New York, New York

As the eventual Champion teetered on the cusp of one of the greatest collapses in Major history, one poignant sound reverberated around Bethpage State Park: “DJ! DJ! DJ!”. Dustin Johnson was stalking his gym buddy-turned-prey (how often do you get to use that phrase?) down the stretch, and the New York fans loved it. Was it a personal vendetta against Brooks Koepka? Maybe. Did they just want to see competitive golf for the first time in a week? Certainly.

After a nerve-racking display of escapology, he avoided the unthinkable collapse and, in his post-round interview, claimed that the fans’ chanting had spurred him on (ever the pantomime villain, eh?). But there was no bitterness there. This wasn’t a middle-finger-type message as in previous years. No, because according to Koepka, this felt like “A real sporting event”. And he loved it.

Ryder Cup Ramifications

2024 may still feel like somewhere Busted visited in 2002 (that’s the Year 3000, for those without my sophisticated musical palate) but, in actuality, it’s just five years from now. That can be a long time in golf, but in the city that never sleeps five years goes by in the blink of an eye. The Black Course at Bethpage may or may not change before the Ryder Cup, but the New Yorks fans absolutely will not.

Paul Casey, who almost certainly won’t be playing in ’24, expressed his concerns, whilst Rory McIlroy’s “No comment” was every bit as transparent. Supposedly the players are fearful of speaking out against the crowds for fear of future ridicule, but there appears a clear divide between Americans and Europeans on the subject.

There is no doubting that it will gift America a serious upper-hand. Some will argue that’s what makes the Ryder Cup what it is, but others will say that it’s not in the spirit of golf.

The Questions

Is this advantage for America unfair or is that the whole point of rotating hosting duties? Should rules be put in place to control fans or should they be given free reign? Are these types of fans a sign of golf moving forwards, or is it a step in the wrong direction?

Do you want to see New York-style fans at a Ryder Cup or not?

Written by Joe Carabini

joe.carabini@foremostgolf.com

Brutal Bethpage

Tiger’s opening round perfectly summed up the golf course, recording three birdies and an eagle but finishing the day on +2 courtesy of three bogeys and two doubles. Rory McIlroy was 5-over through three on Friday but recovered with five birdies to a lone bogey to sneak inside the +4 cut line. Tiger (+5) had no such luck and was forced to spend the weekend back on his $20 million yacht (ouch). Jon Rahm, Sergio Garcia, Bubba Watson and Bryson DeChambeau were just some of the other big names to miss the weekend. However, 2002 Champion Rich Beem, now 48 years old, stole the headlines by making the cut despite being 9-over on the 13^th tee: shooting five birdies over the last 6 holes on Friday. This came after wide-spread criticism of his decision to even turn up.

Only seven men finished the week on par or better. By close of play Sunday, a +4 score had gone from the cut line to a share of 23^rd.

Killer Koepka

“I don’t know what course Brooks was playing” Jason Day said of the bogey-free 63 (7-under). The American took just four holes to reach double-figures on day 2. His first bogey came at the start of the back-nine, but that didn’t stop him breaking the 36-hole Major record at -12.

Entering the final round, all the talk was about the potential for a record Major margin of victory as Koepka lead by seven. Despite a bogey on the first, the defending Champ was -1 for the day and -13 for the tournament after 10 holes, making Dustin Johnson’s 3-under front-nine fairly redundant. But then the wheels came off. Four bogeys on the bounce brought him back to -9 as DJ’s birdie at the 15^th closed the gap to just one. Koepka’s bogey on the penultimate hole would have proven costly had his friend not done the same on both 16 and 17 to finish two behind Koepka’s -8 winning score.

Best of the Rest

Jordan Spieth made it clear before the tournament that he believed his slump was over, and his -2 T3 finish proved this to be the case as he chased the career Grand Slam. Matt Wallace equalled Spieth and Patrick Cantlay to share third spot; his best finish at a Major and the best from any Brit at Bethpage (that comes despite a 3-over back-nine on Sunday), putting the Englishman at World No. 25. McIlroy did more than just make the cut in his recovery from a perilous position as he finished T8 on +1.

