The first words William McGirt uses to describe his style of play is, “I’m sneaky short.” In golf’s expansive arena of long hitters, this would augur a lifetime of struggle in the game. And mostly, that is what McGirt, a longtime mini-tour grinder, has known.
For the first round of the 2017 Masters the winds are expected to continue to blow north of 30 kilometres per hour for most of the day, leading to the possibility of some high scores. History tells us that likely will end any hopes for a green jacket come Sunday.
With a soaking rain on Monday and Wednesday, Augusta National Golf Club won’t be playing quite as firm and fast as officials might have hoped when the tournament begins tonight. The change in conditions may prove particularly fateful for one player.
Dustin Johnson, the world’s No.1-ranked player and the favourite entering the week to win the green jacket, is questionable to compete in the Masters after suffering a freak back injury on Wednesday.
The disappointment of last year’s back-nine collapse follows Jordan Spieth at this year’s Masters. But it doesn’t keep him from being a favourite – if not the player to beat.
Australian Golf Digest
