2016 Preview Golf: The Masters

COMMENTATOR: Maybe... Yes! There it is! Yes, for Gary Player! Oh! What a

shot. Absolutely incredible. A life changer. Yes! At long last. Oh! Wow!

One of the greatest putts I've ever seen.

the magic of the Masters, Amen Corner, Magnolia Lane, it is nearly

in full bloom, and so Ken Brown and Peter Alliss. Nice to see you,

always a great place and we never get tired of it, what makes it so

special? It is the audacity of the club and the committee, in terms of

changing things, this has been the same... I've been coming here so

many years, everything has changed and nothing has changed, it is the

boldness of it, the new press centre, and they just knocked 80

houses down to make a car park, it is a fantasyland. It is. You

appreciate horticulture, and you have done a great job of these

borders, by the way! What about on the course? How fast are the greens

this year? Not too fast at the start of the week and then they get faster

and faster, drying out, they are pretty pacey, if you get the wrong

side, they are like Greece lightning. You have experienced the

beautiful brutality of this course and we understand it will be cool

and breezy, with a north-westerly wind which could be into the faces

of the players on the par fives, how tough will it be? It could be

anything. The great thing about this course, I feel, it does not have

much protection, there is no rough, a few ponds, if you go off the

fairway, you can scramble down, but it is the size of the greens and the

slopes and the pace, and where they have the audacity to put the flags,

it's a nightmare, it can be a nightmare. If the wind is blowing,

swirling around, club selection is pinpoint and it becomes a hard

challenge. It will be tricky. It could be even more fascinating, and

another huge question, what about the defending champion, Jordan

Spieth, what did he serve up at the champions dinner? This is one of the

great traditions, attended by so many winners of the green jacket.

Jordan Spieth's choice of a Texan barbecue was no doubt readily

appreciated. Tiger Woods, even though he was not going to be

competing their share, and there was also so Nick Faldo. They had

barbecued baked beans amongst other things. No wonder the wind is

getting up! That was the appetiser before the main event tomorrow,

Jordan Spieth will attend this week to become only the fourth man after

Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods to come here and win the Masters back to

back. -- attempt. He was at least dominant here 12 months ago. --

utterly dominant. I was asked of my career had exceeded expectations

from when I first turned professional, absolutely. I have the

expectation of sitting here with what I've done on the golf course

but I did not think it would come this soon.

It is incredible. One of the best feelings I've ever felt. This was

arguably the greatest day of my life will

I will try to use last year as momentum. We know we are capable of

playing this place, we have proven that in the last two years. I put

high expectations on this week, I'm putting pressure on myself to

contend my just like last year, and I feel I'm informed, as well. But it

is also going to be a lot of fun walking these fairways and reliving

those memories. The crowd, the echoes. How often do you get to see

your name in the champions locker room at Augusta National for the

first time? After its period sink the Sunday of winning, and wanting

that to last four days -- after experiencing the Sunday of winning

and wanting that to last for days. It was a pleasant surprise. Just the

jacket itself, it provides motivation, it is not easy to get.

It is worth noting, on the eve of his defence he is still out there

practising his chipping and his pitching and his putting. Remember

how emphatic his statement was largely, record-breaking win, you

led from start to finish, equalling Tiger Woods lowest total of

18-under, and he went on to win the US Open, as welcomer and five titles

in an amazing season -- he led. Where did his achievement rank for

you last year, Peter? One of those amazing bursts that are totally

unexpected and you wonder why. Vijay Singh, he was 40 before it happened

to him and then he won umpteen Majors. I think there are

similarities between Jordan Spieth and Lydia Ko, who is top of the

ladies. They both have unorthodox swings and mannerisms and they do

things that are not supposed to work, especially Spieth. These are

things which, over the years, you look for if you are having a touch

of the matches, but he has made it work. Whether it will stay, only

time will tell, but he and Lydia Ko, they have quirky touches and I find

it fascinating. Lydia Ko has also just won be first of the women's

Majors, by the way. -- the first. What about his lethal weapon last

year? Time after time, it was putting with supreme confidence, his

season last season was one of the greatest ever in golf and it was all

down to this, everything he looked at found the bottom of the cup. Nine

single putts each day, and these greens are very tricky, and so this

was an amazing performance, ridiculous. Comparative frailty out

there, it seems not to be so comfortable with his putting at the

moment. Hardly a crisis, he won the first event at 13 at the park but do

you think he will be there or thereabouts this year? -- 13-under

par. You can never tell, he has played here twice and he has

finished second and first so you have got to think he has a great

chance, and he is still out there, working on his touch. One title he

did not want this year is the par-3 contest, this is an old contest, and

tradition which goes back to 1960. The par-3 competition which precedes

the Masters is one of the great editions, first held in 1960 and it

now draws large numbers of patrons and is widely regarded as a fun

element in an otherwise serious week. -- great traditions.

