Masters updates: Monday, April 4, 2022

7:30 p.m.: Tiger’s presence, shoes cause a ruckus

Tiger Woods is wearing Nike apparel this week as always.

Except his shoes.

He showed up for practice rounds Sunday and Monday wearing FootJoy shoes.

Woods hasn’t explained the change yet. He scheduled to address reporters Tuesday.

It would make sense if the change was related to what are likely different physical needs now that he’s trying to play on a right leg that was badly damaged in a car crash last year.

A statement released by Nike seemed to indicate that was the case.

7 p.m.: Patron shop brings in the purchasers

Bags and bags of merchandise were flowing out of the patron shop, but a popular item this year — maybe made popular by our newest Augusta National Women’s Amateur champ — bucket hats are very “in” this year.

And those garden gnomes are back, making an appearance in some very famous places.

But it doesn’t matter if you live across the country. When you make a trip to the Masters, everyone expects a present when you come home.

“I bought this for my accountant,” said a patron from Ohio showing a purchase. “Hoping he’ll discount my fees this year, son and girlfriend, and most of all, I bought this for me … ooh, this is very nice!”

5:08 p.m.: Peach ice cream sandwiches remain in question

The well-known Georgia peach ice cream sandwiches of the Masters could be a no-show this year.

They weren’t available during the weekend pre-Masters events at Augusta National Golf Club, and sources told News 12 they may not be available this week at all.

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Due to what could be a supply-chain issue, we were told the problem isn’t with getting the sugar cookies for the sandwich but getting the signature peach ice cream.

But rest assured that if anyone has the pull to get some peach ice cream in spite of supply-chain issues, it’s most definitely the Augusta National Golf Club.

So we’ll keep our fingers crossed.

4:30 p.m.: DeChambeau says he’s performing at 80%

In an interview Monday ahead of Masters competition, Bryson DeChambeau offered an update on his injuries.

Asked how close he is to 100 percent, he estimated he’s performing at 80 percent.

He said he need to “a little smarter” in how he practices since suffering two injuries.

“Today was first time I’ve been able to hit golf balls a lot of times,” he said, adding, “I feel pretty comfortable.”

He said dealing with the injuries has made him a better person, and he hopes to “continue trying to grow the game as much as possible.”

He said he’s grateful for the opportunity to play.

Like other golfers who were interviewed Monday, he said he hopes to see Tiger Woods play, although the superstar hasn’t decided yet whether to return to Masters competition after suffering serious injuries in a car crash last year.

Woods is practicing and preparing at Augusta National in case he decides to play.

“It’s great to see his face,” DeChambeau said of Woods. “It’s just great to see him in a very positive frame of mind.”

DeChambeau said Woods obviously wants to win.

“He’s one that may shock a lot of people to see him tee up this week,” DeChambeau said, adding he “couldn’t be more happy for him the place he’s at. Couldn’t be more proud of him, too, coming back.”

3:30 p.m.: Skipping all the way

2:45: Collin Morikawa has fond memories of Masters

In an interview with reporters, Collin Morikawa said rewatching Tiger Woods’ 1997 win was among his first Masters memories.

But the most memorable Masters moment was in 2019 when Tiger won, according to Morikawa. He told the story of watching it at a house rented by his college golf teammates.

“And that’s, like really special,” he said.

Before that, he said, he hadn’t normally watched every shot as closely.

But in 2019, “We were all just glued to the couch,” he said, “and glued to the TV.”

2 p.m.: ‘I’m excited every time I come here,’ Patrick Cantlay says

In an interview Monday afternoon with reporters, Patrick Cantlay said he thinks Augusta National is good for his golf game.

“Most everyone feels like the Masters is the tournament you want to win most,” he said.

“I really like the golf course,” he said. “I think it’s good for my game. I’m excited every time I come here.”

Like other golfers, he said it would be great to see superstar Tiger Woods out on the course again. Woods is in Augusta practicing and considering playing in the Masters but hasn’t made a decision yet.

A debilitating car wreck has kept Woods on the sidelines for the most part, so playing in the Masters could be a big comeback for Woods.

A reporter noted that Cantlay had just been on the green with Woods and asked how the experience was.

“I just thought it was good to see him,” Cantlay said.