New York Fans

They’re loud, they’re controversial and they’ll be back. The man who left with the Wanamaker Trophy arguably faced more negative comments from New Yorkers than anybody else, particularly when “half-choking” down the stretch, but Koepka was happy with the fans making this a “real sporting event”.

The talk of the town is now the 2024 Ryder Cup at Bethpage. Whether you love or hate the raucous, beer-fuelled atmosphere, there’s no question that the Americans will have a home advantage. Matt Wallace described it as “absolutely mental”, but in fact looks forward to that. However, the likes of McIlroy and Paul Casey were not so impressed. Koepka’s sympathetic “Good luck to Europe” comment really sets the tone for what will be a fascinating and long-standing storyline.

Brooks Kopeka - What's in the Bag?

Driver - TaylorMade M5

3-Wood - TaylorMade M2

Irons - Nike Vapor Fly Pro

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7, Titleist Vokey SM4

Putter - Scotty Cameron Newport 2

Golf Ball - Titleist Pro V1x

Written by Joe Carabini

joe.carabini@foremostgolf.com

When push comes to shove, we’re all chasing a common goal in our lives: Happiness. Unfortunately, that can be difficult to come by, especially for somebody suffering with mental health issues. According to the NHS, one in four adults and one in ten children suffer from mental health issues. These figures are astounding, but they can change. They can get better.

We can all do our part to improve the mental health of ourselves and the people around us, but most of use wouldn’t know where to start. Well, one trick that is scientifically-proven to improve mental health is physical activity.

Out & About

Studies have shown, time and time (and time and time and time) again, that physical and mental wellbeing are interlinked. Staying active can both prevent and rehabilitate depression and anxiety in a variety of ways, including occupying the mind, raising self-esteem and causing positive, mood-enhancing chemical changes in the brain.

Who’s ready for a bit of biochemistry? Don’t worry, I’m as clueless as the next golf blogger when it comes to science (aside from Marie Curie’s Swing Tips, of course), but this stuff is fairly basic. Exposure to sunlight triggers the release of a hormone called serotonin, which is known to boost moods and heighten calmness & focus. Low levels of serotonin are associated with low moods and risk of depression.  I know we bemoan the British weather (we’re British; moaning is what we do!), but the fact is that getting outside regularly will boost your serotonin and, in turn, your mood.

Why Golf Specifically?

I’ve talked a lot about the relationship between mind and body, and there is no better sport for that combination than golf. Competitive golf demands focus and discipline of the mind in conjunction with mobility and athleticism. With that said, one of golf’s most attractive components is its accessibility; the ability for men, women & children of all ages and abilities to enjoy the game either competitively or leisurely. You set the intensity. You can set your own goals and enjoy your own achievements; raise your own self-esteem, or you can simply use it as an opportunity to escape the rest of the world.

Sure, golf is suitable for all types of people- that’s great- but it is also suitable for all types of personalities. Believe it or not, people who suffer from mental health issues are not just quiet, introverted people. Sometimes they’re the life and soul of the party, sometimes they’re the person in the big office; mental health can affect anybody. Golf can be solitary or social; independent or inclusive. You could head to the range or the pitch & putt or you could take to the course for a quick nine or even the full 18- And you can do it all alone with your thoughts. On the other hand, golf can simply be a vehicle through which you can socialise with new or existing friends. TopGolf and FootGolf offer unique golfing experiences that prioritise socialising over competition.

The Important Part

I’m not writing this as a marketing executive at a golf company, but rather as a person. If this inspires you to take up golf, great! If not, that’s fine. Because golf is just one of many activities that can help improve a person’s mental health. When all is said and done, that’s the important part. So please, do what you can for the mental health of yourself and the people around you.

Quotes

All quotes are linked to full articles. Click the underlined text for more articles on mental health & wellbeing.

