The Masters 2023

[JiFtheOracle]

I know we have some golfers and golf fans on the site.  Like every golfer, I love the Masters.  Augusta is like heaven on Earth.  A place every fan of the game should venture at some point in their life.  Pick a group and walk the whole course, it's majestic.

This year is particularly intriguing w/ the LIV players in the field and of course, Tiger Woods.  While I respect everyone's choice and have no issues w/ the LIV defectors, I'm definitely a PGA Tour guy.  Havent watched any of the LIV stuff.  That said, I'm kind of wanting mayhem and a LIV player going down to the wire w/ say the voice of the tour, Rory on Sunday.  Like Cam Smith and Rory battling it out, that would be such good freaking theatre but what do I really want?   Tiger Woods winning it all, again.  Would be epic.  So highly doubtful but you cant bet against that man.  I never thought he'd win again in 2019 and if there is one course he can do it, it's at Augusta.  

Who you got?   Hard to against Scottie Scheffler but back to back is hard to do.  I got a weird feeling Cam Smith pulls it off.  I saw him take the range today and he was walking w/ the most ridiculous swag I've ever seen and the last time you saw this dude, he was the best golfer in the world but how much does not playing competitively weigh as a factor? 

Favorites; I'll take Cam.  Dude is just ice cold and I think he's got a chip on his shoulder for how he's been treated for defecting.  I'd go Scottie but back to back?  Nah.  I'd love to see Colin Morikawa, he certainly has the game but he's been terrible on the weekends lately.

Contenders: I like Jason Day, dude has been playing incredible and when you can putt like Jason, you always have a shot.  I'd love to see Tony Finau just because he's awesome and it would special if he won, will be all about his putter. 

Long Shots: I'll go w/ Justin Rose.  He's playing really well, won at Pebble.  He had an arm in that green jacket a few times.   I also like Tom Hoge this week.  He's been on fire and you know you have to be great at stroke gained on approaches and he's #1.  

1 name?  Cam Smith.

odds below:

https://www.cbssports.com/golf/news/2023-masters-odds-betting-favorites-is-it-scottie-scheffler-jon-rahm-and-rory-mcilroy-versus-the-field/

 

[32EBoozer]

Jon Rahm has been quiet lately after attaining #1 ranking and almost immediately losing it to  Scotty. Cam definitely has the putting stroke for Augusta. I’d put my $ on Rahm by 2 strokes over a top 5 leaderboard of Scotty, Rory, Xander and Cam.

DJ top 10.

[JiFtheOracle]

42 minutes ago, 32EBoozer said:

Jon Rahm has been quiet lately after attaining #1 ranking and almost immediately losing it to  Scotty. Cam definitely has the putting stroke for Augusta. I’d put my $ on Rahm by 2 strokes over a top 5 leaderboard of Scotty, Rory, Xander and Cam.

DJ top 10.

Rahm is obviously always a threat, he's amazing but his strokes gained off the tee worry me, he doesnt love shaping, he wants the power fade on every hole and Augusta required 2 different shapes on the same hole often.  He can get himself into trouble pretty quickly and his putter is streaky.  Always a good bet but not the guy I'd take at this course in this field. 

I'd love to see the X-man in the mix.  I was there the year he was battling toe to toe w/ Hideki.  It was the covid year w/ half the crowd, epic viewing of the Masters, followed them on Sunday, pretty cool to be there for a historic win.

 

[32EBoozer]

3 minutes ago, JiF said:

he doesnt love shaping, he wants the power fade on every hole and Augusta required 2 different shapes on the same hole often.  He can get himself into trouble pretty quickly and his putter is streaky.

Excellent points.

[JiFtheOracle]

54 minutes ago, 32EBoozer said:

Excellent points.

 

Dont get me wrong, it's hard to bet against Rahm but its a hard course to over power which gets him in trouble of the tee and I think he's like 50th in strokes gained scrambling.  Another reason I like Jason Day, 2nd best scrambler on tour this season.

[JiFtheOracle]

17 hours ago, JiF said:

I know we have some golfers and golf fans on the site.  Like every golfer, I love the Masters.  Augusta is like heaven on Earth.  A place every fan of the game should venture at some point in their life.  Pick a group and walk the whole course, it's majestic.

