Eleven Aussie golfers – the country’s strongest representation since 2017 at Birkdale – will hope two historical omens hold true when they contest the 149th Open Championship at Royal St George’s Golf Club starting Thursday.
For one last look back at a dramatic and chaotic week, here are 18 parting thoughts on the year’s third Major.
Ever since Matsuyama finished low amateur at the 2011 Masters, he has shouldered the hopes of a nation, a burden he is not fond of.
It’s not that hitting a draw or a fade is better at Augusta; it’s that hitting your shot, whatever that may be, is always a better play at any golf course.
It was a weird Masters for everyone, particularly for Cameron Smith’s coach and caddie watching from the other side of the world.
Here are the fruits of some scribbles from a reporter’s notebook, which contain general musings and observations on the 2020 Masters Tournament.
Hurricane Bryson is now upon Georgia. What’s left standing after he blows through could change the game as we know it.
While the rest of the field succumbed to Winged Foot, Reed fought back. Which is how golf’s lone wolf was the only one howling after 36 holes, Reed’s temerity and fortitude rewarded with the halfway lead.
Collin Morikawa slammed the door shut in a manner that would suggest he’d been on the PGA Tour for a decade-plus, already with multiple Majors to his name.
Out of nowhere, Haotong Li became the first Chinese man to lead at the end of a round in a men’s Major championship, while Jason Day shares second place.
As Day enters the first Major of 2020, the 32-year-old carries some strong momentum.
How Royal Melbourne Golf Club’s beguiling design will defend itself against the onslaught of the US team’s bomb squad.
Jason Day has come close to winning the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on several occasions. But those near misses may have prepared the Australian to win a US Open on the Monterey Peninsula instead.
It is that history – and the positive memories that he can draw upon – that makes Swatton believe Day is well positioned to contend for a second PGA Championship title.
When Tiger Woods won his first green jacket, in 1997, he overwhelmed Augusta National with his driver.
After two Masters starts that provided contrasting fortunes, Cameron Smith is one player who might turn heads at Augusta.
When it comes to predicting who’s going to play well and who isn’t, caddies are the ultimate source.
His former coaches think a major is realistic.
The answer is cultural. The answer is about teamwork, and fellowship, and collective spirit.
After holding its own on Day 1, the field set Bellerive aflame on Friday. Gary Woodland set the PGA’s 36-hole scoring record. Brooks Koepka and Charl Schwartzel tied the single-day mark with a pair of 63s.
Jason Day’s long-time coach Colin Swatton gives a sneak peek into the practice sessions he’ll conduct with his star student in the lead-up to the 147th British Open at Carnoustie.