“You literally manage stress more efficiently when you are in a green space” – Professor Jenny Roe

“Mental health problems are a common human experience” – Mind (organisation)

“What you do with your body can have a powerful effect on your mental wellbeing” – NHS

Written by Joe Carabini

joe.carabini@foremostgolf.com

It’s always been an awesome golf tournament, but this year looks set to be something special. Golf has arguably reached heights it never has before, and The Masters was just the beginning…

How Will Players Handle the Black Course?

It comes with a warning sign. Sure, this makes it looks absolutely awesome, but the sign is no decoration: the warning is legitimate. Fortunately, the PGA Championship offers up a complete field of “Highly skilled golfers”. But first tee Major nerves are hardly going to be calmed by the words “Warning” and “Extremely difficult”.

Bethpage State Park’s Black Course in Long Island, New York, hosted the U.S. Open in 2002 and 2009; won by Tiger Woods and Lucas Glover respectively. Scores of -3 (Tiger, 2002) and -4 (Glover, 2009) tell you exactly how challenging the course is, with Tiger being the only player to break par on the par-70 in ’02. Despite the high scores, this course is renowned for producing gripping golf due to its ability to reward and punish in equal measure.

How Will the Date Change Affect the Tournament?

The tournament will be in sharper focus. Moving to the second Major of the year, this was inevitable. But Tiger Woods just made the greatest sporting comeback of all time at Augusta National and sent the golfing world into global delirium… This tournament is timed to perfection.

The other factor affected by the date change is, of course, the weather. 2009 U.S. Open Champion Lucas Glover said the weather was “Just like this”. Right now, it is cold and wet. The wetter it gets, the longer it gets.

What Happened Last Week?

On the European Tour, Sweden’s Marcus Kinhult showed his mettle to hole a final-hole birdie putt for a win of the finest margin at the British Masters;  his first on the European Tour. Defending Champion Eddie Pepperell, fellow Englishman Matt Wallace and Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre tied for second, just one stroke off the pace on -15. Tournament host Tommy Fleetwood (-10) also had a good week as he tied for eighth with Martin Kaymer and five others.

South Korea’s Sung Kang earned his first PGA Tour win with a -23 total. Brooks Koepka was the only big name in contention as a lot of star players rested themselves for this week.

Who Has the Upper-Hand?

Somebody who has been there before. Remember Dustin Johnson grounding his club in a bunker at Whistling Straits in 2010? Truthfully, it was beyond harsh. You could say it was a mistake anybody could’ve made, but would Tiger or Phil have made that error? Whether you blame the course, the ruling or the player, the two-stroke penalty cost DJ his maiden Major title. It was extremely controversial, but there’s a reason- a secret ingredient, if you will- that certain players always seem to get the rub of the green. It’s not luck. It’s what defines winners.

That brings us to our final question…

Can Tiger Do It?

Yes. There are plenty of people convinced that he already has the Grand Slam in the bag, which is just getting carried away. However, he couldn’t ask for a better opportunity to make it a second consecutive victory. Bethpage Black is a course where you need that winner’s edge that very few people have.  Tiger is arguably the biggest “Winner” in all of sport.

He’s coming off the back of that Masters win, he has 15 Major titles and one of those came at Bethpage Black. Perhaps the question should be “Will Tiger put his back out when lifting that hefty trophy?”

Written by Joe Carabini

joe.carabini@foremostgolf.com

The Tiger and the GOAT

The greatest Masters Sunday. The greatest sporting comeback. The Greatest Of All Time. As Tiger Woods made the turn on Sunday at Augusta, a fifth Green Jacket and fifteenth Major felt simultaneously inevitable and impossible.

It will go down not only in golf history, but in sports history, as the ultimate comeback. However, it wasn’t just a comeback; it was a return to greatness. It was a new start to a never-ending story, and there are sure to be more chapters written; more records broken. Tiger Woods is now one PGA Tour win away from Sam Snead’s record of 82, one Green Jacket away from Jack Nicklaus’ record of 6 and three Major Championships away from Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18. This guy is not done.

