Ridley: Masters Ball Difficult, Not Ruling Anything Out

John Boyette of the Augusta Chronicle sets the table for new Chairman Fred Ridley's Wednesday press conference and some inevitable questions about lengthening the course and other possible changes in response to a changing game. 

Ridley is on the record as being a protector of Jones and MacKenzie's design strategy, which is often lost with modern distances, grainy fairways and tree plantings.

“What I think we should do, and what we have done over the years, is to go back to that philosophy and think about what do we need to do to make sure that we are true to the principles that Jones and MacKenzie established at the beginning,” Ridley said.

And this, on the idea of a Masters ball.

“I think it would be difficult, frankly, to have a golf ball for one tournament, but I wouldn’t rule anything out,” Ridley said. “We’re always going to do what we think is in the best interest of the tournament.”

ShackHouse 59: The Masters, The Masters And More The Masters

House is on his way here but we got down to the nitty gritty--some stats, some flora, some fauna and some prop bets! We make our picks, sift through some numbers you need to know and hopefully set up what could be an epic Masters.

The iTunes option for this week's show.

The embed listening option...

Masters Music, Revisited: The Real Artist And Song Behind Amen Corner

A few years ago I wrote for GolfDigest.com about an essential Masters tracklist that is my Augusta week car music--make fun all you want. This is no Spotify playlist, sorry kids. At least not yet.

Either way it's swell to see nice legit versions on iTunes and elsewhere of the actual Shoutin' In That Amen Corner by Mildred Bailey.

Incidentally, John Boyette's excellent story has been updated and has surfaced on Augusta.com clarifying the artist and recording that Herbert Warren Wind was inspired by to label Amen Corner. It wasn't quite as Mr. Wind got it, but the spirit was all that mattered. And the song lives on, as does Amen Corner. 

For another fantastic read on Wind and Amen Corner, check out Bill Fields' Golf Digest story from a few years ago.

ESPN+ Launching April 12th, To Include PGA Tour Live Coverage

ESPN has announced the $4.99 a month package of its various properties to address the needs of cord cutters. One surprise element is the inclusion of PGA Tour coverage that sounds suspiciously like PGA Tour Live, the digital-only pre-Golf Channel coverage offered for $40 a year.

This would seem to be signaling a major white flag on PGA Tour Live's ability to sell subscriptions on its own. For $60 a year you can get all of ESPN's properties, vs. $40 a year for early round tour action.

· PGA TOUR LIVE GOLF – MORE THAN 100 DAYS OF COVERAGE FROM 31 PGA TOUR EVENTS: Golf fans will be able to follow the PGA TOUR throughout the year, with more than 100 days of live coverage from 31 PGA TOUR events, including THE PLAYERS Championship, the FedEx Cup Playoffs, AT&T Byron Nelson, AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Travelers Championship, Arnold Palmer Invitational and dozens more. Coverage will include Thursday, Friday and some Saturday and Sunday play during the events.

Masters Monday: Day 1 Scene Setter, Poulter Hops A Ride, Hossler Signs After Losing And Luke Parsons' Lag

This should start your week off on the right foot...assuming you're excited for The Masters.

Welcome to Monday at #themasters.

A post shared by The Masters (@themasters) on Apr 2, 2018 at 4:00am PDT

Ian Poulter went straight from his Houston Open win to hitching a ride with Henrik Stenson.

Thank you @henrikstenson for waiting for me @netjets you are the best 👍🏻👊🏻🏆... back home in Orlando ready to rest tomorrow and head to @themasters on Tuesday.

A post shared by Ian Poulter (@ianjamespoulter) on Apr 1, 2018 at 7:16pm PDT

Beau Hossler stayed around after a tough playoff loss to sign for the kids. 

Even though he fell short, Beau still had time for the kids. 👏👏

A post shared by PGA TOUR (@pgatour) on Apr 1, 2018 at 5:54pm PDT

Look at the lag from Luke Parsons, Boys 7-9 division:

Impressive golf on display during the @drivechipandputt National Finals.

A post shared by The Masters (@themasters) on Apr 1, 2018 at 8:29am PDT

Golf Gods At Work: LPGA's First Major Heads To Monday Finish After Playing Par-5 Over And Over Again

The Masters has flirted with not finishing in daylight Sunday nights--hint, hint say multiple sources with knowledge of the Golf Gods and their thinking in making everyone come back Monday. (The Masters at least moves to the 10th tee for its second playoff hole.)  