“It’s always good to see him, although it seems like we don’t get to see enough of him,” Cantlay said.

“I’ve seen him play far superior to any golfer since Nicklaus, so naturally he inspires you,” Cantlay said.

“Seeing someone who is as close to anyone as as mastering the game is admirable,” he said.

“There’s definitely a different feel to tournaments he plays in.”

1:55 p.m.: Cameron Smith ‘can’t wait to get back out there’

Cameron Smith from Australia went before reporters for an interview about 1:30 p.m., saying he’s looking forward to this week.

“I really cant wait to get back out there this week,” he said.

He said one of the things that’s good about Augusta National is that it keeps him creative.

“I feel like I play my best golf when I’m creative,” he said.

He cited the slopes among the features that keep him on his toes.

Coming off a win at the Players, he was asked if he’s still hungry to win.

“Still pretty hungry, mate,” he said, although winning the Players, he said now he’s able to “tick that box.”

Like others, he said he hopes to see superstar Tiger Woods play again this year after suffering debilitating injuries in a car accident last year. Although Woods is in Augusta practicing at Augusta National, he still hasn’t decided whether to play in the Masters. He’s been mostly on the sidelines since the crash, so playing in the Masters would be a big move.

“Hopefully, we can see him out back out here playing golf again,” Smith said.

“I think he just inspired everyone to get out,” Smith said. “He made golf cool.”

He added: “I don’t think a lot of the young guys out here would be where they are without him.”

How will Smith approach the Masters this week?

“I think my game is kind of already there,” he said.

“I feel as though I can compete,” he said, admitting he hasn’t yet played Augusta National since last year but saying that was about to change before the competition begins,.

His thoughts on the new 11th hole are that the changes could be to his advantage.

“No. 11 hasn’t been my best friend the last few years, so I was happy to hear it changed,” he said.

1:14 p.m.: Photo gallery | Players getting in some practice

Throughout the day, players have been working in their skills. Here’s a look:

11:10 a.m.: Augusta National issues report on grass

Here’s the height of cut of the grass on the golf course, as reported this morning by Augusta National Golf Club:

• Tees: 5/16 inch
• Fairways: 3/8 inch
• Second cut: 1 3/8 inches
• Collars: 1/4 inch
• Greens surrounds: 5/16 inch
• Greens: 1/8 inch

All mowings are subject to weather conditions and growth, Augusta National says.

10:50 a.m.: Photo gallery | Players make the rounds at Augusta National

10:05 a.m.: Names to watch at this year’s Masters

The group of contenders at the Masters is getting longer as golf is getting deeper. Among the favorites this week are Justin Thomas because he’s always in the mix and Jon Rahm because he spent the past seven months at No. 1. Dustin Johnson is trending. Scottie Scheffler is the new No. 1 in the world and never seems to have a bad major. Neither does Xander Schauffele, a runner-up a few years ago. Rory McIlroy is always worth watching as he goes for the final leg of the Grand Slam. As for Tiger Woods? He hasn’t announced whether he’ll play.

9:51 a.m. Masters trivia time

Masters trivia: Which player was runner-up at the Masters to Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods? Click on the next photo for the answer.

8:39 a.m.: Photo gallery | Patrons enjoy the course

8:10 a.m.: We’ll hear from the players today

Coming up today ... News conferences are planned today by several players in this year’s Masters Tournament. Watch for coverage here on WRDW.com and on News 12. Here’s the news conference lineup for today:

• 1:30 p.m. Cameron Smith
• 2 p.m. Patrick Cantlay
• 2:30 p.m. Collin Morikawa
• 3:30 p.m. Aaron Jarvis and Keita Nakajima
• 4 p.m. Bryson DeChambeau

7:44 a.m.: The gates have opened

The course has opened at Augusta National Golf Club, welcoming Masters 2022 patrons.

The gates opened shortly after 7 a.m. for the first full-scale Masters in two years, promising the full experience.

One highlight could be the official return of Tiger Woods to professional golf. He’s been mostly sidelined since suffering debilitating injuries in a February 2021 car crash. He’s on the player list for this year’s Masters, played a practice round a few days ago and came to Augusta National again on Sunday for more practice.

But he said he hasn’t yet decided whether he’ll play.

SUNDAY

3:21 p.m.: Tiger Woods steps onto practice range

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