"The greens are nice and juicy."

It wasn't a surprise to see a few writers touting Billy Payne's contention that weather was all the difference Thursday. Here's an example.

Teddy Greenstein, writing for the dissolving Tribune empire:

If you've been following the Masters, you know the debate: Did club officials go too far in adding trees, a second cut of rough and 400-plus yards? Or is the weather to blame for the lack of birdies and eagles over the last two weekends?

Payne held firm Tuesday that weather was to blame and Thursday's low scores in flawless conditions made him look good.

Of course the weather helped and it was great fun to watch.

But don't forget the greens.

From Damon Hack's golf.com account:

Said Miguel Angel Jimenez, fresh off his 70: "The greens are nice and juicy."

And...

Said Jim Furyk, who also shot 66: "There were some accessible pins out there, and places where you could get to the hole, and the greens were also somewhat receptive."

Derek Lawrenson writing for The Daily Mail:

As for Augusta, remember the place that for two barren years has been too long, too cold and too quiet? Thanks to mother nature and a paternal helping hand from the Masters custodians, it became too short, too soft and very loud.

Last year there were only 23 rounds under 70 in the entire tournament. Here, with no wind, generous pin positions and heavily watered greens, there were 19 on the first day alone.

A few years ago running back Reggie Bush and USC came to South Bend to face a Notre Dame defense terrible against the run. So they grew out the field to US Open rough length and slowed Bush down a bit.

And when a baseball team fields slow and shakey infielders, their grounds crews have been known to grow out the grass and water it down to slow down ground balls.

I would contend that Thursday's low scores--aided by softer greens--confirmed more than the bad weather days just how much the changes at Augusta National have reduced player options and made the course susceptible to even the slightest weather hiccup.

Might it be better to have firmer greens, but allow the players to take advantage of the many angles now covered in rough and trees?

Yes, it was fun to watch the guys play some aggressive shots Thursday. But it seems a bit simplistic to suggest that that weather is the sole reason for high or low scores.