BBC - 606 - - A21435121 - Masters Diary

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Masters Diary

by Iain Carter (U7103772) 04 April 2007

With the undulating Augusta National measuring 7,445 yards, many are saying the modern-day Masters is the sole preserve of the big-hitters.

But as top coach Pete Cowan told me last year: “The thing you need around Augusta is a fantastic short game – every champion has been brilliant around the greens.”

Cowan’s theory is validated when you consider that Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson have won five of the last six Masters between them. While they are among golf’s biggest hitters they also possess the best short games in the sport.

So it was fascinating watching Mickelson tune up with the 64 degree wedge he’ll be using this week.

His caddie “Bones” McKay had laid out 10 pristine white towels at 20-yard intervals on the practice range.

After brief stretching exercises Mickelson then proceeded to hit 10 balls to each towel – shots ranging from 30 to 150 yards, starting with the shorter pitches.

It was a breath-taking display of skill and judgement as ball after ball landed and hopped over the towel while his coaches Rick Smith and Dave Pelz looked on approvingly.

Five Live summariser Jay Townsend has come up with the funniest story of the week, told to him by former champions Craig Stadler and Fuzzy Zoeller.

They had heard it from the security guard who on Monday had to disappoint a Japanese fan who arrived at the gates of Magnolia Lane pulling a trolley and clubs.

“What are you doing with those? You know there’s a restriction on the size of packages you can bring in here,” said the gate guard.

Undeterred the man said: “I play, I play,” pointing at his ticket. You could see his point. It did say “Practice Round.”

He hadn’t quite grasped that this only entitled him to watch the pros practicing.

Poor old Kenny Ferrie is another to feel some disappointment this week. The Englishman has been determined to make the most of his Masters debut and for the eve-of-tournament par-three competition he spotted a gap on the start sheet.

So Ferrie added his name alongside a certain Mr Nicklaus and Mr Player. The illustrious pair, who can boast 27 majors between them, would be playing with a golfer who finished 54th on last year’s European Tour Order of Merit.

Alas Augusta officials decided this wasn’t the three-ball they wanted and Ferrie was left to find less exalted company.

But there is some consolation for the Ashington man. He was chosen by Sports Illustrated for the cover of its Masters preview magazine. He stares out of the cover – his face surrounded by glorious pink azaleas.

Ferrie was keen to snap up as many copies as possible but couldn’t find any until Five Live commentator Andrew Cotter came to the rescue by gathering a fistful from the media centre.

Tom Watson was surrounded by reporters and was fielding questions not just on the Masters but past Open triumphs, Ryder Cups, his family etc, etc.

As it went on the answers started to get shorter – having been generous with his time and courtesy he had reached the point where he wanted to be elsewhere. Eventually a British reporter asked one question too many. It was: “What is your worst quality?”

“Lack of tolerance,” said the five-time Open champion. End of interview.

Nick Faldo hot-footed it from Tuesday night's Champions Dinner to a wonderful European Tour dinner being held at the neighbouring Augusta Country Club.

Although he is not playing this week, Faldo is still making sure he looks after himself. He arrived before the main course but turned down the exceptional beef and lobster dish, had one sip of wine and only a couple spoonfuls of the strawberry mousse dessert.

Faldo also confirmed he won’t be playing competitively until the Open Championship at Carnoustie. He’ll be using the tournament as a warm up for his debut at the British Seniors’ Open at Muirfield the following week.

This is the last Masters diary before play begins – so it’s prediction time from the Five Live team.

We’re being a bit boring; Andrew Cotter, Alistair Bruce-Ball, Jay Townsend, producer Graham and me are unanimous. We’re all saying…….John Rollins.

Only kidding – of course we’re going for Woods. Taking Tiger out of the equation, Andrew says Jose Maria Olazabal, Alistair tips Charles Howell, Graham suggests Henrik Stenson and I like Padraig Harrington’s chances.

Jay recommends Vijay Singh, but did say: “If you want a real dark horse look at……John Rollins.”

You heard it here first.

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comment by dcullen (U656709)

posted Apr 5, 2007

Have just heard that Arnold Palmer at age 77 is teeing off first. How wonderful that golf has traditions such as this and can pay due respect to a truly great golfer and sportsman.