If cats have nine lives, The Big Cat intends to use every single one.

The Tournament

I called it the greatest Masters Sunday, and I stand by that. Sure, it had a fairy-tale ending, but it also had all the twists and turns of a great thriller. With four holes to play, FIVE players were tied for the lead. FIVE! That is about as good as golf gets. Three of those men (Dustin Johnson, Xander Schauffele and Brooks Kopeka) finished tied for second on -12, having totalled eight birdies and an eagle on the back nine.

The course was set up for the truest test of golf, especially over the weekend; inviting low scores on Saturday and demanding a tough grind on Sunday. Saturday saw three rounds of 8-under 64 from Tony Finau, Webb Simpson and Patrick Cantlay and a 66 from Francesco Molinari which sent the Italian two clear at the top on -13. But the Open Champion is undoubtedly best when chasing a lead, and he snapped a 49-hole bogey-free streak at the seventh before falling victim to the infamous 12^th hole. He wasn’t the first and he sure as hell won’t be the last man to trade a Green Jacket for a wet golf ball in Rae’s Creek, but that didn’t make it any less painful. Still, it was on the fifteenth, when his approach clipped a pine cone hanging from a branch and found the water, that his chances were well and truly over.

You know that you’re guaranteed history at every single Masters Tournament, but this is perhaps the most historic one yet.

Good for Golf

You can decide for yourself how you feel about junior golfers walking the course in red mock-turtlenecks and chewing gum, but the most important thing is that they are walking the course. The sentiment of Woods celebrating with his son as he had with his father in ’97 was not lost on all the parents who would celebrate with their children in the way their parents had with them all those years ago. Tiger’s enduring excellence has inspired generation after generation, and now another generation can be added to that list. His legacy is such that he found himself battling past world class golfers who were inspired by his previous Masters victories.

Whether watching on TV, making a first trip to the local pitch-and-putt or winning the PGA Championship next month, Tiger’s return will impact everybody in golf.

Tiger Woods is back.

Tiger Woods – What’s in the Bag?

Driver: TaylorMade M5

3-Wood: TaylorMade M5

5-Wood: TaylorMade M3

Irons: TaylorMade P-7TW

Wedges: TaylorMade Milled Grind (Raw)

Putter: Scotty Cameron Newport 2

Written by Joe Carabini
joe.carabini@foremostgolf.com

We’ve all seen the same stats flying around the golf world in the last week or two. Some interesting, some not so much. However, the one that caught my eye is a first-timer stat: The first time that the World Top 10 enter The Masters without a title to their name. This may seem like a negative at first glance but, in actuality, it’s a beautiful thing for golf. Of course you have Major winners (the Top-5 have ten between them), but we literally have the best players in the world chasing the Green Jacket with that never-been-fed hunger. It’s also evidence that the rankings actually reflect form rather than past success, with the likes of Xander Schauffele and Bryson DeChambeau soaring since the 2018 Masters.

It has never been tighter at the top, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Fortune Favours

They say fortune favours the brave, but the same can’t be said for the weather. As a result, tee times could play a big role in this tournament.  The conditions are prone to change from morning to afternoon, so if you’re lucky enough to be out in the sunshine then you better take advantage. By the same hand, if the forecasted thunderstorms hit when you’re out then you better know how to grind. Since the forecast was essentially thrown out the window last year, this is –frustratingly- both critical and unpredictable. However, it is expected to deteriorate as the days push on over the weekend, so the leaders and subsequent late-starters may be even more vulnerable. Remember Tommy Fleetwood’s sunshine surge on Sunday at the U.S. Open? Expect something similar.

European Euphoria?

Whilst talk of Tiger’s fifth Green Jacket is everywhere, this feels primed for a maiden Masters title. Storms have already suspended play during practice rounds, and you know what bad weather means… Smiling Europeans!

