TIGER WOODS was unimpressed by Magnolia Lane, saying he had imagined it would be longer. He quite liked the course though. Although Augusta National is stunning it’s little brother tends to be overlooked.
The nine-hole course, scene of the Wednesday Par-3 contest, lies on what was a boggy piece of land behind the clubhouse and cabins and was designed around DeSoto Springs pond and Ike’s pond, where President Eisenhower used to fish for bream and bass. Sir Nick Faldo, who likes to tickle the odd trout, would enjoy the pond.
Tiger Woods, who prefers spear fishing, diving down to 100ft, would get stuck in the mud.
The course measures 1,060 yards with the longest hole just 140 yards. The first winner was Sam Snead in 1960. The Par-3 is not a doddle. Closely mowed banks slope down to the water, and the tiny greens are super slick. The competitors’ families cheer them on and the children in mini white boiler suits often caddy for Dad.
The ‘jinx’ says no player will win the par 3 and the Masters in the same year. Raymond Floyd came closest in 1990 but lost the Masters in a sudden death playoff. Jack Nicklaus says: “I never played it in the years I had a chance to win” (probably every year.) Many Par-3 champions have gone on to miss the cut in the tournament proper, including 2019 winner Matt Wallace.
Jimmy Walker shot 19 in the 2016 Par-3, and declared: “It’s time to buck the jinx, I reckon I have a good chance to win this year.” He went on to finish 29th.
WHEN 3-TIME MASTERS WINNER Gary Player first came to Augusta in 1957 he rented a small house, then larger ones as his family expanded. Eventually, after much hesitation (he doesn’t splash his money around) he bought a $50,000 house. It’s now worth well over a million.
Players have spent fortunes renting accommodation, and Sir Nick Faldo, who thought about buying when he won his first Masters but continued renting every year, has been kicking himself ever since.
AFTER LEE WESTWOOD picked up a cheque for $1.013m for his second place at Bay Hill he set off with Shane Lowry to Augusta National, commenting: “I’ve got a fun couple of days coming up playing with Shane and my son Sam who’s going to be caddying for me at the Masters.
It’ll be a good lads-and-dads first trip.” Slight understatement. My first trip with my son was at Queens Park municipal course, Bournemouth, and it rained stair rods. Great fun though.
HORSE-RACING MAD Lee Westwood, who would have had a Grand National contender if his horse Belshill hadn’t died this month in training, complains: “This golf really gets in the way of horse racing! The Players’ Championship clashes with Cheltenham and the Grand National with the Masters. What can you do? I’ve got to work sometimes.”
SEA PINES RESORT, South Carolina, is advertised as a ‘Quiet Family Retreat,’ except when the PGA Tour circus descends on the Pete Dye/Jack Nicklaus-designed Harbour Town Golf Links for the RBC Heritage (April 15-18th.) Attendance at the Resort, popular with golf pros and their families will be limited again this year.
Player’s birdies will only be cheered by residents on patios and balconies along the course and the presentation of that ghastly plaid jacket will be heralded only by boats in the harbour. Then Hilton Head Island can go back to sleep.
AT LEAST THE RBC HERITAGE wasn’t cancelled, unlike The Sunningdale Foursomes, which was inaugurated in 1934 and was often considered the curtain raiser of the British golfing season.
However, this year organisers announced ‘After due deliberation and consideration for the safety of all competitors the club has decided to cancel completely for 2021.’ Tut tut, that’s not the Blitz Spirit, ‘we’re not running away from any damned Jerries’ (sorry, Covid.)
“If you think golf is relaxing, you’re not playing it right.” Bob Hope.
Until next time: Happy Golfing.
Consult Mick for regripping and repairs advice. 638 859 475.
