In the final round of the 38th Masters at Augusta National in 1974, a diminutive, short-hitting, pipe-smoking, avid ornithologist played one of golf’s most iconic venues as well as anyone ever had to that point.
Last April at Augusta, the Spaniard was the PGA Tour star who staved off his LIV Golf foes. Now he’s one of them. How Jon Rahm’s LIV stance evolved from then to now.
If you’re looking to upgrade your Masters-watching experience, or just perhaps impress your friends during your Masters Monday breakfasts, these are a smattering of nerdy nuggets to remember.
McIlroy swapped his 4-iron, going from TaylorMade’s P760 model to a prototype with a muscle cavity after a visit to TaylorMade’s test centre in Carlsbad, California.
Winning the Masters is a life-changing event, and Rahm has already discovered that. Throw in the decision that changed the arc of his pro career, opting to join LIV, and this Masters will be unlike any other for a defending champion.
The Masters tee at the par-5 second hole has been moved back and to the left by about 10 yards, seemingly in an effort to bring the right fairway bunker more into play.
Angel Cabrera’s name is not on the Masters list of invitees for this year’s tournament, but he is listed under a heading that reads “past champions not playing”. According to Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley, however, that doesn’t mean that Cabrera isn’t able to compete in April.
Official invitations to the year’s first men’s major championship don’t start hitting letterboxes for another few weeks, but as the holiday season draws nearer, we got into the merry mood of celebrating who will be among the lucky players teeing it up at Augusta National come April.
Australian Golf Digest
