How this Masters will be unique
A MASTERS like no other, they’re calling it — and no wonder, writes Derek Lawrenson. It’s not just because the annual spring rite will become a winter wonderland. Here are seven more reasons why there will be a different feel.
1 THE COURSE
I’VE been lucky enough to play Augusta National in November with no grandstands — and the contrast takes you aback. There were a couple of holes I barely recognised when separated from their usual tournament framework. There will be no azaleas or dogwoods in bloom, it will be cooler in the morning and the fairways will be softer, even allowing for the sub-air system to dry them out.
2 NO PATRONS
THEY will be missed, for sure, and no one will miss them more than the biggest names, who rely on the roars through the pines to unnerve the inexperienced. Twelve months ago, we had the loudest roars of all for Tiger. Now there will be near silence.
3 NO PAR-THREE CONTEST
THE best pitch and putt course in world golf will lie dormant this year as the traditional curtainraiser held each Wednesday in the Augusta grounds will not be staged. The only good news is there will be no curse to worry about — no par-three champion has ever gone on to win the Masters itself.
4 A TWO-TEE START
THE final round last year was the first time the Masters had employed a two-tee start, owing to an impending thunderstorm. Now, with two hours’ less daylight, the first and 10th tees will be the starting points for the opening two rounds. The daunting 10th and 11th holes are not where you want to start on a chilly Thursday in November.
5 NO LATE NIGHT VIEWING
IT will be dark shortly after 5pm which means, with the five-hour time difference, play will be done at about 10pm in the UK for each of the first three rounds. On Sunday, the finish is earlier, with the champion receiving his green jacket about 8pm UK time, barring a playoff or weather delays. The reason for the early finish is because host US broadcaster CBS is contracted to show live American football.
6 DESERTED AUGUSTA
THERE’S no overplaying how much the Masters means to the genteel southern city. Normally, you can’t move on Washington Road leading to the gates of Augusta National itself. You have to wait hours for a table in the restaurants, while even crummy hotels can get away with charging $500 a night. This week, there will be vacancy signs, with no banners proclaiming ‘Tickets Needed’ festooned along the grassy verges.
7 COVID-19
NORMALLY, the first port of call for any player, caddy or media representative at the Masters is to pick up your credentials. This year it will be a Covid-19 test, with results promised in an hour. Imagine a player getting a positive test tomorrow and being told he can’t play. I’ve spent two weeks away from home to be allowed into America. I’ve had three tests in 10 days so I fancy my chances, but it’s certainly going to be an anxious hour.
AND the good news — some things won’t change. The Champions Dinner on Tuesday night is still on. On Thursday morning, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player will still hit their ceremonial tee shots. And on Sunday night, someone will still be presented with a green jacket.