"When Open returns to Royal Portrush, tales of redemption will sweep aside reality"

After a journalist was murdered last week and “the Troubles” seem to be at it again, Golfweek’s Eamon Lynch reminds us that The Open’s triumphant return to Royal Portrush will not be far from recent troubles or a tonic for the decades of conflict.

The Open Championship is a spoil, of sorts. Just as the Claret Jug will be held aloft by the champion golfer of the year, the Open itself will be brandished as a symbol of normalcy and progress by the very politicians whose stone-age squabbles have left Northern Ireland without a functioning government for years, whose intransigence and bigotry sent generations of Lyra McKees fleeing for airports and ferry terminals.

Self-congratulatory back-slapping by elected blowhards is so familiar a part of professional golf that it won’t really register with those who travel to Portrush. But it will be a galling spectacle for the people who must continue to live with increasing tribal tensions, sporadic violence and diminishing opportunities long after the Open caravan leaves town.

Augusta National Course Performance: Slower Greens Help Speed Up Play, Field Dismantles The Second Nine Par-5s Like Never Before

I hopefully slipped in as much detail as possible regarding a busy week for Augusta National as a venue. Slower greens appeared to make the difference in faster play, while the new 5th almost played tougher than the 13th and 15th. And the 11th hole is still a complete affront to the philosophy of Bobby Jones and Alister MacKenzie.

Read all about it at Golfweek.com.

The Tiger Stock Market Effect Is Back, At Least For Golf Companies

From an unbylined AP story:

Apex Marketing Group, a branding consulting company, estimated the media exposure for Nike to be worth more than $22 million. Nike Inc.’s stock rose less than 1% Monday.

Shares of energy drink maker Monster Beverage Corp., a sponsor whose green logo appears on Woods’ golf bag, gained about 2%.

Other golf companies that aren’t connected to Woods also saw a boost. Club maker Callaway Golf Co.’s stock rose 1.5%. And Acushnet Holdings Corp., maker of golf balls and other golfing equipment, added 1.7%.

Sam Weinman explained the bizarre correlation between Woods success and the markets six years ago. Are we headed there again?

7.7 Overnight: 2019 Masters Scores Strong Ratings Despite Early Start

Paulsen at Sports Media Watch has an excellent analysis of 2019 Masters final round ratings, which drew the lowest rating since 2004 but a fantastic share during the morning/early afternoon telecast expedited due to an ominous forecast. Combined with the 3.4 for the replay of the 12th hole on, and the total audience size was in line with Tiger’s 2010 return.

He writes:

Keep in mind that ratings are the percentage of homes watching a program out of the total number of television homes. Those numbers will be inevitably lower when fewer homes are watching television (as is the case during the morning).

Using the share, which is the percentage of homes watching out of the number of televisions in use, Sunday’s telecast fared much better. It had a 21 share, up 17% from last year (18) and tied with 2013 as the highest for the Masters since 2011.

An encore presentation of the final round delivered a 3.4 overnight from 3-7 PM ET. Combined, the live and encore telecasts grossed an 11.1 overnight. That would be the highest for the Masters since 2010, which marked Woods’ return to golf following his marital infidelity scandal (12.0).

Coupled with Saturday’s huge number and streaming’s erosion of ratings still appears not to have harmed the Masters.

Walking Tour Of Augusta National And Other Masters.com Content

As the 2019 Masters became a whirlwind affair, I wasn’t able to keep up with all of the amazing content. The Masters.com folks debuted a Masters podcast that even debuted and is queued up for me to keep savoring this year’s event for days to come.

I will selfishly start by posting my walking tour of the course, a walk I traditionally make on the weekends before settling in the Press Building (see map above…it starts at the clubhouse and goes up No. 1). The walk allows me to see all but the 4th, 5th and 12th hole locations up close and to get a sense of the wind, vibe and other conditions.

This year I was only able to do it Saturday and it took longer than normal, but generally it takes about 40 minutes and is a great way if you get to the Masters to see the entire course setting in a folding chair or grandstand.

The video was the idea of the Masters.com team to accompany my essay designed to settle most general questions about how to get the most from a Masters visit. Naturally, it was an honor to share this and I hope it’s handy for years to come if you get the privilege of attending the Masters.

