tv.  Everyone has to pick a
    golfer.  Whenever your golfer birdies, you have to do a shot.  If he
    eagles, oh boy, double shot.
    
    Bobby
    

    	The TV commentators are absolutely forbidden to say anything about
    the prize money.  These guys don't need the money anyway but the idea
    is to emphasize only the golf and the prestige involved in the Masters.
    					JT

    re .43
    
    How about directions to that Masters Party. What a great idea! I'm
    getting Parched just thinkin about it!
    
    ED

    My favorite part of the Masters is that Cadillac and Travelors are the
    only sponsors and their ads run only briefly during the competition. 
    It's the only tournament, or sporting event, I can think of that
    dictates to commercial tv in a positive fashion for its viewers.  The
    whole tournament is just extremely week done.  Even the spectators
    seem to be extremely well behaved, probably due, in part, from that
    Southern Hospitality.

    
      Ok I don't quit.  Golf magazine came out with an article about how
      the top echelon of golfers and their games fit into Augusta National.
      The article ranked players across various aspects of their game to
      see if their strengths fit with how Augusta plays.  Basically, they
      feel that the long hitters that draw the ball, players that are 
      explosive and make a lot of birdies, and good putters have the best
      chance of winning the Masters.  Norman and Daly are considered
      favorites.  
    
      Langer was rated as a medium driver of the ball.  The categories were
      Short hitters (Pavin, Wadkins,etc), Med hitters (Langer), Long
      hitters (Zoeller,Ogle,etc) and Very long hitters (Daly, Norman).
    
    -rick

    	Watch out for Gentle Ben.  He's won the Masters before and it looks
    like Little Ben is working well.
    						JT

    in 48 hours, we will have tv coverage.  yippee yaaaaa!
    

    
    
            <<< Note 1854.49 by ODIXIE::RHARRIS "I am the NRA, for life!"
    
            >>>                      -< go shaaaaaakkk! >   
           
    
    		Is Shaquille playing at Augusta this year?!?!?  ;^)

    
    Did anyone catch the Masters special that was on ESPN last night? I did
    not see all of the program but it featured Jeff Sluman and Ben Wright
    with some CBS broadcaster (name?). It more than likely will aire again
    prior to the Kick-off tomorrow. They gave their own predictions and
    talked of some history surrounding the tournament. 
    
    	Nick Price and Greg Norman were obviously at the top of the
    prediction list with Faldo, Langer, Pavin, and Olazabal(sp?) appearing
    as well. A popular "Dark Horse" pick is Jeff Maggert because he faired
    so well in last years event.   
    
    
    	I'm being overcome with "Masters Fever"! It should be a great
    tournament with so much talent rising to the top and performing at such
    a wonderful golf course. My favorite Golf Major for sure!
    
    ED
    	

    I didn't think the Masters was considered a "Major".  We know it is,
    but is it technically.  The Masters IS golf!
    
    Reference shaaaaak!.  That thars a suthuna's impression of a yankee 
    jibberin shark (norman).  Shaquille would have been spelled "Shaaaaq."
    
    Today is the par 3.  Tommorrow is day one.  For some people, spring is
    the robins coming, or snow melting, or dogwoods blooming.  For me, it
    is the Masters.  I get goose bumps just thinking about it.  
    
    Bob
    

    Golf Digest had an post-card insert in thier last issue, as a contest
    to see if you could guess who would win each of the Majors, with the
    Masters being the first in a series for this year. Did anyone
    fill it out, and who's your pick ?? (I know, I know, we made
    pridictions earlier ...) I will let you know what I win after Nick
    Price wins it this year ... I hope !!! ;)
    
    Prizes are drawn from the group of people who choose the winner, with
    first prize being a trip to Scotland, I think, and other prizes
    included a set of Wilson Irons, golf balls ...

    New prediction (wishful thinking?)... 

    Jack Nicklaus by 1.  I saw in interview with him the other night, and
    he said something like, 
    
        The only difference between winning at 30 and winning at 54 is in
        having the desire to do all the hard work to prepare to win, and
        to have the mental toughness to focus on winning.  Physically
        there's no problem with being able to win.

    He also said that he's always focused on the majors, and that this
    year he's been working VERY hard leading up to the Masters.  When he
    has that killer look in his eye he's awfuly hard to beat.

	My predictions for this year's Masters are:

	Nicklaus will show some early flash, then fade as he has a
	couple of times lately.

