2017 Masters: 5 Bold But Problematic Predictions
Who will take the 1st round lead and set the pace for the 2017 Masters?
The first round in any tournament is always a warm-up round.
Players are shaking off their jitters and getting calibrated not only to the golf course but also to the rhythm and climate of the tournament.
There’s a certain amount of settling in to playing partners as well, and to the timbre of the gallery. That’s an especially important element of settling into the rhythm of The Masters, where golf fans are assured of receiving a unique and very classy experience.
With a limited number of tickets – er, badges – available and very pricy if you can get them – 2 full 4-day Masters badges that originally sold for about $2,600 are being offered for resale on eBay for $6,000, there’s going to be no Waste Management 16th hole hooting and hollering at Augusta National.
The field isn’t immune to the aura surrounding The Masters – and no matter how subtle, the gallery is a major contributor to that aura. Masters rookies in particular must make some mental adjustments to this golf tournament that is like no other.
So, who’s going to dial in their game quickly and set the pace for the 2017 Masters: An experienced player, one who knows what to expect and how to manage the unique pressures and expectations on Augusta National, whose game is solid and well-sharpened from the outset.