But as Beth Ann Baldry explains for Golfweek that if nothing else, the Inbee Park-Pernilla Lindberg ANA Inspiration playoff moves to the 10th tee for its 8 am re-boot, ending the insanity of playing a par-5 over and over again. 

“I’m just happy that we got rid of that 18th hole,” said Park, who will square off against Lindberg at 11 a.m. Eastern on the par-4 10th hole. Park birdied the 10th hole twice this week; Lindberg birdied it once.

Preview: 13th Hole Feature Airing Tonight On Live From The Masters

Josh Pettit's 13th Hole Plan

Golf Channel Producer Dominic Dastoli and many talented camera and sound engineers have put together a piece on the 13th hole, with yours truly narrating and gently steering the conversation toward a question on many minds: is it time to lengthen the epic 13th at Augusta National?

We enlisted golf architect and historian Josh Pettit of Pacific Golf Design to put together plans of the hole.

In this case, Josh took 1938 and modern day aerials, added color, yardages and contour lines to create a really beautiful piece of work. (Josh also found the never-built MacKenzie short course plans for Augusta.)

We took these plans to Nick Faldo and Ben Crenshaw for their insights. The combination of visuals, historic footage and their insights hopefully provide a compelling look at what has made this the best par-5 on the planet, the most fascinating hole most years at The Masters and what it'll take to maintain the risk and reward. 

The feature is scheduled to air tonight on Live From The Masters, 8-10 pm ET on Golf Channel.

Just Some Of The Best Of 2018 Masters Merchandise

New space, new lighting and probably a wainscoting shortage after all of the new construction here, yet the merchandising team seems to have only improved the already stellar offerings. A few more niche brands and approaches have snuck in again this year, to compliment the basics that every Masters-logo loving fan will scoop up.

So with that, just some of the best merchandise items I found, though I've already heard rumors of something wonderfully bizarre that I missed! I will investigate and report back. 

Also, the new building, with images and some scenes from the renovated and enhanced entryway, is reported on here by The Forecaddie. 

Drive, Chip And Putt Wrap: Golf Needs More Drive, Chip And Putt!

Another year, another beautiful Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals at Augusta National. The names are different, but the stories, skill and class has been a consistent trait of all five years. 

We learned once again that golf can be cool when played with nice manners, amazing etiquette and a little gentility. Sure it helps that they're amazing kids who are way better at golf than they know.

But those who say new and younger audiences are only attracted to boorishness, could learn a thing or two from the participants here, as Nick Faldo put it in an interview under the Big Oak with Steve Sands. 

Fine as this event is as a stand alone, it does seem odd that by now the professionals have not been tempted to have a big boys or girls Drive, Chip and Putt. Check out Steve DiMeglio’s survey of PGA Tour players asking who they think would win such a competition. It sure would be fun to watch, particularly with some clever chip and putting scenarios.

The Drive, Chip and Putt would not be improved by seeing the pros playing that way. Instead, it’s the pros who could learn a thing or two from the joys of this event and in showcasing their talents in ways beyond 72-holes of stroke play.

Final results here from Golfweek.

A Jimmy Roberts narrated highlight package. 

Jeff Babineau with a roundup of highlights for DriveChipAndPutt.com.

An image gallery from another beautiful day.

Check out Conrad Chisman’s Daly-esque action:

Grip It and Rip It, right @PGA_JohnDaly? #DriveChipandPutt pic.twitter.com/jfeW1yVQcY

— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) April 1, 2018

The 7-9 Girls winner Ella June Hannant took Low Cuteness honors. 

Congratulations Ella June Hannant -- our Girls 7-9 Champion!🏆 pic.twitter.com/HZjFkb1ovx

— Drive, Chip & Putt (@DriveChipPutt) April 1, 2018

Her interview with Charlie Rymer is very special (thanks reader Z for sending), including a mention of her instructor, former PGA Tour player Clarence Rose.

The winners: 

Your 2018 #DriveChipandPutt Champions!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

🏆Ella June Hannant
🏆Taighan Chea
🏆Vanessa Borovilos
🏆Tip Price
🏆Sara Im
🏆PJ Maybank III
🏆Katherine Schuster
🏆Brendan Valdes pic.twitter.com/7C8UWohree

— Drive, Chip & Putt (@DriveChipPutt) April 1, 2018

Former Secretary Of State Tillerson To Resurface At Masters As Berckmans Place Greeter

Rex Tillerson, the former Secretary of State and Augusta National member who has not been seen publicly since his firing last month by President Donald Trump, will resurface at this week’s Masters in a "working" capacity.