World No. 1 Justin Rose, Grand Slam-chasing Rory McIlroy and Open Champion Francesco Molinari will be licking their lips. And so will Jon Rahm. After opening with a 75 last year, Rahm went 68-65-69 (a record-low 54 holes for an international player) to tie for fourth and I suspect the Spaniard will fancy his chances this year. McIlroy’s form has been irresistible all year… Surely this is his best chance to win at Augusta?

European golf is on a real high, and I believe that will continue this week. Whatever happens, we’re ready for another piece of history.

Written by Joe Carabini

joe.carabini@foremostgolf.com

History & Tradition

As golf grows increasingly modern with every passing second, The Masters serves as a perfect reminder of what makes golf so incredibly unique as a sport: Tradition. The Green Jacket is perhaps the greatest time capsule in golf.

This is a tournament laden with history. Careers have been made, lives have been changed and legends have been forged on the ultimate stage. When people talk about The Greats, they talk about historic Masters moments; Seve in ’80, Nicklaus in ’86, Tiger in ’97...

Augusta

It’s Augusta National. Need I say more? No, but I will. The history of The Masters is rich, and Augusta National sits front and centre in that rich history. Magnolia Lane, The Big Oak Tree and Ike’s Pond, Amen Corner and Rae’s Creek… Augusta is packed with features that have become household names to golfers across the globe.

No matter how good, bad or ugly the golf may be, Augusta National ensures an ever-present beauty to The Masters.

Emotions

We truly have seen it all here. The likes of Greg Norman and Lee Trevino have been tortured on this course, whilst the likes of Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods thrived. The occasion tends to bring emotions to the forefront even before the first tee shot is struck, so come Sunday players are liable to displays of ecstasy and despair beneath the gaze of the world’s eyes.

At just 25-years-old, Jordan Spieth perhaps epitomises the highs and lows of this tournament better than anybody. In five appearances, the American has a third, two runners-up and a win, with his only finish outside the Top-3 being a T11. In 2015 he equalled the tournament record as he stormed to victory, but just a year later he suffered the worst back-nine collapse in tournament history to throw away a five-stroke lead and finish three behind.

There is always room for a twist to the tale. As spectators, there is no doubt that we are right there with the players on that emotional rollercoaster.

International

Golf is more universally accessible than ever before, with broader broadcasting, more social media and, crucially, more international golf success. That’s not to say that the likes of Gary Player, Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo & Co. weren’t half-decent, simply that international golfers are turning out in greater numbers nowadays. Since 2009, we’ve seen 20 non-Americans lift Major trophies and 16 DIFFERENT names etched into those trophies (Martin Kaymer snatched two and Rory McIlroy got downright greedy with four).

In that same ten-year span, America and the rest of the world have split the Green Jackets 50/50. Given that Gary Player’s 1961 Augusta National title- the first for an international golfer- came in the tournament’s 25^th edition (enough time for Sam Snead to win all seven of his Majors and Ben Hogan all nine of his), I’d say that The Masters has truly progressed into an international event.

Improving Golf

I can’t compare golf from before I was born to the stuff on my telly each week now, but I can definitively say that there have never been this many players vying to be the best in the world. There are so many golfers capable of shooting record-low scores. If, come next Sunday, one of the best golfers in the world is teeing off with a three or five stroke lead, that does not mean that it’s game over. They can’t even just close it out with a level-par round and assume that’ll do the trick. “Safe golf” is dead, and entertainment is more alive than ever.

Past, present and future combine for the perfect blend of nostalgia and anticipation. For all the amazing historic moments we can reminisce about, there is nothing more joyous than knowing that more historic moments lay just around the corner.

Written by Joe Carabini

joe.carabini@foremostgolf.com

Won't Somebody Think of the Children?!

Golf is active, but doesn’t exclude less-sporty children. Golf is challenging, but fun for all abilities. Golf engages the mind, but also the body.

It’s a sport that teaches discipline and etiquette, requiring a strong work ethic and the ability to both win and lose with grace. It’s a sport that can be played by people of every size, age, gender and so on equally.

Are these not values we want every child to have?

