TEE-TIME TALES

MIKE KEEGAN’S AUGUSTA DIARY

AS is the norm, huge queues have snaked out of the Masters golf shop as patrons load up on precious merchandise that cannot be bought anywhere else. While many grab balls, markers, tees and clothing, gnomes have become one of the hottest properties. The craze began when the bearded chaps where introduced in 2016. The first edition wore an argyle cardigan, and last year’s resembled a patron, carrying a stack of green and white cups. This time, he wears a bucket hat, blue sweater and is carrying a bag of clubs.

■ SAFE to say Fred Couples is not a fan of LIV Golf. ‘Please don’t tell me the LIV Tour is as good as the PGA Tour. I don’t want to hear it,’ the 1992 winner, now 64, said.

■ PICKLEBALL is surging in popularity in the US. World No 1 Scottie Scheffler is a big fan, as are Jordan Spieth and Phil Mickelson. It is not, however, without danger. At the Texas Open on Sunday winner Akshay Bhatia had to step off the green during his play-off to tape up a shoulder which he hurt while lifting an arm in celebration. The injury was down to a dislocated shoulder suffered while playing pickleball.

■ DANNY WILLETT, who stunned the world to take the green jacket in 2016, will make his return at Augusta from reconstructive surgery on his shoulder. The Yorkshireman, 36, will tee off just over six months after going under the knife.

■ ON Monday all eyes were on the skies for the solar eclipse — and that may well be the case again on opening day. Last year, amid strong winds, patrons were sent scurrying for cover on the Saturday when three giant pine trees came crashing to the ground near the 17th. This year the forecast is much improved for Friday to Sunday — but on Thursday there is an 80 per cent chance of showers and thunderstorms.