Bubba Watson Blixt the field at Augusta as most of us witnessed on Sunday. At one stage the unique lefty was 2 shots behind playing partner 20 year old
Jordan Spieth, who eventually fell foul of Augusta's historic back nine on Sunday syndrome by the 12th.
A fantastic win for the American who now owns two Masters jackets after his 2012 victory.
So a real mix of newbies and horses for the course finished at the top. Jiminez another perennial top tenner did brilliantly, probably the shortest hitter in the field came 4th with Rookies Spieth and Jonas Blixt one of only 2 players not to 3 putt all week (Jiminez) being runners up and of course Master Bubba.
What an advantage hitting tee shots 330 yards and going in with short irons all week. Even his brittle temprement that started to rise on Saturday, Bubba did what was expected of him and got over the finish line.
After watching Sunday, was it me or did the last round lose its excitement? Has Augusta been toughened up too much where virtually great shots are punished and players can't make the charge they need and the course has just become a relentless slog with carnival greens?
We all look forward to the tournament because it’s the first Major and is Augusta, but perhaps we need more birdies, eagles and less 4 putts?
On another note, "Scoop Wistow” must be having a great time post Augusta. Probably in Hooters as not too many reports have yet filtered back across the pond. Apparently he found a weed on the course,the first in 20 years. So his personal memories will have to be relayed at a later date.
Sweepstake winner was Neil Franklin a new member to Orsett. Excellent guess on the numbers Neil, your prize awaits. Other winners included Ron Wilkes who had the knack of picking nearly all the players over 50! At least Larry Mize won you a Duffers prize Ron! Pictures to follow in the next edition.
Thanks to all those who entered and for those who missed out this time, The Open is just round the corner.
Our first Club Major, The Scrutton Cup, went to Kevin Cranfield with a nett 67. He finished 6,6 for that too. A great round that reduced his handicap from 15 to 12.6, a worthy winner. Runner Up on countback was Mat Lewis from Mark Whiten on nett 69. Mat birdied the difficult 18th to win on countback and take the chance to represent the Club alongside myself in June in the ever popular Lombard Trophy competition.The 12 regional winners go to the glorious Gleneagles resort in September, so get practicing Mat.
This is the last week for personalised 4 for 3 balls from Titleist, So if you have lost a few lately get on the phone and place your order. April 17th is the last day to order.
If you would like to wear the same clothing as Bubba wore at the Masters, get in touch, Oakley are one of my 2014 clothing lines and it wears really well just as the sunglasses that have recently gone on display in store.
London Marathon
Michael Lilley took part in his first gruelling London Marathon. Looking like breaking 4 hours, Michael hit the invisible wall and still got round in a fantastic 4 hours 20 minutes. Not bad with only 4 months training under his belt. Congratulations to him, I bet the trainers are still smoking.
The Leslie Wood team have their first round match this weekend at home to Theydon Bois. If you may be able to spare some time to support the team during the day on Sunday all the players will be grateful to see you.
All the best to Graham's team. Nothing more than a win will be acceptable, so no pressure their!
On a personal front, I played at Hunstanton and Kings Lynn last week, two wonderful venues both bathed in perfect weather. Clive and I managed 31st place, not the best but we did manage to avoid four putting on the week but single putts avoided us. I know where my practice now starts!