Quiet Masters still has a buzz
Casey takes early lead in a rain-shortened day with Woods in the hunt
AUGUSTA, GA.— No spectators, no roars.
Paul Casey still had no problem finding enough energy from the sheer mystique of the Masters on Thursday in an opening round that was delayed seven months by a pandemic and then nearly three hours by thunderstorms.
It carried him to a 7-under 65, matching his lowest score at Augusta National and giving him a two-shot lead among those fortunate enough to get in18 holes before it was too dark to continue.
“So many people like myself are just excited to play this,” Casey said. “This is a treat. It always has been and always will be a real treat.”
The autumn Masters brought a different course, for sure, some of that courtesy of the weather.
The downpour that began about 30 minutes after Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player hit their ceremonial tee shots, coupled with a November tournament with some Bermuda grass that still hasn’t gone dormant, left Augusta National soft and vulnerable to low scores and far less punishment.
Defending champion Tiger Woods even got into the act. A notorious slow starter despite his five green jackets, he played his first bogey-free round at any major in 11 years and matched his low start at the Masters with a 68.
“I put a lot of it together today,” Woods said, his only regret not making a few more putts.
The biggest crowd — about 100 people in this case — was two groups ahead of Woods watching Bryson DeChambeau smash shots into trees and one shot into the azaleas bushes behind the 13th green. He was lucky to find it because his provisional shot went into the creek. He still made double bogey, though he managed to scratch out a 70.
So much action, typical of the Masters, and yet so little volume.
But it was worth the wait caused by COVID-19.
“I was vocal earlier in the year about not enjoying golf in a pandemic,” Casey said. “I didn’t know how the fan-less experience would be and so far, I’ve not enjoyed it. I’ve had nothing, or very little, to draw on from being out playing tournament golf. The Masters, though, this week, it still has a buzz to it. There’s an energy and a little bit of vibe.
“Yes, it’s clearly a lot less than what we’re used to. But there’s something about this place. I felt excited to be here.”
Canadian Mike Weir had a solid day. The 2003 champion from Brights Grove, Ont., fired a 1-under 71. Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., was 1 under through 12 holes when play was halted. Abbotsford’s Adam Hadwin and Corey Conners, of Listowel, Ont., both shot 74.
The delay was the last thing the Masters needed with limited daylight hours leading to the two-tee start. Every minute counts, and it was doubtful 36 holes could be completed by Friday.