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comment by docDavieS (U7904597)

posted Apr 5, 2007

Give Linekar a chance, he just needs to adjust to commentating on a different game. I think in general the Beeb have got it pretty spot on... Aliss, Wayne Grady and Torrence are pretty good.

The only thing the BBC need to do is employ a stunning co-presenter for gary linekar.

Monty for the Masters!! (It's a long shot, but you never know!!!)

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comment by Stevewhl (U8027143)

posted Apr 5, 2007

I agree with the disappointment in Gary Linekar as the BBC's anchor for the Masters. He is just about bearable for the MOTD, however, he at least has played soccer at the highest level and that counters his lack lustre naive style of presenting. Bring back Steve Ryder or how about Des Lynam? he must be cheap at present as he hasn't been seen hosting sports for ages!

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comment by HybridOwl (U6210464)

posted Apr 5, 2007

Believe me, I'm no fan of Lineker, but Steve Ryder is not the answer. And, for that matter, neither is John Inverdale. His puns during the Six Nations were truly atrocious.
I have no idea who the BBC should look to employ in the chair for the golf, but surely there must be someone out there with the confidence, intelligence and style to do it some credit.
As far as the Masters goes, can't really see much further than Tiger and at his odds, it's not worth a punt. I'm going for £10 each way on Jose Maria Olazabal. He might not have the game to win it anymore, but come Sunday, with his love for this course, I'm sure he'll be thereabouts.

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comment by eastcoastbluenose. Aged 38™ (U2279199)

posted Apr 5, 2007

With the broadcast rights to the US Masters coming up for negotiation, hopefully Sky shall win the bidding rights so that the US Masters will get the coverage it deserves from a broadcast company that is dedicated to enhancing sports coverage in the UK. Another benefit would be no more having to suffer that wooden clown Lineker & his amatuerish presenting.
Unfortunately Lineker epitomises all that is wrong with BBC Sport Coverage

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comment by matthewuk (U1791670)

posted Apr 6, 2007

Much of the trouble of the US Masters coverage isn't down to the BBC. It's the USA network who decide to show Woods at the expense of all others. Staying for a good 5 minutes last night with the Woods/Casey group on one green, cutting to every Woods tee shot but barely showing anyone else at the tee, and even cutting to Woods to see him walk accross a bridge.

That in combination with the restrictions on coverage hours imposed by the Masters themselves, doesn't do the beeb any favours. There will be players who we haven't seen hit a stroke live in the first two rounds, not due to any editorial decision but simply due to the hours tv is on the air.

These facts will not be changed by sky winning the coverage.

Anyway my two pennyworth on the BBC coverage is that Linekar is ok, but Allis can at times be the weak link. How he got away with stating that there was to be a playoff when Mickleson won I'll never know. It's no wonder the BBC have to resort to the CBS commentary so often when showing prior year action. Iain Carter should be added to the BBC tv commentary team.

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comment by jim_rd (U8039147)

posted Apr 6, 2007

The thing is regardles of who provides the pictures the presenters are awful (except Allis the terry wogan of golf) last night Torrance said "For those of you who want to get up early there will be internet coverage" up pops the details with a 3pm start! Even minus the 5 hours its hardly an early start.

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comment by gasgoigne66 (U8048661)

posted Apr 7, 2007

I think Steve Ryder was perfect for presenting the masters. Lineker has been embarrasingly bad the last couple of nights with at least one awkward silence in every interview. And why does he keep interrupting everyone when they're half way through their answer! I'd rather have Timmy Mallet presenting it.

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comment by the1stbagman (U8024925)

posted Apr 9, 2007

Notwithstanding the silences, and the interruptions which are infuriating and downright rude, Gary Lineker is simply rubbish, and if the BBC don't make this Masters his last golf apperance I hope they lose the bidding to Sky.
There must be hundreds of ex pro's out there, and I mean GOLf pro's, who have forgotten more about the game than Lineker will ever know. Come on BBC see some sense and restrict him to his own sport.

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comment by matthewuk (U1791670)

posted Apr 9, 2007

Why does the presenter have to be an ex golf pro. If anything Linekar proves the lie that ex-sports people make good presenters. I don't think Linekar is the worst example actually - Chris Bailey at tennis, John Barnes in football all prove this lie.

Bring in a professional broadcaster. There are plenty of ex golfers in the team (Brown, Alliss, Torrance etc).

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