Another stellar piece of content, if nothing else because chef David Chang takes you so many places so rarely seen in footage, is the piece embedded below. He reveals the not-so-secret (apparently!) Stand 12 drink. He even blends Masters sandwiches, but mostly does a lovely job summing up elements of the experience. Check it out:

"Tiger Woods Showed He Was Back Not With a Shot, but With a Stare"

Screen capture from Masters.com’s leaderboard clips.

There are going to be so many moments from the 2019 Masters worth reviewing since it all seemed to happen in a blur. The birdie at 3, the entire 12th hole, the drive at 13, the tee shot at 16 and the final two tee shots jump out.

But the New York Times Bill Pennington highlighted one moment that has been under-appreciated in the analysis of the stunning 12th hole events: Tiger marching on ahead to the green as Francesco Molinari and Tony Finau dealt with their shots landing in Rae’s Creek.

Thanks to the camera view from behind the tee, we could see how Tiger make sure to do some green gardening, requested blowers to move pine needles, and in general, was prowling around to remind his competitors he was on dry land.

Pennington writes:

Woods walked over the Hogan bridge and stood defiantly on the 12th green glaring back at Finau and Molinari as they dejectedly stood on the other side of the water, rummaging through their bags for another ball and club to once again try to traverse the creek.

Woods was in their line of sight, standing with his arms crossed or one hand on his hip. He continued to stare in their direction with an expression that seemed to say: “Can you hurry up? I’ve got a tournament to win.”

We’ve always wondered if the new, kinder Woods would ever regain the edge that made him different. Sunday’s 12th hole scene confirmed the master intimidator and artful practitioner of selective gamesmanship had his mojo fully restored.

Of course, the shot played was pretty swell too given how poorly other leaders handled the 12th. Here was Tiger’s answer to John Patrick’s press conference question:

Q.  For those of us watching, 12 seemed to be the seminal moment.  When Francesco's ball went in the water, did it change anything you were thinking?  Was it always going to be over the bunker, center of the green? 

TIGER WOODS:  That's all I was concentrating on.  I had 47 over the first tongue in the bunker there, and so my number, I was hitting it 50 and just be committed to hitting it 50.  There's a reason why ‑‑ I saw Brooksy ended up short.  Poults ended up short, as well.  And so I ‑‑ when I was up there on the tee box and it was about my turn to go, I could feel that wind puff up a little bit, and it had been something ‑‑ Brooksy is stronger than I am, and he flights it better than I do, so I'm sure he hit 9‑iron and didn't make it. 

So I knew my 9‑iron couldn't cover the flag, so I had to play left, and I said, just be committed, hit it over that tongue in that bunker.  Let get out of here and let's go handle the par 5s, and I did. 

Yeah, the mistake Francesco made there let a lot of guys back into the tournament, myself included.

Golf On The Front Pages: Tiger Making Newspapers Cool Again, Too

I had to scramble deep outside Augusta city limits to find some Chronicles, already sold out at most locations by 8 am.

But I’m pleased to say one was acquired as was the New York Times and USA Today. I’m biased, but USA Today is the most frameable, if I’m Tiger.

Where Were You Stories: 2019 Masters

There is much to mull from the 2019 Masters and posts will be flying to picking this masterpiece apart, but in the meantime I thought I’d share a fun story in hopes of hearing some of your “where were you” when Tiger Woods held off a huge cast of stars and future stars to win his fifth green jacket.

A friend of mine gathered with his neighborhood buddies and watched the final round in a garage converted into a mancave, with the door open to the street and everyone free to stand, roam, smoke, cheer, eat and watch the broadcast.

As Tiger wrapped up the win in the early afternoon when the leaders normally would be teeing off, a neighbor was driving by, pulled over and rolled down his window. The group watching said something to the effect, “how about that Masters,” to which the poor lad announced, “yep, I timed it just right, can’t wait to watch it!”

To which he was informed about tee times having been moved up and the round complete, with Tiger Woods winning. Loss of blood from the face ensued and there was the inevitable look of horror.