How Golf is Involving Kids

It seems that 21^st Century children and technology go hand-in-hand, so the golf industry became technological. GPS watches, smart phone apps and virtual golf games seamlessly bridge competition and fun for junior golfers (and, let’s face it, adults too).

But it’s not just the generic “golf industry” taking steps to involve junior golfers. There are more and more golf coaches and Professionals going the extra mile. Initiatives such as Tri-Golf help juniors discover, learn and enjoy golf after school and during school holidays. These programmes use different approaches to make learning fun, like games and friendly competitions.

The Right Equipment

TaylorMade

TaylorMade have placed a lot of emphasis on their “Rory” Junior selection, which was released earlier this year. Inspired by and designed with Rory McIlroy himself, the golfing superstar says he was keen to design golf clubs that he feels would have benefitted him at a younger age, both in terms of performance and- critically- enjoyment. All sets come with a special edition St. Bernard head cover emblazoned with Rory’s signature.

Callaway

Callaway’s XJ Junior sets are designed in levels 1-3 for girls and boys depending on age and height, with more clubs for the more advanced players (4-piece, 6-piece & 7-piece sets). The new Callaway XT Teen Package Set consists of ten golf clubs for junior golfers, whilst maintaining that more affordable price point with Callaway’s renowned engineering.

U.S. Kids

U.S. Kids use the same colour-coded, graduated system in their high-quality golf clubs and sets. In fact, the quality of U.S. Kids is such that a certain Ian Poulter recently invested in a set for his own son. But don’t worry, you don’t need a Tour Pro’s income to afford a set of U.S. Kids golf clubs!

Lynx Golf

Lynx Golf offer introductory “Blister Packs” of a putter and a 7-iron; an affordable option so beginners can try golf with the essential clubs without committing to the cost of a full set. However, they do offer more comprehensive sets featuring a driver, several irons and a free cap to tie it all together. These are available in a variety of sizes, ages and colours.

Golphin

Golphin are completely dedicated to junior golf. Golf clubs, bags and sets have all been specifically designed to help children play and enjoy golf whilst improving their skills. The British-born golf company utilise a colour-coding system to indicate the graduated golf clubs and sets for different ages and heights.

What Can You Do?

Golf clubs often offer specialised junior golf coaching, fun golf-related kids' clubs and discounted rates for junior golfers. Find your local Foremost Golf Club in the Store Locator (link below) to find out what's on offer for junior golfers near you. You'll be pleasantly surprised!

https://www.foremostgolf.com/find-your-nearest-foremost-professional 

Credit: Sarah Smith and Saffron Walden Golf Club for the photos of junior golfers enjoying the game at the golf club.

Written by Joe Carabini

joe.carabini@foremostgolf.com

When you return to a golf course where, twelve months earlier, you were downright humiliated in the final, who is the last man you want to come up against in your first match-play round? Probably Ian Poulter, right? Of course Kevin Kisner lost that first match to the self-proclaimed “Postman”, but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. The tournament’s toughest group went down to the wire, with an uncharacteristic Tony Finau mistake at the death handing Poulter a win on Friday to set up playoff with Kisner.  The American exacted his revenge and the rest, as they say, is history.

Tough at the Top

Plenty of big names fell early, with just three of the World’s Top-10 emerging from their groups. Last year’s Champion Bubba Watson (1-2) and two-time winner Jason Day (0-3) joined the likes of Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka on an early flight home (or maybe directly to Augusta National). However, fans were treated to arguably the most mouth-watering match up in golf as Rory McIlroy faced off with Tiger Woods in the Round of 16. Tiger came out on top (2&1) despite McIlroy’s formidable form.

