A prominent golf magazine this week attributed Australia’s non success at the Masters to the woes of Greg Norman. On first inspection it could be argued that the article was a simple generalization, providing an all too convenient explanation for this nations curious lack of triumph at golf’s greatest event. However comments from Aaron Baddeley and Geoff Ogilvy during the week have given that claim substance. Baddeley said he ‘was devastated’ at Norman’s dramatic choke in 1996, while the day after, Ogilvy ‘practiced harder than ever before’. Maybe the magazine had a point. The notion that no Aussie had won before Norman might also be a factor. 71 years of nothing is quite the burden. To 2007, there are seven hopefuls at Augusta. A last start winner, a last start runner up, a defending US Open champion, a guy with 6 top 10s this year in America and the Sports Illustrated predicted winner. There is certainly a lot to like about this years field in Georgia.
Robert Allenby
| 06: T-22 (+3) |
CA Champ: T-3 |
| 05: Cut (+6) |
Arnold Palmer: T-32 |
| 04: Cut (+5) |
Honda Classic: T-5 |
| 03: T-39 (+9) |
WGC Matchplay: Rd 1 |
| 02: T-29 (+3) |
Buick Inv: T-9 |
| 01: 47 (+7) |
Bob Hope: T-8 |
| 97: Cut (+15) |
Sony Open: T-8 |
One punter obviously likes Allenby’s ultra-consistent form on the Tour this year. He stands to win $1.25 million. Six top 10’s out of eight, but will it lead to success at Augusta? History says players who struggle at the National don’t tend to reverse the trend. History also says Augusta is a nightmare for Allenby. His meaningless 71 in the final round of last years event was first sub par round in four years and just his third all time. 3 rounds under par out of 22. Surely he can’t turn it around now.
Stuart Appleby
| 06: T-19 (+2) |
Houston: T-2 |
| 05: T-43 (+8) |
CA Champ: T-35 |
| 04: T-22 (+2) |
Arnold Palmer: T-45 |
| 02: Cut (+15) |
WGC Matchplay: Rd 1 |
| 01: T-31 (Even) |
Nissan Open: T-69 |
| 00: Cut (+6) |
Sony Open: Cut |
| 99: Cut (+6) |
Mercedes: T-13 |
Appleby’s poor record at Augusta has masked some nice rounds. A 69 in the first round of 2005 had him hovering near the top. Illness from that point didn’t help. Second at Houston is a nice lead up, but he often does well there. Not someone to have your hard earned on
Aaron Baddeley
| 01: Cut (+6) |
CA Champ: T-6 |
| 00: Cut (+5) |
Arnold Palmer: T-45 |
Things were going so swimmingly for this occasional punter. Quietly putting his faith in Baddeley while all the attention went towards Adam Scott. Then it all went wrong. Some ‘random pro’ went and picked Baddeley in Sports Illustrated, then he goes and gets paired with Tiger for the first two rounds. Whether the attention will affect the Victorian remains to be seen, however his pedigree and form belie the 160-1 on offer. His best asset is his putting, while his weakness is the driver. Augusta is often described as a putting contest, which doesn’t punish wayward drives enough. Forget his two failings. That was Baddeley the boy. This year Baddeley the man has learnt how to grind it out, even when it’s not going his way. A key ingredient, because if there is one certainly at the Masters, it’s nobody has it their own way all the time. From day one Baddeley has been all about making statements. Now he gets a worldwide audience with the great man. Can he make a statement on Thursday?
Adam Scott
| 06: T-27 (+4) |
Houston: WON |
| 05: T-33 (+6) |
CA Champ: T-61 |
| 04: Cut (+9) |
WGC Matchplay: Rd 1 |
| 03: T-23 (+5) |
Nissan Open: T-69 |
Scott is back in form with the win in Houston, although he won at the Players back in 2004 and promptly two weeks later watched the final two rounds of the Masters on the tube. Augusta has magnified a problem Scott has been faced with throughout his career: Those mid range putts that make or break a tournament. His game is made for this course, however he falls apart in the 10-20 feet range. Until Mickelson took the green jacket last year after winning the week before, no player had ever backed up. Nothing would surprise with Scott.
Geoff Ogilvy
| 06: T-16 (+1) |
CA Champ: T-3 |
The Rock. We’ve all read how Ogilvy has reformed from that angry, precocious talent of a few years ago, yet it’s hard to believe he’s only played Augusta once, for an honourable top 16 finish. This man clearly has the mental stones to survive the furnace. His form is certainly encouraging enough. A second consecutive finals appearance at the California matchplay, as well as a third placing at the CA event, another on the World Golf Championship circuit. You know at the very least he won’t go missing, so a good bet for best Australian, at least.
Rod Pampling
| 06: T-16 (+1) |
CA Champ: T-28 |
| 05: T-5 (-4) |
Arnold Palmer: Cut |
Eight rounds at the Masters, for two 70s, a 71, three 72s and a couple of 73s. Consistent. Form this season has been patchy at best. It’s difficult to see him lift to any great heights, although the Augusta rewards its own success above form. Just look at Fred Couples.
Nick O’Hern
| 06: T-19 (+2) |
CA Champ: T-6 |
| 05: T-45 (+9) |
Arnold Palmer: Cut |
|
WGC Matchplay: Quarter Finals |
The ultimate steady as she goes player, you would expect O’Hern to acquit himself nicely. He’s a far better player than the 2005 and 2006 version, where he made the cut both times. Form has been a mixture and brilliant and downright bad. A miracle eagle from Retief Goosen denied him the Qatar Masters. A top ten in his most recent event, as well as a terrific showing at the matchplay. Very solid thank you very much. Probably unlikely to be amongst the throng on the back nine on Sunday, but a top 10 would not surprise.
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