	By the back nine Sunday the leader board will include Norman,
	Watson, Price, Faldo, Vijay and Fuzzy.  The leader board will
	not include Crenshaw, Hoch or Nicklaus.

	And the winner is ...  GREG.

	I really wish Freddie and Phil were playing.

    
    	I'll go with a local guy (for me) and a *long* shot...
    
    		Brad Faxon
    
    		Jerry

    Yeah, I like Brad a lot, but he has two problems... he's short and
    crooked off the tee.  I don't think Augusta is going to be kind to him
    in that respect.  He would have to be my long, long shot.
    
    Heard a good one on the radio this morning.  The sports broadcaster was
    talking about how exclusive Augusta is for membership.  Seems there are
    only 300 members, with a combined worth of 10 billion bucks.
    
    We can only dream...

     I'd like to see Fuzzy win, I'd like to see Ben Crenshaw win. It's a
    good field and it is hard to predict a winner but - here goes -
    
    Raymond Floyd by 2 strokes.
    
    Paul

    
    I think that Ray Floyd is a good choice, but due to his victory
    last week it will be tough to go back to back with wins. But if anyone
    can do it Raymond Floyd can. 
    
    	I hope Fuzzy is paired with Norman (again) on Sunday. What a show! 
    
    	Go FUZZZZ!                                 

    The odds in England are
    
    Norman 6/1 
    Price 10/1
    Faldo 9/1
    Daly 50/1
    
    The bookmakers are a disgrace , how can you lay 6/1 Norman v the best
    79 golfers in the world.
    
    It is not worth betting with some of those odds, unless of corse you
    get the winner!!!!
    
    Vijay maybe, Norman no way sad but true no one can exorcise all
    those Augusta Ghosts , it dont happen!!
    
    (Ever set youreslf up to be shot down)
    
    
    Joe (Good luck Greg you need it)
    

    
    alright.....who's sittin' at home?!?! any updates yet?!?!?!

    A friend of mine in New Hampshire read to me over the phone, today's
    tee times and pairings.  According to the new hampshire paper, Freddie
    is teeing up today.  Is this correct?  I thought Freddie, Paul Azinger,
    Phil Mickelson, and Rocco Mediate were not participating.
    
    Leaving here in 2 1/2 hours to go to the local watering hole and watch 
    day one coverage.  Then go to the driving range.
    
    Go Norman!!!!!!!
    
    bob
    

    
    I think coverage begins at 4:00 on USA. Mostly pre-taped stuff??
    
    I set the VCR for the 4:00 coverage. Does anyone know of other channels
    airing the "Live" coverage?
    
    	Thnx,
    		ED

    I went to the bar yesterday, and watched the live satelite feed.  It
    was good.  I watched USA last night.  One complaint about USA, they
    spend more time showing the leader board, then they do the golfers.
    Payne Stewart bit it yesterday.  Larry Mize on 18 hit a killer 4 wood
    to hit the green.  The shark is lurking!  Like I said, Nick Faldo will
    be parking cars on Saturday!.  Oh well, day one is over with, the
    course is looking tops.  Did you hear Gary McCord talk about the famous
    Augusta rough, 1/4 inch tall......
    
    I love Gary's commentary on Payne when he putted out on 18.  I think
    today you will see Larry Mize fall about 4 strokes, Norman maybe get
    a couple of birdies, and look out for Tom Kite.  Man, Tom is just
    disecting that course.  He is such a methodical golfer.  He played 
    that course yesterday.
    
    
    Bob
    

    	USA network coverage is live at 4:00pm EST.  They even went over
    15 minutes yesterday to complete the 1st round.  Many of the favorites
    are doing well.  Crenshaw at -2 and Watson the same despite the snowman
    at 15!!  Norman had one of his better opening rounds, looks like he'll
    make the cut this year.  Faxon (the darkhorse from the northeast) also
    doing OK.  Same time, same station today.  The taped replay was at
    9:00pm last night.  I think it's the same today.
    
    						JT

    
    Is Crenshaw at +2 or -2 ?  I thought he ended up at +2 after yesterday's
    round. Hole 15 was taking no prisoners yesterday. I sure felt bad for
    Payne Stewart, when he flopped his sand wedge into the drink on his
    fifth shot I said to myself "Hey, I can do that!". I heard Nolan Henke
    (Great Tempo!) took a whopp'n 10 on the same hole. When the wind picks
    up at Augusta National the player's "Porta potty's" get very conjested!
    