According to four sources privy to conversations between Tillerson and new Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley, the former Secretary volunteered for "just about" any committee role. Tillerson has told friends “that any job would be better” than the one he just held for a year, including working on the media committee. 

“Tilly offered to do anything, even give tours of the members’ wine cellar,” said one club source. “But that’s a job for new members like Finchem. Chairman Ridley thought Rex needed to get acclimated with every day working folks again and assigned him to work as a Berckmans greeter for a few hours Monday morning.”

Berckmans Place is the club’s $6000 a ticket, all-you-can-imbibe luxury pavilion opened in 2012 and spearheaded by Chairman Billy Payne as another patron experience opportunity. Tillerson will share meet-and-greet duties with another former Secretary of State and member, Condoleeza Rice. Current USC Athletic Director Lynn Swann is also a regular Berckmans presence. 

“Having Rexy join Condi down there allows Berckmans patrons to ask probing questions about our most hostile foreign powers," said another member. "How cool is that?"

Another club source said part Tillerson's transition to non-government life, which has included getting re-acclimated with flying on Gulfstream V's and VI's, will be a special gesture from Chairman Ridley.  While it's not normal practice, the Chairman is allowing the former Secretary to leave two patron badges for Jared and Ivanka Trump at Will Call. The badges have been deactivated and anyone trying to use them would be subject to arrest by the Sheriff.  

"Rex is pretty beaten down, but the Chairman thinks it might even lift his spirits to passive-aggressively leave badges for 'Jarvanka.' It's a key component of Rex's Acceptance and Commitment Therapy program."

Inspired By Trump, Lydia Ko Working On Spin-Off Of The Apprentice

Lydia Ko has a grander goal in mind than returning to No. 1 in women's golf: establishing herself as a reality television star.

Barring a setback like winning a major or a Race For The CME Globe, the former World No. 1 expects to channel her passion for hiring and firing into a business. 

“We’ve got a great plan going forward,” Ko said when contacted about a pitch document leaked on a Reddit community forum. “It really just allows me to monetize what I do best: firing caddies and coaches."

Ko admitted that her virtually annual process of changing caddies and coaches has been cumbersome and at select times, stressful. Ko says she was inspired to pitch Golf Channel on her idea thanks to Donald Trump's rise from reality show host of The Apprentice to the presidency.

Ko has penciled in the fourth quarter of 2018 to film the first pilot for "The Caddy Apprentice," where the golfer will conduct a contest to be her next looper as cameras record the interview and audition process. Former instructor David Leadbetter is expected to replace current instructor Ted Oh by then and will serve as a sidekick, though Ko said that could change three or four more times.

Ko admitted to being oddly comfortable at the thought of replacing current caddie Jonny Scott with cameras rolling.

“I can better deal with all the whimpering and whining by monetizing my love of replacing team members. I mean, like, who wouldn't want to say, ‘Bones Mackay, YOU’RE FIRED!'”

Besides Mackay, Ko hopes to lure caddies Fluff Cowan, Steve Williams and a hologram of Herman Mitchell for season one, though she hasn't worked out how Mitchell would actually carry her bag.  Ko already has written a pitch for The Swing Instructor Apprentice.

"Eventually there will be two shows running concurrently if all goes well and we can consolidate the production. There are so many people to fire. This is so much more fun than playing!"

Ko denied any plans to fire equipment supplier PXG and its founder Bob Parsons.

"Not yet, but the tax implications of all his free gifts have started to become a pain."

R&A Hits Pause On Plans To Sell Open Merchandise At Swilken Bridge, Other Famous Locations

Following backlash for covering over golf’s most historic storefront in the name of selling Open merchandise, the R&A and St. Andrews Links Trust have quietly squelched ambitious gift shop expansion plans.

For now.

Sources close to R&A Chief Executive Martin Slumbers and Links Trust CEO Euon Loudon say the leaders were caught off guard by outrage surrounding their decision to smother the historic Tom Morris storefront signage with The Open’s logo. The same storefront that Bobby Jones sought refuge in after winning The Open, and where golf architects like C.B. Macdonald, A.W. Tillinghast and Donald Ross were inspired.

