Masters – first day
No sooner had Gary Player teed off to start the tourney then the heavens opened and we lost 3 hours of play. With an early sunset this meant that not all completed the 18.
It is good to see the likeable Paul Casey leading the field at -7 and some of my each way picks – Webb Simpson and Patrick Reed – well placed.
The big surprise for me was Tiger Woods carding -4.
This is a different, more accessible, Tiger to the golfer who hoovered up 15 Majors.
In interview as well as seeing possibly $100,000 0f orthodontistry in his gleaming smile he was not the sourpuss of old. He attributes his score to course knowledge and management. Now the big question is whether his back will hold up.
Rory McIlroy is well down the leaderboard at par.
Justin Thomas or Adam Scott may still be round-one leaders as they have still to finish.
I enjoyed seeing the russets and tints of Fall and the course looked magnificent.
Paul McGinley is emerging as a first class analyst.
He is exactly what you would want bringing the knowledge and experience of a top class golfer.
Sarah Staite in the studio I find a bit wooden but to complete excellent coverage Euan Murray, the ex pro at Walton Heath, presents fluently and knowledgeably.
