Short blog today everyone. I'm really tired and well, tomorrow is a big day. The first round of the 2009 Masters Tournament. Plus, it will be an early wake-up call, considering Arnold Palmer is on the tee at 7:50am.
So here's a rundown of my Wednesday. It started with the driving range. But within 20 minutes, I could see this was a worthless venture as every golfer told me they were going straight to the tee. Unlike other days, they weren't just trying to avoid an interview. In fact, each one was, trying to get their final shots on the course before the first round.
So it was off to the course, and that meant Tiger, who teed off on the front nine at 8:55am. Tiger was playing with Bubba Watson and picked up Robert Karlsson on the way. Behind them was Camilo Villegas and Ryo Ishikawa. And in front of Tiger was Paul Casey, Luke Donald and Geoff Ogilvy. Yeah, it was a star-studded morning.
After the noon live shot, it was off to the big oak tree for some post-practice round interviews. Today, those included Steve Stricker, Ben Curtis (Ohio boy like me), Jeev Milkha Singh, Ben Crenshaw and Larry Mize.
I did not see any of the Par 3 contest. Mainly because we could not get any video of it because of restrictions but I will plan on venturing down there next year. Missed opportunity I guess.
So that's pretty much it for the day. Now to the fun stuff. My can't miss pairings and predictions!
Top 5 Pairings
1. Anthony Kim, Rory McIlroy, Ryo Ishikawa (2:03pm) - All rookies. All 23 or younger. All going to be stars in the golfing world. The time to see them is now, not later when you can't.
2. Phil Mickelson, Camilo Villegas, Jim Furyk (10:45am) - 3 stars on the tour. Villegas is the only one with no major title, but that won't be long.
3. Vijay Singh, Geoff Ogilvy, Ernie Els (10:23am) - A lot of major championships among this group. Any of the 3 could add another to their total this week.
4. Tiger Woods, Stewart Cink, Jeev Milkha Singh (1:52pm) - Besides Tiger, it's not that amazing. But it is Tiger. Cink and Singh though could surprise.
5. Stuart Appleby, Oliver Wilson, Sergio Garcia (10:56am) - Three international players looking for their first major title.
Next 5 Pairings
6. Trevor Immelman, Adam Scott, Danny Lee (1:41pm)
7. Mike Weir, Padraig Harrington, Ryuji Imada (10:34am)
8. Justin Rose, Henrik Stenson, Angel Cabrera (10:12am)
9. Bernhard Langer, Greg Norman, Lee Westwood (9:50am)
10. Aaron Baddeley, Bubba Watson, Greame McDowell (11:40am)
Predictions
Winner : Tiger Woods - What he did at Bay Hill proved to me that he is back. He is healthy. Plus, this is his favorite tournament and has won it 4 times already. He hasn't won since 2005. It's time for Tiger to win again.
If Tiger isn't playing: Padraig Harrington - He had a great short game in the last two majors. And on a course where having it is crucial, I like his chances.
Dark Horse: Nick Watney - He has had a great start to 2009 and has done well here in the past.
The Real Longshot: Rory McIlroy - It's been 30 years since a Masters rookie has won. But of them all, he is the one I see most suited to do it.
That's all for today. I'll have first round reaction tomorrow!
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