(CBS DFW) — Dustin Johnson set a report in his November Masters win at Augusta Nationwide. He shot 268 (20-under) for the event on the par-72 course that noticed Tiger Woods win in 2019 with 275. Whereas Jordan Spieth’s 270 in 2015 had been the very best rating of the final 20 years, it’s not unusual for the winner to shoot within the 280s. Zach Johnson gained in 2007 with a four-round complete of 289, which is definitely 1-over par.
Situations at the beginning of the event counsel that neither Johnson nor anybody else will come near his final rating. In follow rounds, the course performed as agency and quick because it has in years. This implies the steeply sloping greens grow to be that rather more tough, guiding good putts towards the opening and unhealthy putts away from it. Distinction these situations with the delicate situations in November that helped in Johnson’s report efficiency. Augusta Nationwide, in its present state, is way more durable. And that advantages the world’s finest gamers.
READ MORE: Orioles Welcome Fans Back At Camden Yards After More Than 560 Days For Home Opener
Particularly, it advantages these gamers who’re significantly helpful with the irons. Which means gamers like Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth.
The course is firmer and sooner for a couple of reasons. Early spring has extra daylight in that a part of the nation, which dries all the pieces out. Additionally the latest overseed is additional up to now. Overseeding, which is the method of planting grass seeds over present grass to maintain the course playable, requires a lot of water, which softens situations.
The membership has some management over the issue in fact situations. However they could not need to take the matter into their very own palms (in the event that they even wish to). The present forecast exhibits the partly cloudy situations Thursday, however a stray bathe or thunderstorm might soften issues up on Thursday evening. Friday has a 34 p.c probability of afternoon thunderstorms, and Saturday has a 65 p.c probability all day. Extra rain might present up Sunday as effectively. Temperatures will stay within the low 80s with a slight wind.
READ MORE: Orioles Home Opener: Live In-Game Updates Vs. Red Sox
Precipitation would soften up the course and permit for extra scoring. But when the rain slides previous Augusta and the forecast stays dry, scoring alternatives could possibly be restricted. In line with Fred {Couples}, who gained the Masters in 1992, “If it stays dry, it’ll be as tough because the course has performed in a protracted, very long time, and that’s what I feel we have to have.”
Then once more, Augusta Nationwide can nonetheless be arrange for scoring even when pure situations are working in opposition.
As of Thursday afternoon, with most most gamers within the clubhouse, Brian Harman and Hideki Matsuyama have been tied for the lead at 3-under.
Watch the Masters reside Saturday, April 10, 3:00-7:00 p.m. ET and Sunday, April 11, 2:00-7:00 p.m. ET on CBS.