One player absent this year is Rory McIlroy, no one of the par-3 contest

has ever won the green jacket, but he suggested that the competition

was a distraction he could do without. But the addition did

feature a host of golfing superstars accompanied by friends and family

and large numbers of patrons gathered around the greens and they

were hoping to see a few more additions to the 18 holes in one

made so far in the event's history. COMMENTATOR: Truly 80 years young,

Gary Player. CHEERING Can you do that? LAUGHTER

Jack got one here last day, and there was one for Gary today. Jimmy

Walker won the par-3 contest, 8-under par, with a score of 19 from

nine holes, extraordinary. No winner of the par-3 has ever gone on to win

the green jacket, though, in the same year, that is, and there was no

sign of Rory McIlroy down there, because he decided to concentrate on

the main event. He comes here for the second time to Augusta needing

just the Augusta -- Masters title to complete the grand slam, and if he

did that he would become the first European. I feel like preparations

have gone well and I'm hitting the ball well. I'm trying to take it a

bit more relaxed the issue, and I felt last year going into the

tournament I was a bit on edge and so on trying to have more fun out

there and not getting ahead of myself. Is it hard to relax when

there is so much at stake? A grand slam. At this point there is no

reason why you should not be relaxed. There are many different

ways to pass my time, jigsaw puzzles, monopoly, at the house

where we are renting, so there is fun stuff going on. As the week goes

on in if I start to play well in the tournament, you will feel the

pressure, it will be increasingly more difficult to stay relaxed but

that is my goal, to play as if this is my first time here again and

really take things in because this is special place. The experts say

this is the tournament which technically should be the easiest

for you to win, does it feel more difficult because this is the one

you really want? I know this course suits my game and if I go out and

play the way I know I can play, I can win on this golf course, and

I've beaten everyone that I'm trying to beat this week. As long as I

don't let the venue get the better of me and don't think about it too

much, and don't think what if I win a green jacket? Just try and stay in

the present. If I can do that, hopefully things will turn my way on

Sunday. It took Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player three attempts to land

the final bit of the Dix or, if you like, and this is Rory McIlroy's

second attempt. -- final bit of the jigsaw. He solved the riddle of the

par fives lasted, what is left for him to find June? He's a very

instinctive player. At Augusta, if you get a bit quick, it can grab you

very quickly, and when you look at his scores in recent years, each

round, each year, you can see a poor round, and in the past five years he

has had nine holes at 40 strokes each time. He has made a mistake and

then tried to chase the golf course or cross with himself. Playing well,

he is unbeatable, but he has got to avoid making mistakes and then

compounding it by making another, and if he can do that this week, he

is the best in the field, he has the ideal game and he will be tough to

beat, but he has got to avoid the blemish here and there.

Some players have come and never managed to get that final piece of

the jigsaw. Lee Trevino was one. It reminds as how is damaging it is he

is in this position. -- astonishing. He is on the verge of a career grand

slam with three out of the four Majors. It is amazing that Tiger

Woods has almost been forgotten. He was the most phenomenal player for

20 years I have ever seen in that pack. He dominated. As Ken said,

Rory McIlroy in full flow is absolutely magnificent. I have never

seen anybody hit it so hard. I have never seen him finish off balance.

He is there waiting for the photographer to go. It is truly

amazing. He does get a bit hasty, at times. But to win the grand slam, he

would probably be the British Isles greatest ever sportsman. That is

where years. It could be a putter missed or a bit of luck. Rafael

Cabrera-Bello, clattered into the trees at 18. And suddenly you have

the jacket. Anything could happen, as we know. As you remember, Rory

McIlroy came in here as world number one last year. Now third in the

world behind Jordan Spieth and Jason Day. Between them they are the new

big three. They have claimed five of the last six major titles. Justin

Rose at number nine. Bubba Watson and Australia's Adam Scott are also

firmly lodged in the world top ten. Adam's mate Jason is in the hottest

form right now. Back-to-back titles into Augusta. And no wonder fellow

Aussie Wayne Grady has a spring in his thong. There are five

Australians in the field this week but let's look at two of them.