    	Should be another great one at Augusta,
    
    		ED          

	Does anybody else think 15 was playing a little unfair yesterday?
Granted it is the Masters, but some of the balls that rolled into the water
were 12 - 15 feet on the green. The whole idea around 15 was if you went for
it in 2 and came up a little short, you would roll back in. Some of those
shots yesterday were third shot pitching wedges, where the spin made the ball
roll into the water.

Ron

* Chip Beck made it on 15 in 2 yesterday.

    fifteen is not unfair.  Everyone has to play it, therefore it's fair.
    Chip beck makig it in two on 15, I hope he at least got a birdie.  Did
    he?  I don't wish bad luck on anyone, I just hope I don't see him on tv
    sunday, unless it's a Walmart commercial.
    
    Bob
    

      I told my wife that I could make enough money to retire by going out
    to the water hole on 15 with my flippers, mask and snorkel. Pretty
    soon the balls will be piled high enough you may be able to hit from
    there. That is a very tough hole, some of those balls started picking
    up a roll and you knew they were history.
    
       I still like Raymond Floyd's chances.
    
    Paul 
     

    Mr. Beck did get a Bird on 15, however he did it the hard Way via a
    25ft. slippery, right to left, knee jerker! He pitched his third from off 
    the green, and simply did not read the speed of the green correctly. I was
    very glad to see him drain the Bird. It almost looked as if he was
    talking to the hole after the putt went in. I wonder what comments were
    coming from Mr. Beck? 
    
    	ED
    
         

    I also like Raymond Floyds chances.  He is on top of his game right
    now.  Today will be interesting.  It is supposed to be windy again.
    I would like to see a competitive race on Sunday afternoon, with the
    winner by two strokes.
    
    
    Bob
    

    
    
    Whats happening today ????????????????
    
    Highlight from yesterday was normans 2 iron to 13.
    
    I too would like to see Floyd win.
    
    I believe Faldo is putting more pressure on himself using his caddy to
    tell him if he is lined up, only the player knows what he feels on the
    day. 

    	Gary Player did well yesterday at -1.  He's a 3 time winner at
    the Masters.  Must be pretty close to being a super senior.
    	Crenshaw is at +2, my mistake.
    					JT
    

    Apologies to one and all, earlier i advised watching Iain Pyman
    the Am Champ, hury up he will not be there on Sat!!
    +10 that hurts!!!!
    
    
    ever foul up in a big way!!!!
    

    	I liked some of the comments that cam out yesterday. Norman was
    saying how the fringe on 15 was "shaved like a baby's bottom." Also
    got a kick out of the story how in the practice round, Norman used his
    2 iron to skip his ball 3 times across the pond on ????, a par 3, and
    it came to rest 6 inches from the cup...

      About the rough, I heard one announcer mention that it would be hard
    to lose you contact lenses in rough cut to 1/4 inch.
    So what has happened today, anybody got an update?
    
    Paul
    

    Jose Maria Olazabel........
    He played good.  Who cares about the $360k.  who cares about the 10
    year exemption.  It's the green jacket and coming back to golf heaven
    every year hereafter.
    
    fwiw, Greg Norman got paid $54k for being +5.
    
    
    Bob
    

    
       Yet another Masters controversy that will stoke the hot-stove league
       until next year.  Lehman pulled out the 1-iron on the 18th tee, trailing
       JMO by one stroke.  Venturi started griping about the decision
       immediately thinking that he should have pulled out all the stops
       to go for the win.
    
       In my opinion, it wasn't nearly as sinful as Chip Beck's decision to
       lay up in last year's tourney.  Lehman is huuuuge off the tee and
       his 1-iron is like a Bernhard Langer driver  ;^)  , so if struck
       correctly, it would have positioned him perfectly with a comfortable
       8-9 iron approach.  I can't question his courage after seeing how he
       hit his approaches on 15, 16 and 17.    For a journeyman player who
       had never won a PGA tourney, he played remarkably well under the 
       intense Master's pressure.
    
    -rick 

    Yes, I too was most impressed with Lehman.  I thought for sure Amen
    Corner would be the end of him.  Not to be though!  I'm sure Jose
    thought he could shake him, but Lehman never let up (I think he made
    the right decision on 18 to go with the iron off the tee).  However, I
    think Lehman choked with his second shot on 18, which came as a suprise
    considering he'd been playing very aggressively all day.

    Kudos to Jose as well.  I thought I detected his swing getting a little
    faster towards the end though.