This year is particularly intriguing w/ the LIV players in the field and of course, Tiger Woods.  While I respect everyone's choice and have no issues w/ the LIV defectors, I'm definitely a PGA Tour guy.  Havent watched any of the LIV stuff.  That said, I'm kind of wanting mayhem and a LIV player going down to the wire w/ say the voice of the tour, Rory on Sunday.  Like Cam Smith and Rory battling it out, that would be such good freaking theatre but what do I really want?   Tiger Woods winning it all, again.  Would be epic.  So highly doubtful but you cant bet against that man.  I never thought he'd win again in 2019 and if there is one course he can do it, it's at Augusta.  

Who you got?   Hard to against Scottie Scheffler but back to back is hard to do.  I got a weird feeling Cam Smith pulls it off.  I saw him take the range today and he was walking w/ the most ridiculous swag I've ever seen and the last time you saw this dude, he was the best golfer in the world but how much does not playing competitively weigh as a factor? 

Favorites; I'll take Cam.  Dude is just ice cold and I think he's got a chip on his shoulder for how he's been treated for defecting.  I'd go Scottie but back to back?  Nah.  I'd love to see Colin Morikawa, he certainly has the game but he's been terrible on the weekends lately.

Contenders: I like Jason Day, dude has been playing incredible and when you can putt like Jason, you always have a shot.  I'd love to see Tony Finau just because he's awesome and it would special if he won, will be all about his putter. 

Long Shots: I'll go w/ Justin Rose.  He's playing really well, won at Pebble.  He had an arm in that green jacket a few times.   I also like Tom Hoge this week.  He's been on fire and you know you have to be great at stroke gained on approaches and he's #1.  

1 name?  Cam Smith.

odds below:

https://www.cbssports.com/golf/news/2023-masters-odds-betting-favorites-is-it-scottie-scheffler-jon-rahm-and-rory-mcilroy-versus-the-field/

 

Cam is saying he's no where near his top form like when we last saw him, wouldnt count him out and would love to see a battle w/ one of the LIV guys still but feeling less confident as Cam being the winner after hearing that...you cant come in thinking you're not playing your best at this course. 

Changing my pick, just not sure who...

@southparkcpa @Green Ghost @Jimmy 2 Times @Stark

I know we got some more golf fans out there...

[JiFtheOracle]

Odds have changed a little since yesterday too....some of those long shots are now, contenders, some contenders now favorites and vice versa.

 

[Jimmy 2 Times]

I find myself rooting for Spieth every week even though I despised him a few years ago.  His struggles in every round (even when he’s lights out) has me relating a little too closely.  
 

Day has returned to form and it’s just a matter of time before he wins and you cannot bet against Scottie right now.

BUT my pick to win is Max Homa.  No reason other than going with my gut. 
He has the game if his putter is on.

[southparkcpa]

Will Zalatoris………

[Green Ghost]

Koepka won last week on the LIV, didn’t he? When healthy the guy is an assassin at the Majors. He might be the “outcast” who you want to keep your eye on at Augusta.

[Green Ghost]

3 hours ago, southparkcpa said:

Will Zalatoris………

He’s been off form so far this year coming off the injury.

[JiFtheOracle]

Hoge won the par 3.  Really liked him coming in but scratch him off.  I’m taking Tony Finau. 

[southparkcpa]

1 hour ago, Green Ghost said:

Koepka won last week on the LIV, didn’t he? When healthy the guy is an assassin at the Majors. He might be the “outcast” who you want to keep your eye on at Augusta.

3 guys in my office are members at Quaill Hollow.  I played 2 years ago but hope to play again this year.   Scheffler for the deuce!!!!

[Green Ghost]

40 minutes ago, southparkcpa said:

3 guys in my office are members at Quaill Hollow.  I played 2 years ago but hope to play again this year.   Scheffler for the deuce!!!!

I don’t know why, but Scheffler bores the s**t outta me. The guy is so vanilla.

BTW I’ve got rounds planned at Liberty National and another at Fiddlers Elbow(a free 4some from booking my daughters wedding there a year ago) when I’m up on Long Island in May.

My game is in really good form right now, hope it stays that way throughout. A back issue really set me back last year.

[southparkcpa]

9 hours ago, Green Ghost said:

I don’t know why, but Scheffler bores the s**t outta me. The guy is so vanilla.

BTW I’ve got rounds planned at Liberty National and another at Fiddlers Elbow(a free 4some from booking my daughters wedding there a year ago) when I’m up on Long Island in May.

My game is in really good form right now, hope it stays that way throughout. A back issue really set me back last year.

I would love to play Liberty.   Have fun.

