Status Update 012
Am I not turtley enough for the turtle club?
Welcome to Status Update — a free Friday newsletter featuring long and short stories, general ramblings from the week that was, the most interesting things to have recently caught my eye and any other golf-related nonsense I believe to be worth your time.
The Opening Drive
Although the Masters is right around the corner, I still won’t believe that I am going until I am actually inside the gates. Call it paranoia, call it trust issues, I don’t care, it’s just one of those things.
There’s obviously excitement about my first voyage to Augusta National, but there is much more gratitude. Family, friends, haters and losers of which sadly there are many and everyone reading this played some role, so let me start by saying thank you.
It’s going to be a loaded week, and one I am trying to prepare for as best as possible. The content machines are already fired up as we try to appease the SEO overlords, but some more fun stuff should be in store once I am actually on site.
There’s a slim chance of one very cool opportunity with someone synonymous with the Masters — I’d liken it to a heavy underdog price, to be fair.
Nights early in the week will be filled with parties and a substantial amount of schmoozing (which I am actually very excited for). And early week preparations will consist of sitting in on press conferences, figuring out the golf course, chopping it up with my fellow peers and providing some on-site perspective for The Eye (CBS Sports).
Unfortunately, I did not catch the invitation to the J. Lindeberg house despite my constant uplifting of Viktor Hovland’s outfits. That’s the one I am really bummed out about.
There will be some stories I write, which I will post to my socials (I am trying to get better about that). And, I’ve been experimenting with the Tok a bit more (dangerous, I know).
It’s been well received, but the thought behind it was (1) I no longer have a casual place like a podcast to discuss my thoughts, (2) no one else in golf media is really doing it and (3) given my ties I can post stuff others may not be able to, although at Augusta National that won’t be the case.
So, enter ya boy. Follow here. Swipe up. Sound off in the comments. Share with 100 of your closest friends. You know the drill. Sub. Sub. Sub. Smash the like button. Aaahhh.
I thought about putting together a special edition Wednesday evening newsletter with all my thoughts, stories, posts and all that, but I thought better of it. It’s going to be a busy, busy time, so let’s not make a commitment I can’t uphold.
It’s probably a good time to announce next Friday’s newsletter probably isn’t in the cards. Oops!
So instead, enjoy the golf! Enjoy the Masters! And to my college friends who decided to schedule our annual golf trip the weekend of the Masters, go to hell! Just kidding, but seriously I hope you have a miserable time.
Masters talking points to impress your friends with
I feel like I did this once before, and it was received with a lot of positive feedback (mainly from the 17 women who are subscribed to this newsletter; solid ratio, I know) so I am doing it again. Just a one-stop shop for what you need to know before the Masters. Easy enough! Let’s get into it.
Rory McIlroy tries to become the 6th player to complete career grand slam in his 11th attempt
Can talk about a bunch of things here — first-round scoring, softer golf ball, swing changes this past fall, two wins before April, etc.
Scottie Scheffler looks to become the fourth to go back-to-back at Augusta
Nicklaus, Faldo and Woods are the only three to do so
Other grand slam considerations
Koepka, Morikawa and Schauffele could all add a third leg…pause…of the slam
The race to three
Scheffler, Morikawa, Schauffele, DeChambeau, JT, Rahm and DJ all have two major championships…who will be the first to grab No. 3?
Added bonus: Schauffele can become the third player ever (Hogan, Woods) to carry three major championships simultaneously as he currently holds the Wanamaker Trophy and the Claret Jug
American dominance
Seven straight major winners have come from the U.S. — longest streak since the late 70s.
All four were Americans last year — first time since the 80s
No Tiger
Sucks he ruptured his Achilles, but kind of pumped about this if I am being honest. Hoping he gets a little spicy on social media like he has been lately
Hurricane Helene
Wind may not swirl as much coming down the stretch since the storm took out some trees — some around Amen Corner, Nos. 15-16 as well
Anniversaries
10 years since Spieth
15 years since Phil’s pine straw shot
20 years since Tiger’s chip in
50 years since Jack’s fifth
90 years since Sarazen
Your friend Patrick is on site
Can talk about my height (6 foot 1), solid hairline, incredible sense of humor, good looks and how humble I am
I look forward to seeing you on The Second Cut often, I hope!