    Rhetorical Question: when are the Americans going to stand up and grab
    the Masters back?  (This has more significance than the Ryder cup any
    day.)

    Was anyone else shocked at Norman's performance on Saturday and Sunday?
    He certainly was in the groove coming into Augusta.

    Dale

    
    re - last 2
    
    I also agree that Lehman did the right thing in hitting 1 iron at 18. It's
    easy in hindsight to say he made a mistake 'cause it went in the bunker
    but you have to remember when he hits driver, he hits it high right to
    left. This is not the shot you want off of 18. It's one of the few
    holes at Augusta where you have to fade it left to right, not Lehman's
    natural shot. He was unlucky and certainly never bottled it. I hope he
    wins soon.
    
    Del.
    
    Olazabal was the 1st winner of The Master's to use a metal headed
    driver. 

    As I'm living in France, coverage is pretty bad of the whole
    competition.  Can anybody put a list in here of the final results, as I
    haven't a clue on what happened.
    
    
    Russell

    
    
    
    279 - J-M Olazabal  (74, 67, 69, 69)
    
    281 - T. Lehman     (70, 70, 69, 72)
    
    282 - L. Mize       (68, 71, 72, 71)
    
    283 - T. Kite       (69, 72, 71, 71)
    
    
     Others; T. Watson 288, Sevvy, Norman 292, Langer 293, Faldo 296,
             Price 298, Long John Daly 304!!
    
    Great final 9 holes with the top 4 all in contention at some stage
    until Olazabal eagled 15. Great to see him win after he bogeyed 18 
    3 years ago to finish 1 behind Woosnam. He's struggled with his game
    since then but hopefully he'll now go on to win more majors. Very
    impressed with Lehman. For a guy who's never won a tour event, he 
    kept his game together over the 4 days and really challenged for the
    title. He must be pretty sick at missing from a couple of feet on
    Saturday at 17 and 18. Probably cost him the Masters.
    
     Danny.

      One distraction for me during the Masters was the pronunciation of 
    Olazabel's name. Can anyone here enter the correct phonetic
    pronunciation for me? I could swear I heard it several ways:
    
    O la tha' ble
    O laz'a ble
    O la fa'ble
    and the way I thought it was pronounced
    O la za' ble
    
      Great tournament, the greens were unbelievably fast and treacherous.
    Lots of shots on the green near the flag and rolling down a slope to
    leave a 50 foot putt.
    
    Paul
    
    
     

    Norman had a bad week i feel he was trying to force it,but he has
    gremlins in his head after disasters.
    
    
    Ollie did very well, suprisingly i feel he hits the ball so hard and
    swings like a dervish dead quick.
    
    It was Tom Kite the best player never to win a Major and before him
    Crenshaw, then Lazabel who next.
    
    Who is the best player never to win a Major,
    
    Beck,Craig Parry, Calvin Peete who is it!!!

From: clarinews@clarinet.com (AP)
Newsgroups: clari.sports.misc
Subject: Final Masters Scores
Date: Sun, 10 Apr 94 16:20:15 PDT

       AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) -- Final scores Sunday of the Masters golf
tournament, played on the 6,925-yard, par-72 Augusta National Golf
Club course (a-amateur):
Jose-Maria Olazabal, $360,000   74-67-69-69-279
Tom Lehman, $216,000            70-70-69-72-281
Larry Mize, $136,000            68-71-72-71-282
Tom Kite, $96,000               69-72-71-71-283
Jay Haas, $73,000               72-72-72-69-285
Jim McGovern, $73,000           72-70-71-72-285
Loren Roberts, $73,000          75-68-72-70-285
Corey Pavin, $60,000            71-72-73-70-286
Ernie Els, $60,000              74-67-74-71-286
John Huston, $50,000            72-72-74-69-287
Ian Baker-Finch, $50,000        71-71-71-74-287
Ray Floyd, $50,000              70-74-71-72-287
Tom Watson, $42,000             70-71-73-74-288
Dan Forsman, $38,000            74-66-76-73-289
Mark O'Meara, $34,000           75-70-76-70-291
Brad Faxon, $34,000             71-73-73-74-291
Chip Beck, $34,000              71-71-75-74-291
Seve Ballesteros, $24,343       70-76-75-71-292
Ben Crenshaw, $24,343           74-73-73-72-292
Hale Irwin, $24,343             73-68-79-72-292
Bill Glasson, $24,343           72-73-75-72-292
Lanny Wadkins, $24,343          73-74-73-72-292
David Edwards, $24,343          73-72-73-74-292
Greg Norman, $24,343            70-70-75-77-292
Bernhard Langer, $16,800        74-74-72-73-293
Jeff Sluman, $16,800            74-75-71-73-293
Curtis Strange, $14,800         74-70-75-75-294
Scott Simpson, $14,800          74-74-73-73-294
Vijay Singh, $14,800            70-75-74-75-294
Craig Parry, $13,300            75-74-73-73-295
Lee Janzen, $13,300             75-71-76-73-295
Nick Faldo, $12,400             76-73-73-74-296
Sam Torrance, $11,550           76-73-74-74-297
Russ Cochran, $11,550           71-74-74-78-297
Nick Price, $10,300             74-73-74-77-298
David Frost, $10,300            74-71-75-78-298
Fuzzy Zoeller, $10,300          74-72-74-78-298
Fulton Allem, $9,000            69-77-76-77-299
Sandy Lyle, $9,000              75-73-78-73-299
Fred Funk, $9,000               79-70-75-75-299
Costantino Rocca, $7,400        79-70-78-73-300
Andrew Magee, $7,400            74-74-76-76-300
Mike Standly, $7,400            77-69-69-75-300
Hajime Meshiai, $7,400          71-71-80-78-300
Wayne Grady, $7,400             74-73-73-80-300
John Cook, $6,000               77-72-77-75-301
Ian Woosnam, $6,000             76-73-77-75-301
John Daly, $5,250               76-73-77-78-304
Howard Twitty, $5,250           73-76-74-81-304
Jeff Maggert, $5,000            75-73-82-75-305
a-John Harris                   72-76-80-77-305

    Does anyone have a video tape of either Saturdays or Sundays round. I
    programmed the wrong staion in my vcr and missed it. I would be willing
    to pick it up in the Littleton/Maynard area.
    Thanks.
    
    Rich
    

>    Who is the best player never to win a Major,
>    
>    Beck,Craig Parry, Calvin Peete who is it!!!

      Lanny Wadkins!

     Lanny has won the PGA before...

    
    
    you must be thinking Bobby Wadkins!
    
    

    Lanny did win the PGA championship, and his brother Bobby has never won a 
    PGA Tour event. 

    Up until last year Paul Azinger was labled the "Best" golfer never to
    win a Major. Now that Paul is off the "Schneider" I would say Corey
    Pavin or Davis Love are two of today's best never to have won a major.
    From over seas I would say Colin Mongomerie(sp?) or the up and coming
    Ernie Els are two very promising golfers to never have won a major.
    
                      ED

    Calvin Peete was a fine golfer in the early 80,s renowned for his
    straight hitting, he had a bent left arm a wound from falling out
    of a tree as a youngster or so we are informed.
    
    How about Sam Torrence, Barry Lane, Pavin and Beck.
    
    
    But the fact is all the great players have won Majors , no
    major no good , sorry thats how i see it.

    
    Memory is failing me in old age.  Did Weiskopf (sp?) ever win a major?
    If not, he would qualify as the best ever.
    
    -rick

    
    I believe he is a British Open champ

    
    
     Yep, Weiskopf won at Troon in 1973. I had just finished primary school
    then and this was the first golf tournament I had ever been to. Guys
    like Palmer, Nicklaus, Player and from Britain, Coles and Jacklin were
    the big names then. The event has certainly changed since then with 
    massive tented villages and a lot more commercial but the huge crowds
    still turn up to see the best golfers in the world.
    
     Weiskopf didn't really do too much after winning. Didn't he say he
    had problems handling the success, he would rather go hunting and
    fishing as opposed to company days or commercial activities.
    
     Danny.

    Without wishing to upset anybody Tom won the Open Championship,
    not the British Open.
    
    Has Mike Radar Reid ever won a Major, what ever happened to Bill Rogers
    
    Coles nearly won the Open a few times.
    
    Is Faldo finished , is he trying to put responsiblity for putting onto
    his caddy ?

  RE:  Is Faldo finished , is he trying to put responsiblity for putting onto
    his caddy ?


  A few weeks back , Jonny Miller had some good advice for Faldo. "Stop worrying
about every little detail of the swing and just play golf". Faldo I think is
starting to get the jitters out there. He's loaded with talent and should just
get out there play golf, and stop trying to fine tune his swing to death.


Mike