The widespread disappointment resulting from Fred Couples’ inability to appear at this year’s Masters was understandable. Couples, the 1992 champion, remains one of the most popular figures in golf, to players and galleries alike. The 56-year-old’s continuing back problems also denied punters the opportunity to speculate on an annually tempting bet, that of Couples leading after the first round of the maiden major of the year.
Couples represents a classic example of the value of knowledge around Augusta National. He has also provided an appealing antidote for years to the notion that young players overpowering golf courses is the desirable normality. Since 2006, Couples has produced two top-10 Augusta finishes, alongside highly respectable placings of 15th, 12th, 13th and 20th; all in the back nine of his career.
In his absence, there is esteemed back-up. Bernhard Langer has not received the credit due for a game that has endured to the extent he is virtually the favourite for every senior event the German enters. Like Couples, the only impediment to Langer on occasion has been fitness.
The switch from the now banned anchored putting style – much to Langer’s chagrin – has apparently made little negative impact at all, a matter only endorsed by the making of the cut in this, the 80th Masters. Langer shot 73 on Friday, a score several of those looking to win the Green Jacket would have claimed with utter glee.
On Saturday, Langer took to the course with the world No1, Jason Day, in a terrific scene of young and old. One of this sport’s most appealing facets is the ability of those aged over 40 – or considerably more, in these cases – to appear on the same platform as youth. The veterans can impart plenty wisdom when doing so.
Langer’s 2016 case isn’t in isolation. Larry Mize, the 57-year-old who won the Masters of 1987, survived for the closing 36 holes. “I’m amazed because I really am struggling,” said Mize. “But my mental game is really good and my short game’s really good, so that got me around. I am really proud of my efforts.”
So he should be. The same applies to Davis Love III, the US Ryder Cup captain, whom it would not be unreasonable to believe may have other things to occupy his mind other than the state of his game.
Love remains one of the finest American players never to win a Masters. Ben Crenshaw even called Love upon winning the 1995 Masters to apologise, insisting: “That should have been you.” Barring something incredible, Love never will sample that feeling of glory but 36 more extra holes upon Augusta National offer cause for a 51-year-old’s satisfaction.
“The Masters is one of those kind of places that inspires you,” Love said. “I’ve been playing like this pretty much all year, not to say this is not a big deal at the Masters, but I’ve been making cuts and playing great. I’ve been hitting it good but not getting great results. I’m thrilled. I’m thrilled to be here for two more days because it’s a lot of fun.
“I think in some ways the Ryder Cup has inspired me, too. I like playing out here and playing with those guys. I enjoyed getting to play with Rafa Cabrera Bello this week – there’s a guy I can scout out a little bit. And then I’ve played with a lot of the guys that could play on our team. I played with Steve Stricker for two rounds last week and we talked a lot about the Ryder Cup.
“So being out here and playing on the regular Tour helps me. Time management, I need to get better at. And answering emails. But we’re kind of on it. Like what’s great is running into Dave Stockton at these events, I was at dinner with Ray Floyd on Friday night. So I’m excited about it and inspired by those guys, they’re really trying to help. It’s been a lot of fun. But it keeps me busy.”
Love’s own Augusta experience contrasts markedly with two of the players who hope to make a playing impact for him at Hazeltine in September. It also further proves the difficulty with golf as a generational game of exact science.
Rickie Fowler’s fate was sealed after an opening round of 80. “I felt good coming in here, especially after last week, I felt like I got some good work in early this week,” said a bemused Fowler. “But I had two days in the week that I’ll be able to look back on. I’ll definitely learn from this and move on.”
Phil Mickelson’s tumble was more spectacular, the five-times major winner still in contention to win the Masters when one under par for his round and the tournament on the 4th tee on Friday.
From there, he shipped a staggering eight shots and the airport beckoned. “I should have been right in the tournament,” insisted Mickelson. “And I’m not because you just can’t play golf at this level making those mistakes.
“I thought it was very fair test. I thought there were opportunities out there. I thought that the greens were receptive, the pins were fine. I don’t know how to explain it, I just threw away a lot of shots, I just made a lot of poor shots in the wrong spot. That was worst I’ve managed myself around this golf course.”