[JiFtheOracle]

Ok, maybe I like Max Homa. lol 

[JiFtheOracle]

Max Homa, final answer

[32EBoozer]

6 hours ago, JiF said:

Max Homa, final answer

So far my 2 picks are in the running.

 

[chirorob]

On 4/5/2023 at 12:22 PM, Jimmy 2 Times said:

I find myself rooting for Spieth every week even though I despised him a few years ago.  His struggles in every round (even when he’s lights out) has me relating a little too closely.  
 

Day has returned to form and it’s just a matter of time before he wins and you cannot bet against Scottie right now.

BUT my pick to win is Max Homa.  No reason other than going with my gut. 
He has the game if his putter is on.

Side note, Day used to live right down the street from my wife when he was first getting going.  Super nice guy, her parents also lived right there, her Dad (my father in law) absolutely loves Day, as a person and golfer.

[TuscanyTile2]

The hole is the other way, Robert.

[JiFtheOracle]

4 hours ago, 32EBoozer said:

So far my 2 picks are in the running.

 

Great calls, Rahm went unconscious after the double start and Xman made it looks easy.  Finau play and Homa didnt play great but were both in the red so they just need to stick around and make a moving on moving day, you never know.  My Jason Day call is looking good though.

[southparkcpa]

9 hours ago, JiF said:

Great calls, Rahm went unconscious after the double start and Xman made it looks easy.  Finau play and Homa didnt play great but were both in the red so they just need to stick around and make a moving on moving day, you never know.  My Jason Day call is looking good though.

We forget how good these guys are. Gal in my office , her husband is on PGA Canada , he won the VA state title 2X,  played at VA Tech and at 26 just got on PGA Canada.  Best young kid at my club won the PGA junior national 3 years ago. Got a full ride at SD State with Xander s help.   he’s back in Charlotte after 2 years.  GOLF may be the most brutal sport to make a living in.  

[32EBoozer]

39 minutes ago, southparkcpa said:

Best young kid at my club won the PGA junior national 3 years ago. Got a full ride at SD State with Xander s help.   he’s back in Charlotte after 2 years.  GOLF may be the most brutal sport to make a living in.  

That’s crazy. Young kid probably got homesick from being out West. Interesting school selection in transferring back east. Not a powerhouse.

[Jimmy 2 Times]

On a personal note, I shot +4 after work yesterday (nine holes).  Not bad for high 40’s with 20mph winds.  

My dozens of winter Mevo+ sessions are paying off!  Midseason form already. 

[southparkcpa]

2 hours ago, 32EBoozer said:

That’s crazy. Young kid probably got homesick from being out West. Interesting school selection in transferring back east. Not a powerhouse.

I know the kid personally …he went to same HS as my kids.  He left because he wasn’t getting playing time.  Xander went to SDSU and  was instrumental in getting him the full ride.  
 

[southparkcpa]

2 hours ago, Jimmy 2 Times said:

On a personal note, I shot +4 after work yesterday (nine holes).  Not bad for high 40’s with 20mph winds.  

My dozens of winter Mevo+ sessions are paying off!  Midseason form already. 

 when you say plus 4 you for example you shot a 40 on the front?

I am making it a priority to improve.  I live right on the golf course , I bought a garmin and am working on my swing. Checking ball flight, smash factor etc.  I’m an 11 so I shoot around 80 to 85 80 percent of the time.   Break 80 several times a year and break 90 several times a year. ?

but now I am going to practice with a purpose.  Gonna get down to an 8.   
 

you like the Mevo?  What did it cost?  How do you use it?  I set the Garmin to my IPAD and while it’s not hitting to a screen, it’s very accurate.  

[JiFtheOracle]

3 hours ago, southparkcpa said:

We forget how good these guys are. Gal in my office , her husband is on PGA Canada , he won the VA state title 2X,  played at VA Tech and at 26 just got on PGA Canada.  Best young kid at my club won the PGA junior national 3 years ago. Got a full ride at SD State with Xander s help.   he’s back in Charlotte after 2 years.  GOLF may be the most brutal sport to make a living in.  

My cousin is a caddy for Jon Pak.  He played at FSU, dominant.  Won the ACC Championship his Snr Yr.  Won the Hogan, Nicklaus, and Haskins award but when got on the Korn Ferry, he couldnt keep it together.  Missing cuts left and right.  He was playing terrible and now has to go back to Q School.  This dude was the next coming, so good my cousin quit his gig w/ JP Morgan for a chance at glory and pretty sure he's spent thousands just holding out that Jon figures it out.  Crazy crazy hard sport

 

[Jimmy 2 Times]

32 minutes ago, southparkcpa said:

 when you say plus 4 you for example you shot a 40 on the front?