How it Happened

With Graeme McDowell winning the Corales Puntacana Championship- the other PGA Tour event that week- Europeans were looking to make it five wins from the last five PGA Tour events. With 50% of the final 16 and all three of the aforementioned World’s Top-10 who made the knockouts (Justin Rose, Rory McIlroy & Francesco Molinari), this looked promising. Molinari led Europe’s match-play charge (sound familiar?) before a lone blip for the week came in the excruciating form of a three-putt on the 18^th to lose the semi-final. It was Denmark’s Lucas Bjerregaard, though, who stole the show, and not just for having the coolest putter on Tour (from the new Scotty Cameron Phantom X range). He beat Justin Thomas to win his group before conquering red-hot Henrik Stenson to setup a quarter-final with Tiger Woods. A stroke down on the 16^th, the World No. 52 sunk a 29-foot eagle to tie things up before a birdie at the last to seal a win he will never forget. Unfortunately he then lost to Matt Kuchar in the semi.

Kevin Kisner changed his fortunes in the final with impressive composure to ease past Kuchar (3&2) and claim his maiden WGC title and by far the biggest of his three PGA Tour wins.

Kevin Kisner – What’s in the Bag?

Driver: Callaway Epic Flash Sub-Zero

Fairway Wood: Callaway Rogue Sub-Zero

Irons: Callaway Apex (utility), Callaway Apex Pro 16 (4-9 Irons)

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7

Putter: Odyssey White Hot Pro #7

Golf Ball: Titleist Pro V1

Written by Joe Carabini

joe.carabini@foremostgolf.com

This is one of my favourite tournaments of the year. It’s different, exciting and unpredictable in equal measure. The fact it’s a World Golf Championship event means we’ve got the world’s greatest golfers, and the fact it’s a match-play event means they’ll be going head-to-head and playing up to 126 holes in five days, including a 72-hole weekend.

Striking Matches

Sixteen groups must be whittled down to sixteen players. Brutal? Yes. Entertaining? YES!

Group 12 is comprised of Jason Day (2014 and 2016 Champion), Phil Mickelson, Henrik Stenson (2007 Champion) and Jim Furyk. Lefty recently won at Pebble Beach, and Jim Furyk started Sunday at last week’s Valspar Championship in 6^th following his runner-up at The Players. Just to re-iterate: Only one of them can reach the knockouts.

Group 14 features big-hitting Tony Finau, match-play master Ian Poulter, last year’s finalist Kevin Kisner and in-form Keith Mitchell in what I’d argue is the most intriguing group.

Tommy Fleetwood and Louis Oosthuizen will be an interesting watch, although Kyle Stanley and Ben An (the latter sitting one spot outside of Masters invite) will be no pushovers. Jon Rahm will need to be at his best (which he so often is this season) to wrestle past Matt Kuchar; a strong match-play golfer and the 2013 Champion here.

History on Their Side

For three consecutive years leading up to last season (2015-17), this tournament was won by the World No. 1. Whilst Bubba Watson’s victory snapped that streak, it maintained a trend of big-hitting winners; Watson, Dustin Johnson, Jason Day, Rory McIlroy and Jason Day again. Austin Country Club lends itself to those who can bomb it off the tee.

I may as well copy-paste this part from week to week, but here goes: Tiger Woods has the best record in this tournament. Tiger is both the only man to retain the title (2003/04) and to win it three times (’03, ’04, ’08).

The Best Chance

DJ is much-fancied thanks to outstanding form, his style of play, his 2016 win here… Oh, and being the top-ranked golfer in the world helps. Justin Rose has had virtually no success in this tournament, with match play simply not being his forte. This could boost the likes of Brooks Koepka and Rory McIlroy. Jon Rahm’s 2019 form deserves a win, and this golf course is as likely as any to stage that win.

With all that said, Tony Finau is my one to watch. The American went 2-1 here last year, but the defeat to Alex Noren (1UP) sent the Swede through to the knockouts. His win over Fleetwood (6&4) at the Ryder Cup made it a 3-1 record in career match-play singles. His distance off the tee will help, and if he can come through arguably the toughest group then his first PGA Tour win is very much on the cards.

More golf, more quality, more entertainment. This is far more than just a Masters warm-up.

Written by Joe Carabini

joe.carabini@foremostgolf.com