AUGUSTA — A quick look at Wednesday at the Masters:
Honorary starters
There will be a new phase of the Masters tradition of the honorary starter on Thursday. Tom Watson will join Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player to get the tournament officially underway. It was announced in January that Watson, the winner of the 1977 and 1981 Masters, would join the group. The three will take to the No. 1 tee box for the formal start at 7:40 a.m. Thursday.
“This will be a fitting celebration of Tom’s role in Masters history and as one of the game’s greats over the past half-century,” Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley said.
The honorary starter tradition began in 1967. Nicklaus has served as an honorary starter since 2010, and Player has done so since 2012.
Quote of the day
“(Tiger Woods) looked the exact same, maybe a little better, a little sharper. J.T. (Justin Thomas) was way better, too. We flew in on Monday and laughed a lot; today, they were pretty serious. They’re ready to roll, and they’re ready to go tomorrow.” – Fred Couples, on Woods and Thomas playing the back nine in a practice round Wednesday
Remembering
Ridley used part of his opening remarks at Wednesday’s news conference to acknowledge the deaths of two golfers connected to Augusta National.
Bob Goalby, the 1968 champion, died in January. “Bob had a passion for golf and a love for the Masters that were evident each time he put on his green jacket,” Ridley said. “His presence was missed last night at the Champions Dinner, but we always will remember him, not only his triumph here, but also his sportsmanship, his humility and, most importantly, his friendship.”
Lee Elder, the first Black to compete in the Masters, died in November. His death came seven months after he served as an honorary starter for last year’s Masters. “It is a moment we will treasure forever. Lee exemplified talent, determination and selfless commitment to paving the way for others,” Ridley said.
Did you know?
There have been five wire-to-wire winners in Masters history. They were:
Craig Wood, 1941
Arnold Palmer, 1960
Jack Nicklaus, 1972
Raymond Floyd, 1976
Jordan Spieth, 2015
When Woods won by 12 strokes in 1997, the largest margin of victory in Masters history, John Huston was the first-round leader after a 67. Woods was three strokes back following a 70.
Weather
Any rain that may impact the Masters should be over before the first round begins Thursday. The Augusta forecast calls for a chance of rain until 8 a.m. Following the ceremonial tee shots, the first group is scheduled to begin play at 8 a.m.
Here is the forecast for the week.
Thursday: A 40% chance for early morning showers and thunderstorms through 8 a.m. Then becoming mostly sunny and breezy. Low: 62. High: 74.
Friday: Morning sunshine, then partly cloudy, windy and cooler. 20% chance for a few light showers during the afternoon. Low: 45. High: 68.
Saturday: Morning sunshine. Partly cloudy, breezy and cool in the afternoon. Low: 40. High: 60.
Sunday: Mostly sunny and warmer after a cold start. Low: 37. High: 72.
TV schedule
Thursday: Round 1: 3-7:30 p.m., ESPN
Friday: Round 2: 3-7:30 p.m., ESPN
Saturday: Round 3: 3-7:30 p.m., CBS
Sunday: Round 4: 2-7 p.m., CBS
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