What Lincoln is Thinkin’ - Saturday Masters Notebook

Tiger Charges

Saturday was my first day in Augusta and when I come to this most hallowed place, I always say there's one thing I have to do: Watch T'iger play Amen Corner. So I made a beeline to the back corner of Augusta National, kicked a few green chairs out of the way, pushed a couple kids to the ground, and got a front row seat to watch Tiger play 11, 12 and 13. Woods parred 11, had a shot at birdie on 12, but missed the putt, then birdied 13. Overall, no great shots except his approach on 13, but still exhilarating to watch the best player in golf play the most notable stretch of holes in golf. What was really impressive was Tiger's playing partner - Andres Romero birdied all three holes.

My name is Mud

Luckily for me, I showed up a little late and missed the 45 minute rain delay. Unluckily for me, I spent the afternoon trudging through the mud. While the course remained pristine, the area where the spectators gathered was as muddy as Boo Weekley's childhood play area. Masters Rule 134: Don't wear nice shoes.

Rookies Impress

Almost a quarter of the golfers who survived the cut are competing in the Masters for the first time. Meanwhile, Masters mainstays like Fred Couples, Ernie Els and Steve Stricker missed the cut. Talking to a few of these young guns today, they're bucking the trend that experience on this course leads to success. Johnson Wagner said he's playing like he has nothing to lose. Bubba Watson mentioned that the talent of golf today is universally stronger then it was in the Nicklaus era. People just don't notice because Tiger is that dominant. He might make a good point.

Sunday Predictions?

I said it Wednesday, I said it Thursday, I said it Friday, I'll say it today. I like Tiger to win it.

Who do you think will pull it out on Sunday?

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