The Joy of Golf: Masters report card

Joy Chakravarty 15:18 17/04/2014
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  • Touch of class: Bubba Watson's consistency ensured he took home the Green Jacket.

    It was not quite the same display of raw emotion witnessed in 2012, when Bubba Watson sealed his first Masters title.

    But the calm and considered fist pump gave a different insight into the mindset of the 35-year-old, notably that he now expects to win Major championships.

    More are sure to follow for the unique and likeable lefty, who showed all his growing experience on a tense final round at Augusta.

    Here is my report card for the main players at the 78th Masters:

    Bubba Watson (10/10)

    The American says it has been a learning process these last two years after winning his first Masters. Looks like he has learnt well. You do keep wondering how he manages to be so consistent in hitting the golf ball, considering his right leg is almost always in the air and moving at the point of impact, but Watson’s hitting was just sensational. And no better example of that then his drive on the par-5 13th on Sunday, which left him with a wedge for his second shot. Obviously, Tiger Woods and many other players in the past have conquered the par-5s at Augusta National to ensure their Green Jackets. That really is the key on this difficult golf course. But no one has ever brought the par-5s to their knees like Bubba did last week. What we also loved is that Watson has learnt not to publically shout and insult his caddie, J Ted Scott, every now and then in the middle of the round. He still stares at him after every missed putt. Hopefully, that will also change by the time of the next Masters.

    Jordan Spieth (9/10)
    Giving him a nine only because the boy wonder did not get it done on Sunday evening. But what a player! Just 20, the tag of being golf’s ‘Next Tiger Woods’ fits him well. There was no doubting his immense talent and skills – you do not get into the top-10 of the world in a little over one year of turning pro without them – but the Masters proved how mentally strong he is.

    Jonas Blixt (9/10)
    Another rookie who gave an excellent account of himself. While speaking to his Swedish compatriot Henrik Stenson last year, the world No3 was quick to point out Blixt as the one to watch for the future. The 29-year-old has already won twice on the PGA Tour in the last two years, and was fourth in the PGA Championship last year, but finishing second in his first-ever Masters will surely enhance his reputation further.

    Miguel Angel Jimenez (9/10)
    Old wine and all that is fine, but this was a seriously brilliant display from the 50-year-old, who was in with a chance of becoming the oldest winner of the tournament before finishing fourth. Easily the shortest off the tee in the field among those who made the cut, the charismatic Spaniard once again showed that in golf, smart thinking is as important as brute force.

    Bernard Langer (8/10)
    Age does not seem to have dulled the German’s competitive instincts. A brilliant 69 on Sunday gave the 56-year-old a top-10 finish.

    Fred Couples (7/10)
    Two doubles on the back nine on Sunday denied the sweet-swinging American a top-five finish.

    Lee Westwood (7/10)
    Another top-10 for the Englishman at Augusta National and further proof that his game is trending in the right direction.

    Rory McIlroy (6/10)
    The pre-tournament favourite got beaten by the golf course in the second round, and by his noncompeting marker in the third, but managed to record his first top-10 Masters finish. Looked good most of the time, except when making 77 on Friday.

    Henrik Stenson (5/10)
    Tied-14 is a personal best for the world No3 at the Masters, but he is sure to have come out frustrated considering he had high hopes.

    Jason Day (5/10)
    The Aussie has always done well in the Masters, but given he was playing his first competitive event in six weeks because of a thumb injury, tied-20 wasn’t a bad effort at all.

    Matt Kuchar (5/10)
    I would have given the American a lot more than five for finishing tied-fifth, but it was the third successive week when he faded when in contention over the weekend.

    Adam Scott (4/10)
    A lot more was expected from the defending champion than a tied 14th finish, which included an ugly 76 in the third round.

    Phil Mickelson (2/10)
    Lefty did not come into the tournament with the right kind of buildup, but such is his mastery over Augusta National (three wins, only one previous missed cut in 21 starts), you anticipated a much better result than rounds of 76 and 73 and a missed cut from him.

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