Frankly, Jason Day is ranked the best player in the world. Last year

was a breakthrough, winning five times, including his first major,

the PGA Championship. Already this year he has won back-to-back. He

took the Houston open and prepared mentally. It feels good to walk the

ground at number one in the world. Once again, it has not changed to IM

as a person. And what I have done as a player. -- who I am. I need to

focus on still working hard, going through the process of what I did in

the past to get to number one. And what I have done in the past to play

well here as well. Some bookies have Jason has favoured but it has been

14 years since the top player in the world has come here and won it, that

was Tiger Woods back in 2002. I had a great run at the end of last year.

Starting to have a great run here. I hope I can keep going through this

week. It is three years since Adam gave Australia their first green

jacket. Much has changed since. COMMENTATOR: Adam Scott! A life

changer! The long shot he breaded back in 2013 has been banned but it

has not stopped him. He has also won back-to-back this year. Personally

these, the grass on the green and the speed of the green is more what

I like to putter on than the slower Bermuda grasses. I am excited about

this week and having my shorter putter put to the test and trying to

embrace all of the challenges the Masters will throw at me. He has got

Tiger Woods back on the bag. Steve Williams, they were together in 2013

when he won it. Will there be another one for Adam, or will they

be chasing Jason? Peter, what makes Jason Day the pre-eminent player in

the world? He is a good-looking young fella, hitting its miles. I do

not think I have seen anyone hit at it harder than he does. He takes 1

million hours to play which is rather dismal. It is very exciting.

The sport is in a very good place with young talent, boys and girls

and it is a delight to be part of it. No longer an old man's game. He

has Rory McIlroy's length with his iron play but also that Jordan

Spieth perfection around the green as well. The full package right now.

Winning six times in 13 starts and full of confidence. He has his a

game. His confidence is best in the field. He is favourite coming in.

Adam Scott, 35. How remarkable is it that three years after winning with

a broom handle part, he is in the mix to do it with a short handle

again? He can use it but he cannot anchor it. He has gone to the short

one. He made a couple of tries before. He has found the secret and

got a bit of help from Brett Rumford. He adjusted his right hand

grip and he has won twice this year and he was putting beautifully both

times. He can certainly be a factor, the man tied runner-up at the Open

Championship. Australia has got high expectations. What about European

hopes? We are still waiting, 17 year 's later after Jose Maria Olazabal.

It is 20 years since Nick Faldo got his third green jacket in 1996 at

the expense of an Aussie that year. That round was the best mental state

I was ever in my career. I said, I want to win and stand and look out

at Augusta and all you see is trees. COMMENTATOR That is the way

champions do it. I genuinely felt for him. What can I say? I do not

know what to say. We embraced and I wished him well. With the media. I

want to win the Masters. I did not. Nick Faldo did. I screwed up. I know

I screwed up today. It is not the end of the world for me. It really

is not. There was emotion out there and emotion between Nick and myself

on the 18th. I am disappointed. I am sad. I will regret it. It is going

to be a day I know that I let one slip away. I would not like to see a

player do what I did either, under the circumstances. Not everything is

going to be perfect your whole life. Oh, you still feel his pain 20 years

later. This year there are 15 golfers from the UK in the field

with a couple of Scotsman, two Welshman, three from Northern

Ireland and eight in Richmond. Will an English rose bloom this year?

Iain Carter might have some answers. Just 21 but already playing his

second Masters. Matthew Fitzpatrick is got a putting touch made for the

Augusta greens. It has propelled him higher among the newer generation of

English golfers. We play a lot of golf with each other and we know

each other's game as well. It is good to have everybody out here. You

know what you are up against. Like Fitzpatrick, Chris Wood is back for

the second time. The man from Bristol has played a practice with

Rory McIlroy and is a far more competent player than when he made

his debut six years ago. It is a well-deserved debut for Andy

Sullivan, the former supermarket shelf stacker. He is now a

three-time winner on the European Tour. The man for the Midlands has

an inner steel behind his genial demeanour and he can make an impact

despite his lack of Augusta experience. The path as proved that

rookies tend to not do well but I hope I can break the spell this year

and get it done. I am trying to grab as much information as I can and

hopefully naivete will get me through. Danny Willett is one of the

most respected talents in the game. He contended in the open last year

and he is ready to take the next step, major stage. In the first

bloom of fatherhood after the arrival of baby Zachary last week,

he could be an inspired figure here. When I get back next week it is back

to daddy duties and awake every two or three hours and making sure he is

feeding and changing nappies. It is nice to hopefully play four rounds

and stay away. Paul Casey has been sharpening his short game after

coming in at six last year and lining up for his 10th appearance at

the Masters by starting with the defending champion, Jordan Spieth.