Mercifully for him, CBS replayed the round from the 12th hole on. And it can be relived on Masters.com, or on CBS Sports Network Monday night at 8 pm ET.

Feel free to post any lively or wacky where-were-you stories and other viewing anecdotes of note, if nothing else for the archives when we celebrate the 25th anniversary in 2044.

First Roundup: Tiger Wins His Fifth Masters And 15th Major

It was a day unlike any other…oh no, wait. It was…

Tiger.

Fifth Masters.

15 majors.

He’s all the way back.

Remember, this didn’t seem like it was ever going to happen again. And now 2019 may join 1960, 1986 and 1997 on the Rushmore of epic monumental years in Augusta. Let’s save that debate for this week.

I’ve just filed a few pieces for Golfweek and USA Today’s print and digital editions, but who needs sleep. Let’s go.

Doug Ferguson’s AP gamer and lead: “Tiger Woods blazing to victory in his Sunday red at the Masters, a scene once so familiar, was never more stunning.”

Steve DiMeglio’s USA Today game story.

Bill Fields at Masters.com opened with the 16th hole, where Tiger last put a Masters away in 2005.

Here’s my completely not humble explanation for why I picked Woods at the beginning of the week and how he prevailed by going all Hogan on us, not worrying about chasing those FedExCup points and, as he said early this week, peak four times a year.

Will Gray captures the scene behind 18th as Tiger worked his way to victory.

David Dusek also walks among the patrons and tries to capture the sense of excitement at Augusta National.

Dan Kilbridge was out with Tiger all day and has some of caddie Joe LaCava’s reactions to the win.

Brian Wacker addresses the inevitable question now: is 18 majors back in play.

Key interviews were after the round in the Press Building, and this second—SECOND—Butler Cabin interview with Jim Nantz and Nick Faldo thanks to the early start and Tiger’s return before CBS began a final round rebroadcast.

Here is 10 minutes of press conference video, not all but most. Masters.com video of Butler II here.

A Golfweek roundup of Tweets, including Jack Nicklaus’ congratulations and many other luminaries from sport and politics.

The weird Sunday start will be a footnote in the history books, but it still is worth considering how it impacted the event, writes Dave Shedloski.

Here is the lowdown on the gum. Yes, I asked but the rest of the answer about what gave him a sense of calm and confidence is ultimately more interesting.

The images are stunning, as you’d hope for a historic Masters.

The Masters.com gallery is here and focuses on the 18th hole scene and aftermath.

Golf Digest’s team of Furore, Cuban and Iooss captured some beauties here.

The Augusta Chronicle’s image gallery is also worth your time.

They also put up this separate gallery of the impromptu outdoor jacket ceremony originally cancelled.

The Masters Instagram story from Sunday was outstanding with some never-before-seen moments from after the win. Get it while it lasts!

The Woods round in 3 minutes:

Watch the final-round highlights from 2019 Masters champion @TigerWoods. #themasters pic.twitter.com/WIb5AnsPHQ

— Masters Tournament (@TheMasters) April 14, 2019

The entire final round is now online for viewing here.

Tiger’s first Tweet:

I can’t thank my family, friends and fans enough for their support. Having my family by my side today is something I will never forget. To not only be able to play again, but to be able to win again, is something I will forever be grateful for. This jacket sure is comfortable. pic.twitter.com/LsOUX2dWH1

— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) April 14, 2019

A Tradition We Hope To Never Replicate Again: The 2019 Masters Final Round Is Underway Early

Winter is coming in more ways than one.

It’s a Sunday unlike any other and we sure hope this early start never happens again. With potentially extreme weather coming around 2 pm, the players will have to move quickly, an near impossibility in threesomes and windy conditions.

Saturday was an epic in terms of scoring, reports Christine Brennan. The field was 80 under par, the scoring average the lowest for a third round (70.769) and yet, the field was the largest to make the cut (65).

Amen Corner Live and other feeds are live.

So enjoy! My five wild scenarios for Golfweek consider the range of possibilities.

Assuming we crown a winner, there will be no Green Jacket ceremony outdoors.

The Masters meets Game of Thrones. Whoa.

Instant Poll: Who Will Win The 2019 Masters?

