THREE POINTERS TO AUGUSTA

KOEPKA ON THE SLIDE

Never tempt fate in golf. Even when you’re as good as Brooks Koepka (below). A month ago, after finishing tied second at the Honda Classic, he said he was at the point where he could win as long as one part of his game was functioning well. Oh dear. Since then, he’s missed the cut at the Arnold Palmer, finished tied 56th at the Players and lost two and halved one of his three group games at the Match Play. Do we conclude, therefore, that no parts of his game are currently functioning for the man who has won two of the last three majors?

FORM DESERTS BRYSON

Interesting to note that the form of Bryson DeChambeau has fallen off the charts since his allconquering start to the season in the Middle East in January. That used to happen to Rory McIlroy, and was one of the reasons why he missed out on the Desert Swing and concentrated on the PGA Tour.

LOWRY’S RELIEF

It must have been scary standing in Shane Lowry’s shoes at lunchtime on Saturday. Only a freakish set of results would have seen him bumped out of the world’s top 50 and out of the Masters, but the trouble was they were all falling into line. And then Francesco Molinari beat Kevin Na which meant Lowry was safe. Breathe now, Shane. Breathe.