England's most likely contender is Justin Rose. Last year, a 14-under

finish would have been good enough to win many Masters. His renowned in

a calm might just make sure that a rose can become an indelible part of

Augusta's famed floor. You always learn a little bit every year. I am

properly not going to learn tonnes between this year and last year. It

comes down to execution and trying to bring your best game. Justin was

34 under-par for all four Majors in total last year. Extraordinary he

did not win one. Is it his time again? If not, which of the other UK

players do you both rate best? I have always fancied the game Paul

Casey has got. He has got a lot of problems health-wise and its and

pieces, but who have got to be hitting the ball nicely and having a

bit of fortune. I like Fitzpatrick and Danny Willett. But are they a

bit young and immature for this occasion? They mature quicker than

they did 50 years ago, I believe. But there is a lot for everything at

home to watch. -- everyone. I would like to think Martin Kaymer will put

in an appearance this week. Not long ago we said, brilliant, brilliant.

Then he had that rubber band failure when he was umpteen shots aired and

he has not been the same since. -- failure. We have really come to a

masters were guys that have performed well in the past have in

such hot favourites coming into the build-up. It was your pick, Ken?

First of all, Billy is take the. He lost in the play-off before. He has

got the perfect game. -- Louis Oosthuizen. This was to the second

part five with a four iron. He has a glorious swing. -- par five. And

watch this one. Crackerjack. He will be there, one of the favourites, no

doubt. He knows he can win a major. He knows he can hold a four iron.

There are one or two others that have come to the fore in betting.

Ricky Fowler has had top five finishes in all four Majors over the

years. Many people think he is ready. No doubt about it. He has

made some swing changes and it is much better. He had a look at the

top of the backswing but he has ironed it out. He has improved from

the tee to the green. He is a darned good passer. -- putter. He has got

all the shots. He hits a surprisingly long way for a little

fella. If you want even-numbered domination, how about two titles in

four years? It is Bubba Watson. 2012 and 2014. So exciting to watch. This

took into his victory, out of the trees. 35 yards. Amazing player. He

hits it high and he can shake the ball. The par-5 is so easily in

range with a mid-metal-macro. And a benefit here in Augusta. -- with the

iron. Well done, Bubba Watson. Another former champion in the next,

even though Phil Mickelson has not won it, a tournament, since the Open

Championship at Muirfield, he can never be discounted at Augusta. He

is a three-time winner. He loves the place. He has played 24 times, top

1015 times. Unbelievable shot. Aggressive and attacking player. --

in the top ten, 15 times. He is looking forward to it and he's back

into a bit of... On the upward curve with a new coach. Let's have a look

at what the bookies think. Jason Day is the outright favourite at 7-1.

Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth behind him. Johnson 18-1. Danny

Willett, city six. Henrik Stenson was the runner up in Houston last

week. He is 20 will live- one also. -- 25-1 also. 66-1, Danny Willett.

It is worth mentioning seven out of the last ten winners have been

ranked 20-1, or hire at the start of the Masters week. We can speculate

on what it will be like in the next couple of days but it will all be

decided on the back of this lovely practice facility here on the

course. Guess who has been itching to get out there all week? This man.

It is bring time. The sun is shining and we are at Augusta and look at

it. A glorious scene. Blue skies, the azaleas are out. The pine trees

are looking splendid am absolutely glorious. The players have been

working on their games all season, to get it just right for this week

at the Masters. Can they pick up the green jacket? They have been trying

to find the right shape from the tee, getting the iron high, high and

soft. Look at that. That is what it is all about. Augusta National. It

is fantastic. It is picture perfect, as ever. It gets under way with the

89 strong field tomorrow morning. The defending champion Gordon Smith

-- Gordon speed gets going, with the US amateur champion. The world not

one Jason Day is an afternoon starter, just after six o'clock in

your evening with Matt Kuchar and Ernie Els. Rory McIlroy is in the

final three ball of the day. One minute past seven o'clock in the

evening. In the company of fellow major winner, Martin Kaymer. Peter's

favourites. And Bill Haas. We are having highlights of day one on

Friday evening on BBC Two at half past six. You can catch day to

highlights on Saturday afternoon on BBC One at half past one. That is

the lid and an intrepid coverage of the whole of the Masters weekend on

BBC sport from half past seven on Saturday night and half past six on

Sunday, on BBC Two. Sport does not get much better than

theirs. I hope you can share it all without. We hope for a home winner.

Maybe something like 25 years ago when Ian Woosnam had his biggest

moment. Sandy, if I can beat them, I can win

a major. All a sudden it is your big chance, what you have dreams about

all your life. # My hero... # Just to hear you say

it's...