Scratch's Masters Preview
The Masters is finally here! This week, I know that you Rockheads are going to be tied to your TV and computer screens to catch all the action. So I’ve gathered some of the most recent news to keep you in the championship loop! Remember to sign up for my Fantasy Golf League! Winners will receive Caveman Cash! So sign up NOW!
- Possible Rain – The long-range weather forecast calls for a 40% chance of thunderstorms late on Thursday and a 70% chance during Friday’s second round. Winds on Friday are expected to gust to 30 mph out of the northwest, while the weekend forecast looks good. Hopefully we won’t see a repeat of 2005’s 5 1/2 hour rain delay.
- Clarke WD’s – Former British Open champion Darren Clarke withdrew from the Masters Monday due to a hamstring injury. Clarke pulled his hamstring little more than a week ago while on vacation and later withdrew from the Texas Open. He plans to continue treatment and gave no date for his return. Clarke missed the cut during last year’s Masters.
- Odds On Favorites – Vegas bookmakers have started this year’s odds list with Tiger Woods at 3/1, followed by Phil Mickelson at 10/1, and Rory McIlroy at 12/1. But, don’t relay on the odds. Both Bubba Watson and Charles Schwartzel seemed to come out of nowhere.
- Laird Is In – Martin Laird held off Rory McIlroy to win at the Valero Texas Open and secure the final invitation to the Masters. Laird’s win also moves him 61 sports in the rankings, from No. 117 to No. 56.
- The Youngest Ever – Tianlang Guan will become the youngest competitor in Master’s History at just 14 years old. The Chinese national earned his invitation when he won the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in November. In an email to Golf Channel, he said, “To be the youngest player in the history of the Masters, I feel very honored, excited and looking forward to it. I know I will enjoy it very much. Also, I very appreciate for everything my parents have done for me; it has been a long journey to them as well.”
- The First Women – As, I’m sure you’re aware, this will be the first year that there will be women wearing the green jacket since Augusta National admitted its first female member, businesswoman Darla Moore and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, in August. Don’t expect them to push for more female members though. In an interview with MSNBC, Moore gave no indication that she would push for further change saying, “I wouldn’t think that would be something I would do” and “I’m a member, not an advocate.” Rice made news on Sunday when she played a round with friend Phil Mickelson! Who wouldn’t have like to caddie for them?!
- The Chicken Sandwich Is Back – After a year away, the chicken sandwich will return to Augusta National concession stands. Last year, Augusta ditched the chicken sandwich in favor of the healthier grilled chicken wrap. However, due to interest, they are bringing the sandwich back at its traditional price of $3. In other food news, Bubba Watson still has yet to announce the menu for this year’s Champions Dinner.
Don’t Miss A Moment – There’s lots of coverage between ESPN, CBS, CBS Sports, plus all day coverage on Golf Channel.
ESPN:
Wed., April 10
Masters Par 3 Contest 3 p.m. ESPN, ESPN3, WatchESPN
SportsCenter at the Masters 5 p.m. ESPN, WatchESPNThu., April 11
First Round 3 p.m. ESPN, ESPN Deportes, ESPN3, WatchESPN
First Round (encore) 8 p.m. ESPN, WatchESPNFri., April 12
Second Round 3 p.m. ESPN, ESPN Deportes, ESPN3, WatchESPN
Second Round (encore) 8 p.m. ESPN, WatchESPNSat., April 13
Third Round 4 p.m. ESPN 3DSun., April 14
Final Round 4 p.m. ESPN 3D
CBS Sports Network:
MASTERS ON THE RANGE*
Monday, April 8: 12 Noon – 2:00 PM
Tuesday, April 9: 9:00 – 11:00 AM
Wednesday, April 10: 9:00 – 11:00 AM
Thursday, April 11: 11:00 AM-1:00 PM
Friday, April 12: 11:00 AM-1:00 PM
Saturday, April 13: 11:00 AM-1:00 PM
Sunday, April 14: 11:00 AM-1:00 PMREPLAYS*
Saturday, April 13: Immediately following conclusion of CBS Sports’ live coverage
Sunday, April 14: Immediately following conclusion of CBS Sports’ live coverage
* Start and end times are estimates and subject to change.
And CBS:
Saturday, April 13 3:00-7:00 PM, ET
Sunday, April 14 2:00-7:00 PM, ET
Golf Channel:
Monday, April 8
7-10 a.m. Morning Drive
3-5 p.m. Live From the Masters News Conferences
5-6 p.m. Masters Highlights 2012: Bubba Watson
6-7 p.m. The Golf Fix
7-8 p.m. Live From the Masters
Tuesday, April 9
7-9 a.m. Morning Drive
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Live From the Masters (includes player news conferences)
7-9 p.m. Live From the MastersWednesday, April 10
7-9 a.m. Morning Drive
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Live From the Masters (includes player news conferences)
7-9 p.m. Live From the Masters6-8 a.m. Morning Drive
8 a.m.-3 p.m. Live From the Masters
7:30-9:30 p.m. Live From the MastersThursday, April 11 & Friday, April 12
6-8 a.m. Morning Drive
8 a.m.-3 p.m. Live From the Masters
7:30-9:30 p.m. Live From the Masters
Saturday, April 13
7-9:30 a.m. Morning Drive
9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Live From the Masters
7-9 p.m. Live From the MastersSunday, April 14
7-9:30 a.m. Morning Drive
9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Live From the Masters
7-9 p.m. Live From the Masters
Don’t have a fancy TV? That’s ok! Get live coverage at Golf Channel and the Masters site!
Check out my previous Masters coverage!
14 Year Old Headed To The Masters
And Don’t Forget To Sign Up For My Fantasy Golf League! Time is running out to register for the chance to win some sweet, sweet Caveman Cash! So sign up NOW!