Augusta presents a different test to November

THE build-up to the Masters is usually dominated by a handful of names, whether that is Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy or Bryson DeChambeau.

But not this year. Just 145 days after the 84th Masters concluded with Dustin Johnson’s recordbreaking victory, the 85th edition will get under way with the “firm and fast” conditions at Augusta National at the top of the agenda.

“Anything you learn today, this week, forget it,” was the succinct advice offered by Jon Rahm to Sebastian Munoz during last year’s final round as the Colombian went on to finish 19th, one of a number of first-timers who enjoyed November’s softer conditions.

Higher up the leaderboard, Sungjae Im contended to become the first player to win on their debut since Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979 before having to settle for a tie for second with Cameron Smith, who became the first man in history to break 70 in all four rounds.

Johnson made history himself with a record winning total of 20-under-par, surpassing the previous best of 18 under set by Woods in 1997 and equalled by Jordan Spieth in 2015.

So whether it is the weather or the desires of the Augusta powersthat-be to defend the course, the 88-man field can be sure of a different test this week.

“The November one I kind of set aside,” said world No 10 Patrick Cantlay, who was one shot off the halfway lead in November’s coronavirus-delayed event.

“I thought it was fantastic that we were able to just get the event in that year, and I think Dustin’s 20-under record will be pretty safe for many years to come.

“This week I expect it to get really firm and fast, and I think that’s when this golf course shines.”

Robert MacIntyre is fulfilling a dream by playing in the Masters this week.