Pre-Masters Update

With the date set for a double header at the end of April, there was (possibly) the last chance to catch the form of a few of the star performers on Friday. David, Charlie and Kevin set out early onto an empty course. The weather was cold and the wind blew. Scoring was pretty abysmal and the mantle of Top Dog changed as we head into the Championship rounds.

The question is, though, does the winner of the last match before the big day have an advantage as he finds a bit of form, or is it like the US Master Par 3 competition, the winner of which has never won the main event?

So, with a score of 29 points, David carries Bolly for the tournament. On the other hand, Kevin's somewhat disappointing total of 21 either puts him out of the reckoning on form, or reduces the pressure. Charlie's 27 points tells us not much at all. Despite a fairly awful day of golf, there were some good shots and some diabolical driving and putting. I am sure though that the quality will improve when the wind drops and the wind stops blowing.

In the next few weeks the contenders are off preparing in a variety of ways. David is heading to China for some Feng Shui training, Kevin goes to New York to unwind with some baseball, Charlie takes his clubs to Saunton for a severe test, Malcolm suns himself in Florida. Richard M prepares himself by thinking of tractors, livestock and marquees, while Mike and Richard T are keeping their preparations under wraps.

Tournament handicaps to follow.