Tuesday was a persistent overcast day with very light showers early in the morning. A very pleasant day for fans to walk the golf course and players to get a ton of work done. Tuesday is also the big press conference day and the overall mood I sensed from the interview room was subdued and somewhat flat from most of the players. I do not think that’s telling for a few of them but was revealing for a few others.
Tuesday observations:
- Viktor Hovland has a curious mind, and it appears he’s in deep on the swing thoughts. He’s a constant tinkering of thought and theory but I just think he’s caught amid too much stuff to think he will be a factor. He’s a good listen and was today.
- Jon Rahm is a terrific press room guy. Takes time and he’s thoughtful about all subjects. He was defensive on Tuesday about many things, in particular his move to LIV. He was short and clumsy with some of his answers which is normally not his way at all. I hope Tuesday night is a great night because he’s earned it, but Tuesday morning answering questions from the media was not enjoyable for him which is rare.
- Tiger spoke to a standing room only crowd and the items that stood out to me were his genuine feelings about how much he loves golf and that he thinks he has one more in him. I simply don’t see it at all this year or in any year going forward. He was asked about captaining the U.S. Ryder Cup team next year at Bethpage and his answer was telling to me. I think if he was not doing it, he would have made it very clear but instead he said he would be talking to Seth Waugh, the CEO of the PGA of America next week. For the first time I think he’s doing it. If I’m wrong, I’ll raise my hand but today I think he’s in.
- Rory McIlroy showed up late for his presser, on purpose, and left very quickly, on purpose. I think the exercise is counterproductive for him and I believe the less he talks about the quest for the career grand slam the better. I asked him about his communication with Butch Harmon and he said they text every day. That’s a very good thing.
- Jordan Spieth has six top 4 finishes at the Masters and his presser is always solid with good answers. He had an interesting reaction to Jaime Diaz’ question about the greens maybe being more puttable. His recall of the condition of the golf course through the years was tremendous and its clear the place is special to him beyond the win in 2015.
- Brooks Koepka was cocksure and in major mindset. He knows he’s got the mental advantage over the field, and he is unafraid to express it. I would be very surprised if he’s not a factor.
- Scottie Scheffler is truly a delightful guy. Unfazed by his place in the game and not defined by his job. I asked him about his ability to clear his mind of any ancillary thoughts or noise and said he simply isn’t interested in what is said or written. He also has never seen “For Love of The Game” with Kevin Costner because I asked him about the line. “Clear the mechanism” and he said I haven’t seen the movie. Come on Scottie, prime Kelly Preston and John C Reilly as the lumbering catcher. Good film.
- It’s always great to spend time with Mike Tirico especially when he is giving guidance and advice to other broadcasters. He spent time showing Taylor Zarzour his football boards on his iPad and how he has units segmented out. As versatile a broadcaster as there is in the industry.
- Had a spirited lunch with my old buddy Michael Breed. Michael and I were assistant golf professionals at the same time in the early 90’s and I rarely get time with him. We went region by region talking about our favorite golf courses that are not the most famous. Seeing old friends is nourishing.
- It’s great to see the younger generation of golf writers and content creators around each other and covering this major championship. Everyone knows how much I appreciate their acumen and passion. It was also great to see Tom Coyne, outstanding writer, golf course owner and patriarch of The Broken Tee Society and The Golfers Journal. Their 5-part series on the Making of the Masters is outstanding work and I highly recommend consuming it.
- Tuesday night was the team dinner for the SiriusXM radio team. I cannot express how much I appreciate the togetherness and passion of the group. I am a firm believer that you got to know and love it to be good at covering golf and this group is both.
- Wednesday will be a big day on course for me in the morning and I’ll be coming with predictions tomorrow night.