Woods makes good impression
AUGUSTA, Ga. — The ageless teed it up in a Masters practice round Monday with a man who appears to have found the Fountain of Youth:
Couples came away impressed, telling reporters, “He hit a few drives that were well worth watching, whether you paid for it or are in the tournament like me.”
Couples, 58, has had back issues for decades but never spinal-fusion surgery such Woods has had.
Couples felt unqualified to play doctor but did offer a bit of swing analysis.
“If you watched him play, there’s not much of a back problem,” he said.
“He’s hitting it a long way, and it looks beautiful.
“Today wasn’t any different than it was 10 years ago when we played. It was pretty awesome.”
Woods, 42, returned Monday after reportedly preparing at Augusta National on March 22-23.
He did not stop to talk to reporters after his ninehole practice session.
He’s set to take questions at 1 p.m. today after a practice round with an intriguing group.
Couples said he and Woods will tee it up with Illinois alumnus
and — is April Fools’ Day later this year? —
“Me and Thomas may just sit back and watch,” Couples said.
The enthusiasm surrounding Woods’ return to Augusta is readily evident.
“I think when it comes to Tiger and the Tigermania that comes with it, everyone wants to see him win and play the way he did before,” said. “Everyone is kind of champing at the bit for him to kind of get here and see how he’s moving and everything. I think everyone is kind of solely focused on Tiger and what he’s going to do here and seeing if he can get to No. 15. But that’s fine with us. That’s fine with me.”
Golf is better with happy and healthy
the two-time Masters champion who has no equal on tour when it comes to shaping shots and baring his soul.
Late last summer, Watson said Monday, he was in a “dark place.”
He had lost about 30 pounds because of an undisclosed illness, and his world ranking sank to No. 117. a
He has won twice in 2018, most recently at the prestigious World Golf Match Play event in Austin, Texas, and is back up to 19th in the world rankings.
Watson credits his inner circle, including wife
and caddie “My life’s in a great spot,” he said. “I understand where I want to go in my life.”
As described on Twitter by Golf Magazine’s English golfer
got one-upped Monday by caddie After Fleetwood was unable to skip a ball off the pond at No. 16 and onto the green, Finnis pulled off the shot, knocked home the 4-foot birdie try and took a bow.