I am making it a priority to improve.  I live right on the golf course , I bought a garmin and am working on my swing. Checking ball flight, smash factor etc.  I’m an 11 so I shoot around 80 to 85 80 percent of the time.   Break 80 several times a year and break 90 several times a year. ?

but now I am going to practice with a purpose.  Gonna get down to an 8.   
 

you like the Mevo?  What did it cost?  How do you use it?  I set the Garmin to my IPAD and while it’s not hitting to a screen, it’s very accurate.  

Yes, 40 on front nine.

 

I love the Mevo+.  It cost around $1500 with the pro package.  I’m not sure what the regular cost is, but I purchased on Black Friday last fall.  It’s basically an affordable trackman/GC Quad.  Has more numbers and data than I even know what to do with! 
 

I use it in two different ways either off my iPhone or iPad: 

Indoors into a net.  It comes with 6 sim courses and multiple driving ranges.  No fees to use. 
 

Outside at my local driving range I’ll set it up to see if the ball flight matches and then I’ll play a sim course at the range.  It’s pretty cool and allows you to have fun while practicing.  
 

If you decide to purchase, reach out to me.  I’ll help you avoid the initial setup pains I went through. 

[JiFtheOracle]

30 minutes ago, southparkcpa said:

 when you say plus 4 you for example you shot a 40 on the front?

I am making it a priority to improve.  I live right on the golf course , I bought a garmin and am working on my swing. Checking ball flight, smash factor etc.  I’m an 11 so I shoot around 80 to 85 80 percent of the time.   Break 80 several times a year and break 90 several times a year. ?

but now I am going to practice with a purpose.  Gonna get down to an 8.   
 

you like the Mevo?  What did it cost?  How do you use it?  I set the Garmin to my IPAD and while it’s not hitting to a screen, it’s very accurate.  

What do you think is holding you back?  I think when we all first started chatting about golf, I was a 13/14.  I'm currently at an 8 but probably a solid 9.  Average round is 82 but I'm down to an 8 right now because of a 74 and 77 in the last 5 rounds even though I shot an 89 on Sunday.  lol 

The things that helped me save that many strokes on my handi were: the right lesson and coach, a fitting and my short game.  The right coach is so important.  I had a guy who gave me like a gimmicky swing to fix a slice and the guy I see now is awesome, speaks my language giving me thoughts and feels based on solid fundamentals.  The fitting was huge, especially for the driver.  I hit it 10x better then my stock off the shelf.  Went from a club I avoided to a club I find reasons to hit when I shouldnt.  The biggest difference though is my sort game.  I went from "oh god please" to "Im going to make this", just by spending more time chipping and putting then I do on the range.

[JiFtheOracle]

On 4/5/2023 at 6:55 PM, Green Ghost said:

Koepka won last week on the LIV, didn’t he? When healthy the guy is an assassin at the Majors. He might be the “outcast” who you want to keep your eye on at Augusta.

Looking like the old scary Majors domination from Brooks....

[southparkcpa]

1 hour ago, Jimmy 2 Times said:

Yes, 40 on front nine.

 

I love the Mevo+.  It cost around $1500 with the pro package.  I’m not sure what the regular cost is, but I purchased on Black Friday last fall.  It’s basically an affordable trackman/GC Quad.  Has more numbers and data than I even know what to do with! 
 

I use it in two different ways either off my iPhone or iPad: 

Indoors into a net.  It comes with 6 sim courses and multiple driving ranges.  No fees to use. 
 

Outside at my local driving range I’ll set it up to see if the ball flight matches and then I’ll play a sim course at the range.  It’s pretty cool and allows you to have fun while practicing.  
 

If you decide to purchase, reach out to me.  I’ll help you avoid the initial setup pains I went through. 