"We're just trying to grow the game and slow down the damn ball!" Slumbers could be heard yelling to Loudon as they bemoaned golf tourists during a meeting at a St. Andrews coffee shop. Out of their get together came a top secret agreement to put Open merchandise satellite shops on hold, including Slumbers' ambitious plans to erect one on the 18th fairway.

"Slumbers took inspiration from Peter Dawson and thought they could slow down drives on 18 by making it blind, ala the Road hole," said an R&A staffer. "Then he figured, 'while we're at it, why not sell some nice Open chotskies too.'" 

Images obtained for the planned Swilken Bridge satellite shop suggest the additional retail location would have been hawking Open-branded trinkets, caps and other gear as golfers cross the centuries-old landmark while blocking clubhouse views. 

Multiple sources confirmed other planned locations for conversion into Open merchandise shops included the lighthouse at Turnberry, a turf island on Muirfield’s 18th greenside bunker and the Cavern Club in Liverpool. The R&A refused comment on those plans but did issue a statement denying rumors of a merchandise shop floating through Carnoustie's Barry Burn during this year's Open.

Poulter Has Shot At Incredible (Practically) Last-To-First Houston Open Win

Ian Poulter's Masters hopes depend on a win at Houston this week and after an opening 73, his chances seemed bleak. But a pair of 65s has him tied for the lead going into Sunday's finale. With nearly all of the top 10 having not earned an invitation and several who have never won a PGA Tour event, the Masters field is looking likely to expand by one Sunday. (Oh and valuable FedExCup points will be earned!)

From Jonathan Wall's PGATour.com report on where Poulter's turnaround ranks historically should he win.

Should he go on to win, he would become the first player in the last 35 years to win a TOUR event after being tied for 123rd or worse after the first round.

There's also a TOUR title and a Masters invite on the line. But Poulter isn't worried about any of that — at least not yet.

"I'm in a funny position, right? I said to you guys I've got no expectations going out on the golf course," Poulter said. "I didn't have any expectations, I just went out to play golf. I'm going to do exactly the same tomorrow regardless."

The round highlights from PGA Tour Entertainment:

SUBSCRIBE to PGA TOUR now: http://pgat.us/vBxcZSh In the third round of the 2018 Houston Open, Ian Poulter climbed up the leaderboard in his bogey-free round, but Beau Hossler maintained composure heading into the final round. The Houston Open is contested at the Golf Club of Houston, near Humble, Texas.

Fred Ridley Recounts A Clifford Roberts Encounter That Definitely Sounds Like The Club Co-Founder We All Love And Know

Augusta Chronicle Sports Editor John Boyette gets an exclusive sitdown with new Masters Chairman Fred Ridley.

The discussion sticks to golf stories from Ridley's days as a three-time participant in The Masters. Naturally, his best tale involves a Clifford Roberts encounter the week before playing his first Masters. Ridley was visiting the club and practicing. And of course, he just turned and there was co-founder.

“I don’t remember what I was doing, but I was standing by myself, probably just soaking it all in,” Ridley recalled. “And I turned around and there was Clifford Roberts. I thought I’ve done something wrong, I was ready to be lectured. But we had the nicest conversation, and I remember he was very polite, very kind.

“As we were finishing up, he said, ‘Son,’ and he pointed over to the Par-3 Course, ‘You’re going to play over there next Wednesday. I want you to get a few rounds in before the Par-3 Contest.’ That didn’t have a lot of meaning to me at the time, but I now know that that was a really special place for him. He loved the Par-3. I do have that recollection, which is pretty special.”

Well, the Par-3 Course was certainly was a place of interest to Mr. Roberts. 

Punters Take Note: Spieth Says He's Taken A Masters Steps Forward

ShackHouse listeners know we've been looking for signs from Jordan Spieth to be rounding into Masters shape, and at least according to Jordan Spieth, the sign arrived Friday.

He's four back heading into Sunday's Houston Open finale but for the prognosticators out there looking for Masters signs, Jordan Spieth said after his second round 67

From Will Gray's report for GolfChannel.com:

“From where I was three days ago, goal accomplished for the week already. And it’s Friday,” Spieth said. “So at this point anything else is icing on the cake. It’s kind of weird to say that, but just trying to take a step forward every single day. I thought today was a step forward from yesterday.”