I've seen some weird stuff covering golf tournaments over the years, but this one takes the cake. Jose Luis Ballester, the US Amateur champ from Spain, just couldn't hold it anymore during his Masters round and decided Rae's Creek was the perfect emergency bathroom. I mean... who does that?
The poor kid was playing alongside Scottie Scheffler (you know, just the defending champion and world #1) when nature called at the 13th hole. My buddy who works security at Augusta told me later that several patrons were pointing and laughing. Mortifying.
When You Gotta Go...
Ballester, only 21, apparently thought he was being sneaky about it. He wasn't.
"I was stood there thinking that I really need to pee," the Spaniard explained after his round. "I didn't really know where to go, and since JT had an issue on the green, about losing a ball, I'm like, I'm just going to sneak over there in the river and probably people would not see me that much."
Narrator voice: They saw him.
Not only did they see him, but the crowd actually CHEERED when they realized what was happening. According to Ballester: "They clapped for me. Probably one of teh only claps that I really got today. They cheered real loud, so that was kind of funny."
Zero Regrets from Our Bathroom Bandit
You'd think the kid would be embarrassed, right? Nope. When asked if he was worried about potential punishment from the notoriously strict Augusta National officials (who once banned a commentator for calling a bunker a "sand trap"), Ballester doubled down.
"Yeah, the people saw me. But it was not embarrassing at all for me. If I had to do it again, I would do it again."
Bold strategy, Cotton. Let's see if it pays off for him.
Scheffler Drains Monster Putts While Amateur Drains... Something Else
While Ballester was busy creating his own water hazard, Scottie Scheffler was busy reminding everyone why he's the best golfer on the planet right now. Dude sank a ridiculous 62-footer that caused one of those classic Augusta roars that sent shivers down my spine even watching on TV.
I texted my editor during Scheffler's round: "This guy is playing a different game than everyone else." His response: "Already updating my Masters betting slip."
Scheffler followed up with another bomb from 42 feet near the end of his round. The man is just unfair sometimes.
The Leaderboard Situation (As of Thursday Evening)
Look, I've been covering the Masters since 2014, and I've never seen a player as locked in as Justin Rose was today. The Englishman fired a 7-UNDER 65 to grab the first-round lead, which honestly shocked me considering his form coming in.
Scheffler posted a solid 68, tied with Canadian Corey Conners who birdied three of his final four holes. That's a pretty dangerous position for Scottie to be in - close enough to pounce but not leading with all the pressure.
Meanwhile, our bathroom break specialist Ballester shot a 76. Not terrible for a Masters debut, all things considered.
Can Anyone Stop Scheffler's Three-peat Bid?
The scary thing for everyone else in the field is that Scheffler is trying to join some seriously elite company. Only three players have ever won back-to-back Masters: Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Nick Faldo. Those three have combined for 14 green jackets between them.
Rory McIlroy has to be feeling like he's seen this movie before. Every time he thinks he has a chance to complete his career Grand Slam, Scheffler shows up looking unbeatable.
God. I spent $4K to come down here this week, and I'm starting to wonder if we're all just watching a coronation rather than a competition.
But hey, at least we got to see someone pee in Rae's Creek. That's a first in my 11 years covering this tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it essential to take lessons with a professional golf coach?
A professional isn't required to teach you, but a few lessons can make a huge difference, especially for beginners or intermediate players. A qualified instructor will provide you with personal guidance and correct any fundamental flaws that are present in your swing. He or she can also help you better understand the mental aspects of the sport, as well as offer advice that is tailored to your individual playing style. In some cases, self-teaching results in bad habits. Even seasoned golfers benefit from occasional tune-ups with a pro to ensure their technique remains sound. Lessons can prove to be an excellent investment as they lead to increased enjoyment and improved scores on course.
What kind of golf clubs are needed by beginners?