Ok so it sounds like you are using it exactly like I am using the garmin.   I went to a site, matched for example the stats of an 8 Iron on the LPGA. THAT is what i am trying to do. NOT the PGA. Im 60.  So I’m fairly close to matching their club speed, ball speed, smash factor, attack angle etc. I am gonna start practicing with it a few hours a week.   @JiF 

[southparkcpa]

46 minutes ago, JiF said:

What do you think is holding you back?  I think when we all first started chatting about golf, I was a 13/14.  I'm currently at an 8 but probably a solid 9.  Average round is 82 but I'm down to an 8 right now because of a 74 and 77 in the last 5 rounds even though I shot an 89 on Sunday.  lol 

The things that helped me save that many strokes on my handi were: the right lesson and coach, a fitting and my short game.  The right coach is so important.  I had a guy who gave me like a gimmicky swing to fix a slice and the guy I see now is awesome, speaks my language giving me thoughts and feels based on solid fundamentals.  The fitting was huge, especially for the driver.  I hit it 10x better then my stock off the shelf.  Went from a club I avoided to a club I find reasons to hit when I shouldnt.  The biggest difference though is my sort game.  I went from "oh god please" to "Im going to make this", just by spending more time chipping and putting then I do on the range.

Agreed with all above.  I have been hitting a lower than average ball as I developed an over the top swing that i get away with.  I trap the ball but hit the sh*t out of it.  Im normally hitting say a 9 when my colleagues are hitting 7 or 8.  I am now, after some lessons and tons of YouTube watching and trying to hit a fade am hitting now a straighter ball with more height. Im excited by it. BUT to answer your question, my game from 130 to 200 is below average. Probably average for hacks but not enough o be single digit.

Using my garmin, i am hitting the ball with a club face 3-4 degrees left.  THAT combined with a left swing can pull it 20 yards left.  If i hit it to the right for a nice draw, it’s great but sometimes it’s a push. Much is caused by starting with the right shoulder. Disaster move.  SO… better attack direction for all clubs is key for me.  

 I dont hit enough greens.  I am working on my 2nd shot and once improved, I’m confident i will be an 8 as i will starting last week, dedicate a few hours a week to my mid iron strikes.  I live on the course so will walk out my back yard with a bag of 10 balls and hit shots from 30 to 50 yards and putt them in.  I believe this routine will get me there in 90 days. 

[JiFtheOracle]

24 minutes ago, southparkcpa said:

Agreed with all above.  I have been hitting a lower than average ball as I developed an over the top swing that i get away with.  I trap the ball but hit the sh*t out of it.  Im normally hitting say a 9 when my colleagues are hitting 7 or 8.  I am now, after some lessons and tons of YouTube watching and trying to hit a fade am hitting now a straighter ball with more height. Im excited by it. BUT to answer your question, my game from 130 to 200 is below average. Probably average for hacks but not enough o be single digit.

Using my garmin, i am hitting the ball with a club face 3-4 degrees left.  THAT combined with a left swing can pull it 20 yards left.  If i hit it to the right for a nice draw, it’s great but sometimes it’s a push. Much is caused by starting with the right shoulder. Disaster move.  SO… better attack direction for all clubs is key for me.  

 I dont hit enough greens.  I am working on my 2nd shot and once improved, I’m confident i will be an 8 as i will starting last week, dedicate a few hours a week to my mid iron strikes.  I live on the course so will walk out my back yard with a bag of 10 balls and hit shots from 30 to 50 yards and putt them in.  I believe this routine will get me there in 90 days. 

My biggest weakness is distance.  I'm by far the shortest of my peer group.  Similarly, I have a 7 when everyone else has a 9 but I have great control through the whole bag so it doesnt hurt me.  Where I save strokes is my short game.  Always been a great putter for some reason but I'm deadly from 75 in...even if I miss off the tee, as long as I can get myself a look from that range, I legit feel like I can save or at least, just take the bogey and not compound the mistake.   So I like you strategy.  Get deadly from there, even if you're missing greens, you'll start saving more.  

I have a similar practice regiment.  The thing that helped me a ton and it's helped w/ contact in general is my coach had me focus on what you just said, 10 balls 50-75 yards, and hit your spot w/ 5 clubs.  So I take my 54, Gap, P, 9, 8 up to my park and just practice that shot w/ like 100 balls...comes in handy on a windy day when you need a nifty shot and I feel like it's helped me w/ contact through the whole bag.

[Larz]

My first masters experience was a friend that was a scratch golfer in high school that I knew well told me to watch it. This was 1985. Crenshaws win was really cool , then Jack won in 86 and since then masters Sunday is a holy day in my house. 
not gonna lie, seeing koepka in the lead feels like an invasion. Let’s not get into politics.  I’ll just say I’d prefer a pga tour player to win. 
 

looks like tiger and Rory will miss the cut. ?☹️

 

 my favorites list on the masters app 

rahm, hovland, morikawa, spieth, rose, Thomas, Freddie. 

[Larz]

Oh snap weather delay