You probably know the stat by now: the last time a Masters winner came from outside the top 5: 1990

Jeff Sherman’s updated final round odds:

2019 Masters updated after 3rd Round

F Molinari 7/4
T Woods 3/1
B Koepka 6/1
T Finau 13/2
D Johnson 25/1
I Poulter 30/1
X Schauffele 30/1
W Simpson 40/1
M Kuchar 40/1
L Oosthuizen 50/1
R Fowler 50/1
A Scott 80/1
J Harding 100/1
J Rahm 100/1
J Thomas 100/1
P Mickelson 150/1

— Jeff Sherman (@golfodds) April 13, 2019

Here they are (and ties). Vote away! And set those alarms for some early morning golf, as the last group will tee off at 9:20 am ET, usually the time members are just sitting down for a veranda breakfast.

Who will win the 2019 Masters?

Francesco Molinari

Tony Finau

Tiger Woods

Brooks Koepka

Webb Simpson

Ian Poulter

Someone outside the top 5 (and ties)

pollcode.com free polls

ESPN's 2019 Masters Second Round Draws 3.2 Million, Down From 3.9 Last Year

Guess the Tiger factor isn’t what it used to be, or streaming is eating into overall numbers, or Masters streaming has caused a downtick? Or all of the above?

For Immediate Release:

ESPN’s Second Round Masters Tournament Telecast Attracts 3.2 Million Viewers

ESPN’s telecast of the second round of the Masters Tournament on Friday, April 12, averaged 3.2 million viewers as golf fans tuned in to watch a charge by Tiger Woods on the second nine highlighting a fierce battle of golf stars at the top of the leaderboard. The telecast aired from 3-7:45 p.m. ET from Augusta National Golf Club.

The 3.2 million average, based on Nielsen Fast National data, was ESPN’s second-largest audience for the second round since 2013, exceeded only by the 3.9 million that watched last year. The viewership average does not include the rain delay that halted play from 5:03 – 5:34 p.m. on Friday. 

Friday’s audience was up significantly from 2017 (2.6 million) and 2016 (3.0 million), the last two years that Woods did not compete in the Masters due to injuries. It also was higher than 2015 (3.0 million, with Woods in competition) and 2014 (2.5 million when Woods missed the Masters for the first time in his career). 

For the second day, the Greenville-Spartanburg, S.C., market led the nation’s metered markets with a 5.0 rating, up from the 4.6 rating in the market on Thursday for the first round. Other top 10 markets for Friday were Ft. Myers/Naples, Fla., 4.7; Minneapolis-St. Paul, 4.2; Raleigh-Durham, 4.1; Buffalo, 3.7; Indianapolis, Columbus and Cincinnati, tied at 3.4; and Tampa-St. Petersburg and West Palm Beach, tied at 3.3.

Tiger's 14th Hole Birdie Gets Sliding Officer Off The Hook

You’ve surely seen it by now, an officer doing his best Chase Utley impersonation almost took out Tiger Woods in the name of well-intentioned but slightly overzealous policing of the patrons.

Golf.com’s Dylan Dethier talked to the poor lad, who is just happy Tiger capped off the hole with a birdie.

It earned the Menery treatment…

What We Can Learn From Zach Johnson's Spectacular 13th Tee False Start

So many wacky things happened Friday that we still mustn’t let Zach Johnson’s practice swing gone bad go forgotten. Oh, and besides an S-bomb from Zach—understandable—it’s a teaching moment about intent and the rules, writes Doug Ferguson.

Zach Johnson just laid up off the tee pic.twitter.com/rvjsf7UlMm

— Bunkie Perkins (@BunkiePerkins) April 12, 2019

Hopefully A Tradition Never To Happen Again: Masters Will Need To Mull A Full Monday Finish

I spent the latter parts of Friday’s exciting final round reading weather reports for this weekend’s violent storms and as Jim Nantz noted during the broadcast, the situation is ominous given an added element: high winds.

I do not envy the committee’s job given all of the logistics involved and unpredictability of weather, but as I lay out in this Golfweek column, no change in the bleak forecast and this leaderboard should make the call relatively easy: postpone the final round to Monday.