More Golfing Fun

So, Round One at Augusta National is in the books and really, there really wasn't any surprises. A few guys that nobody has ever heard of were on the leaderboard and a somewhat of a journeyman golfer was on top of it. That guy, Chad Campbell, a Texan with the label "Tons of Potential", but very little of it realized. Campbell shoots a 65, which had he not gone "Bogey", "Bogey" on the last 2 holes, would have been a 63.

To me, the bigger story, the old guys. 50 Year-old Larry Mize, a winner here in 1987, shoots an opening round 67. Mize, one of the nice guys on tour, really hasn't done much since that win 21 years ago, but it always brings a smile to peoples faces to see one of the older set on the board.

The big loser of the day, Michael Campbell, who just a few years ago had a chance to win here, Campbell shoots an 80 and was beaten by 72 year old Gary Player and 60 something Ray Floyd. Player, in his 52nd and final Masters, shoots a 78 and as always draws smiles from everyone.

Other highlights of Thursday, I saw Chris Evert making the rounds near the Clubhouse, Chrissie, in her 50's...still strong. I also saw the former Secratary of State, Condelizza Rice walk out of the clubhouse, friends and security in tow, headed toward the 18th green, no doubt looking to see what the event here was all about.

All in all, a typically nice and very normal day 1. Day 2 is scheduled to bring some late day rain and will no doubt flatten out the field. Before you ask, Tiger Woods, he also finished "Bogey", "Bogey" to end up at 2 Under, expect that to change.

((photos courtesy of : OSG Sports Media))

Getting Ready

Day 2 in Augusta still brought the wind, though not as much...warmer temperatures and a whole lot more action. Most everyone was out on the course at some point this morning, practicing, working on the little things, things to get ready for Thursday's beginning of Golf's First Major.

Tiger Woods finally made it out onto the course today. He played 9 holes this morning with one of the few people who hit it farther than he does, that being one Bubba Watson. We watched on the 9th hole as Bubba flew his ball farther than anyone else on the day...and arguably over the past few years, as his ball rolled down the hill and finally came to rest on the "patron" walkway at the bottom of the hill. Tiger...not so much, in the Pine straw, about 40 yards or so back.

The crowds again were huge and the Par 3 was its usually goof off day. Greg Norman easily with the highlight moment of the day as he dropped a hole-in one, made even more significant when he got a congratulatory kiss from his caddy. His caddy...none other than wife, Chris Evert.

All in all a good day was had by all. Some of Thursday's feature pairings include Tiger, with Stuart Cink and Jeev-Milkha Singh, the tee off around 2. Most everyone else of significance out early on what is supposed to be a warm spring day here in Augusta.

((photos courtesy of : OSG Sports Media))