A basic set of clubs will be more than enough for beginners. A standard set includes a driving club, woods (3-wood and 5-wood), irons from 4 to 9 and a putting wedge. Sand wedges are also beneficial for players who play in bunkers. While professionals carry up to 14 clubs, which is the maximum allowed under the rules of golf, beginners should focus on mastering a limited selection of clubs before expanding their set. When just starting out, concentrate on clubs you find comfortable and easy to use to develop confidence in your swing.
What should I know regarding the golf course and its maintenance, as well as its impact on playing?
Golf course maintenance involves a wide range of practices from mowing to watering and aeration. The way a golf course is maintained has a significant impact on play. The aeration of greens is a good example. Freshly aerated grass may be slower, but also less smooth. Fairways that have been heavily irrigated may play longer, but softer. Tighter mowing patterns can make greens faster. You can use the information to inform your game strategy. Check the rules and notices of your locality before you begin your round. These may contain information regarding temporary course conditions caused by ongoing maintenance.
How do I choose the right golf club for a particular shot?
The distance you are playing, the wind condition, hazards, as well as your own level of expertise, will determine which club to choose. In general, woods are used for long-distance shots when playing from the tee or fairway. As you get closer to the hole, irons are used. Lower-numbered irons, like a 4 or 5, are used for long approach shots and higher-numbered ones, like an 8 or 9, for shorter ones. When you are aiming for accuracy, a sand or pitching wedge may be used. You will also need a putter to complete your putting. Estimating the distance to the target and understanding how far you can typically hit with each club can greatly aid in club selection.
What is the correct golf etiquette when playing on the course.
Respecting golf etiquette is as vital as understanding the rules of the game. Recognizing the pace of game play means being ready for your shot at your turn, and walking quickly in between shots. Always show consideration for other players by remaining silent and still when someone is preparing to swing. Safety is also a crucial aspect - never play a shot until the group ahead is out of reach. Take care of the course by repairing divots, raking bunkers, and fixing ball marks on the greens. Additionally, it is polite to dress appropriately according to the dress code of the course you are playing.
What type of golf ball should a beginner use?
Beginners should choose a ball that is durable and offers a good balance of distance and control. Beginners are recommended to use two-piece golf ball due to the solid core and hard outer layer. This makes them more durable, less expensive and can travel longer distances. These balls tend to be less spinny, which allows for better control. As a golfer's skills progress, using different types of balls can help improve shot-making and refine preferences.
Why is it so important to have a golf pre-shot routine?
Pre-shot rituals help to establish consistency and focus prior to each golf shot. This leads better performance in various situations. This can include identifying your target, visualizing how the ball will fly, practicing your swings, or aligning yourself to the target. A consistent routine can improve mental preparation by providing a familiar process to fall back on, especially under pressure. It helps manage nerves, minimize distractions and allows the golfer focus solely on the shot. It's important to find a routine you can repeat and is flexible enough to adjust to different shots.
Statistics
- Studies show that practicing putting for at least 15 minutes before a round can improve a player's putting accuracy by as much as 25%.
- The average golfer spends about $500 on initial equipment when committing to learn the game.
- Approximately 2.2 million people took up the game of golf in 2020, reflecting a significant increase in interest among beginners.
- Players with a consistent pre-shot routine are 50% less likely to make a mistake due to external distractions.
- Golfers who take lessons improve their game twice as fast as those who choose to learn through trial and error.
- More than 75% of beginners who participate in structured practice report feeling more confident on the golf course.
- Beginner golfers who invest in at least five professional lessons reduce their handicap by an average of 30% faster than those who do not seek instruction.
External Links
How To
How To Read the Greens Effectively When Playing Golf
It's important to know how to read greens. You can save yourself several strokes during a golf round. Start by examining the green from a low angle to identify the general slope and any undulations that will influence the ball's path. The color of the turf can be a good indicator of grain direction and speed. It is a good idea to walk along your putt's line, and feel with your foot the subtle slopes or breaks, before you begin putting. Your eyesight and your sense of feel will be calibrated to the changing speeds of the greens with practice. Consistently reading greens with a deliberate approach will result in more accurate putts, and lower scores.
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