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Isn't Boffin a rather old-fashioned term? Did the LHC create a rip in the space-time continuum sending us all back to the '40s.

People often think of physics as an abstract thing which does not effect their lives. Golfers should however realise the benefits of a little knowledge of simple physics. For those who are interested there is 'Newton of the tee' by John Zumerchik.

Iain, excuse my ignorance but Physics isn't one of my strong points so i will renege from commenting. It wouldn't surprise me if the Pro's you are talking to would have an opinion on this matter... Although, not sure if anyone would understand. they are all full of it!!!

To the beloved Masters...

Great to hear that all of our boys practising at Augusta during there time off. This is one that I don't quite understand. With no changes and even when they do they are so subtle that it takes you looking at previous years notes to seek them out. Do you not feel that some of them are over preparing. Many of them have played there dozens of times before. I feel that they get caught up in it all. As the year progresses, they don't go out there way to seek practice rounds at the US Open, Open or the PGA. Over analysing will inevitably be the downfall of the British Golfer. It hasn't worked since 1996 and I feel that it may be as long as another 14 years till we get a British victory.

As for Freddie, its horses for courses and even at the age of 50 he has a chance. Almost 25 years playing Augusta he must think that he has a chance himself. Nothing like winning to breed confidence.

I hope Im wrong and we see a British victory!

Looking forward to The Masters, and have to say I think it will be a better tournament with Tiger back becuase, when a Brit wins, it will be a better win with Tiger in the field. I'm hoping Donlad, Poulter, Westwood or Paul Casey can do the business!

What I want to know is, why hasn't Lee been on 606 lately, he played some great golf when he was reading our tips for him!

Shame to see the ´óÏó´«Ã½'s 'Masters Preview' programme has turned into a summary of the previous years event! Is this something to do with budget cuts? - must be dissappointing for certain ex-footballers etc who used to get to swan around the hallowed fairways for free!

Good piece, Iain. More on Rory McIlroy's visit to Augusta National on pgatour.com.



Good for the British golfers to be getting as much familiarity with the course, and any subtle changes, that they can. There's only a narrow window during which they can play Augusta National and good for them to take the opportunity.
If Westwood's short game is back to his Dubai standard, he must have a great chance this week.

Must admit, I'm getting excited. This has the potential to be a classic, Tiger's return, Els on a charge, Couples on a charge, Westwood excited, Poulter excited, McIlroy excited, Mickelson close to clicking, Duval back in the field for first time in years and the course has been set up similar to last year to retain the 'birdie roars'.

What adds to the occassion is this weeks event has been deliberatley set up by the hosts as a master preparation event, rather than being a distraction so really it all starts tomorrow night.

Add into the mix a double bank holiday weekend....... Fantastic!

Nostalgia plays no part in majors; so anyone who thinks that Fred Couples has the slightest chance of winning at Augusta is simply deluding themselves. As for the British challenge, it can hardly have been any stronger and like most bloggers I hope that any one of them can come home at the top of the pile. Casey, Westwood and Poulter are all capable, but I fear that Donald and the others may not quite have what it takes.
I'd love McIlroy to win, but there are still too many stray shots over the course of 4 rounds. His time will come.
I think that Oliver Wilson will have a solid championship; however I don't believe he is capable of winning an event of this magnitude (unlike Messrs Carter and McCrackin who tipped him for a recent WGC event, where he ended up in the last 2 or 3 places!).
Any European win would be great; British even better; Scottish and I'd be in heaven!! Come on Sandy Lyle; you can do it! (What was it I said about Couples again?)

dundee_neil wrote "Nostalgia plays no part in majors; so anyone who thinks that Fred Couples has the slightest chance of winning at Augusta is simply deluding themselves"

I bet folk would have thought that of Tom Watson before last years Open Championship too :)

Just a couple of observations on No. 9; firstly, Watson didn't win, Cink did; secondly, Watson is one of the all-time greats of the game, Couples, despite being a very good pro, is nowhere near that!

#10 dundee_neil has a fair point, Watson flourished at Turnberry as he had warm memories from winning the Open & Senior Open there and with the unique nature of links golf and his expertise at it, he could compete.

For Couples, although he has winning memories at Augusta, the demands of the course may be asking too much. I mentioned him in my post as it's another interesting factor in this already interesting tournament. Anyone have a feeling for a winner? I'm thinking someone unexpected (outside the worlds top 10) might come through.

The knowledge gained from the LHC will far outstrip anything we learnt from the space programme but it's not obligatory to be interested - I am sure there were some people who found the first moon landing boring.

I would like to see one of Westwood, Els, Casey, Harrington, Garcia, Donald or Jaidee win it but if it has to be an American, Couples would be my favourite.

Don't knock the guys for practising on the course. This is a biggee.
More strength to their elbow. They are out there not afraid to be seen to be trying as hard as they can to win the thing. Go get it guys. We'll be with you all the way.

Good point Iain about Cabrera et al. It certainly isn't beyond the realms of possibility that someone could slip in under the radar and take home the Green Jacket; but come on now not Fred Couples surely? (by the way, nice name drop.) Couples is in no way a favourite. Odds of 100/1 against say it all. The bookies don't get often get it wrong. Fred's chances are slim to say the least. He would do well to make the most of his practice round with Tiger on Monday, as it will probably be the closest he'll get to him all week.
Geoff Ogilvy and Bob Allenby are certainly the type of players that have the quality to win at Augusta in the same kind of unfancied manner that you mentioned with Cabrera, Johnson and Immelman.

Iain

I am attending the Masters this year for the 6th year in a row! The joy of marrying a Georgia Peach whose family have attended every tournament since the late 1950's!!

My wife works for the US Army so I have even got a suite at Ft Gordon for 89 bucks a night so I don't have to put up with the Mother in Law lol!

So where are the best watering holes to see some of the players etc, this year is going to be completely mad, cant wait fly out on Tuesday!

I think Padraig is going to do it, one of the longest hitters in the game and was certainly top of that Stat 2 years ago, doing his usual thing of building up quietly but I see playing well yesterday! I also fancy the chances of Tim Clark, always performs with credit at this event.

Bob P

Guys

I'm just hoping for a good showing from any of the brits and hopefully one can win it. I would love a brit to win any year but it would be extra special this year as my Dad and me are travelling to Augusta on Monday to attend the Wednesday practise rounds/Par 3 comp as well as attending the final day on Sunday.Come on!!!!!!!

Jake