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PGA Tour

Morgan Hoffmann: Comeback after diagnosis of muscular dystrophy

With a big grin: Morgan Hoffmann is back on the PGA Tour. (Photo: Getty)
With a big grin: Morgan Hoffmann is back on the PGA Tour. (Photo: Getty)

It’s been five years since Morgan Hoffmann, U.S. professional golfer, was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. This disease is a genetic defect in which muscle metabolism is impaired, leading to gradual muscle loss. For about three years, Morgan Hoffmann was no longer able to compete on the PGA Tour. His search for alternative cures to combat the previously incurable disease led Hoffmann and his family to Costa Rica. His therapy, he says, included urine therapy, a diet of hundreds of grapes a day, powerful hallucinogens, and lots of meditation and surfing.

As if nothing had happened: Return to the PGA Tour

On April 14, 2022, the time had come: After a break of 923 days, Morgan Hoffmann felt ready to compete again on the PGA Tour. A medical exemption enabled him to regain his Tour card with three starts. His first round was something to behold. He played even par with three birdies and three bogeys: “I felt great. The first tee shot wasn’t as nerve-racking as I thought it would be. I had a great group. It was easy keeping it light out there. We played fast, which was nice. The game didn’t feel anywhere near as bad as I thought it was, so it was pretty exciting.” With a big smile on his face, Hoffmann adds, “It felt like two minutes ago I was out here.”

The only thing Hoffmann is not satisfied with is his drives: “My putting felt great. I’m really confident. Hit all my lines today pretty much. Just a couple of misreads and mis-speed, that were a little slower than what I practiced, I guess. I’m driving it really short. So I’d love to have a little bit more speed.”

Two different worlds

From the jungles of Costa Rica back on the PGA Tour scene – a night and day difference. Morgan Hoffmann seems to like the change: “It was pretty surreal, a lot different than the lifestyle I’ve been living the last 2 1/2 years, and having people cheer your name out there, it’s very special.” Hoffmann also wants to use this media attention to raise awareness about his illness and the natural health and wellness center he is currently building in Costa Rica.

For now, however, Hoffmann’s focus is on the RBC Heritage. With his score of even par after Round 1, he is currently tied for 71st place and has a real chance of making the cut, provided he plays a good round on Day 2.

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Live

Greg Norman and the Saudi Golf League: “We’re in talks with major winners”

Greg Norman ant the Saudi Golf League. (Photo: Getty)
Greg Norman ant the Saudi Golf League. (Photo: Getty)

Shortly after the US Masters 2022, the Saudi Golf League (SGL) is making headlines again. Just a few kilometers from Augusta National Golf Club, Greg Norman is said to have met with potential players of the new league. Among them were some high-profile members of the PGA and European Tour. “The interest we’ve had … Well, I had a player sitting in my office 48 hours ago who’s won a couple of major majors,” Norman told the Telegraph in an April 12, 2022, interview. The PGA and DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour) are not pleased: “They can’t park their tanks on our turf much more obviously.”

The first names are fixed

The turmoil surrounding Phil Mickelson and the various cancellations of PGA stars, including Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Jon Rahm and Collin Morikawa, set back the Saudi Golf League. Greg Norman revealed in an interview with The Telegraph, “It was a slap in the face, no question about it.” But Norman is not letting that get him down. According to him, interest in SGL continues unabated. “We respected the Masters and let it play out, but now our trip [ed. to Augusta] is finally coming to fruition – for the players, not for me,” Norman told the newspaper. “They have a right to get what they want. That’s why they’re still very, very, very interested. We have players under contract, as opposed to the white noise you hear out there.” Four of those players are said to be Ryder Cup stars Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood, as well as five-time PGA Tour winner Kevin Na and two-time major winner Bubba Watson. The latter, however, made it clear only a few hours after the publication of the interview with Greg Norman that he would continue to play on the PGA Tour.

Bubba Watson prefers US Open and 150th Open over Saudi League

The former world number two recently published his tournament schedule for the coming months. What is striking is not the tournaments he is playing, but which ones he is foregoing. Bubba Watson has been linked to the Saudi League in the past, but now he’s playing the RBC Canadian Open, as he revealed on Twitter. The tournament stands out from his tournament schedule because the first of eight events in the LIV Golf Internation Series starts in London at the same time. Watson’s goal, he said, is to qualify for the US Open and the 150th Open Championship. If he succeeds in doing so, Watson said there will be further changes to his tournament schedule.

Greg Norman remains convinced of the concept of the Saudi Golf League

“Honestly, it doesn’t matter who plays, we’re going to run the event,” he said. “There is a first prize of $4 million. I hope a junior player who is ranked 350th in the world wins. It will change his life, his family’s life. And then a couple of our events will go by and the top players will see someone win $6 million or $8 million and say, ‘Enough is enough, I know I can beat these guys week after week with my hands tied behind my back.” The first event addressed will be held in two months at the London Centurion Club. After that, it’s off to the U.S., among other places, where Greg Norman and SGL are guests at the Trump courses, which are outlawed by the PGA.

Two world number one to join SGL

This was reported by the Daily Mail, also at the beginning of the week. The report says that SGL has already recruited two former world number one players, names were not mentioned. After the withdrawal of world stars such as Bryson DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson, it is unclear who the players mentioned will be.

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European Tour

Tiger Woods: Commitment for another tournament in Europe

Tiger Woods announces another tournament in his schedule. (Photo: Getty)
Tiger Woods announces another tournament in his schedule. (Photo: Getty)

Just a few days after Tiger Woods successful US Masters appearance, the next date in his schedule has been set. The Hall-of-Famer played in golf’s first and arguably most famous major just 14 months after his car accident, and now the Twitter page of the JP McManus pro-am confirmed Tiger’s participation. The tournament will be played just one week before the 150th Open Championship. This will mark Tiger’s fourth time teeing it up at Adare Manor Golf Club. The top club in Ireland is a popular stop before the Open Championship and will host the Ryder Cup in 2027 . Tiger will be joined by Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Jon Rahm, Collin Morikawa and Dustin Johnson.

Tiger Woods confirms another tournament start after his US Masters comeback

The host of the tournament, JP McManus is looking forward to seeing Tiger and tells in an interview, “Tiger has been a great friend and avid supporter of the Pro-Am for a very long time and we are absolutely thrilled he has committed to play once again in the tournament”. The 15-time major winner will tee it up in Ireland alongside various celebrities, including actor Mark Wahlberg and singer Niall Horan. “His presence at Adare Manor will undoubtedly bring huge excitement to the thousands of spectators and we are very grateful to him for giving up his free time to be with us”.

Tiger Woods playing the big events

Tiger’s participation in Ireland is probably preparation for the 150th Open. The tournament is seen by many as a preparation for St. Andrews and the Old Course. On top of that, there’s Tiger’s connection to the only major not being played in America. “I would love to play at St. Andrews, there’s no doubt about it. It’s my favourite golf course in the world. To be a two-time Open champion there and even just being a part of the Champions Dinner is really neat.”

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European Tour

“The 14 Club Challenge” on the European Tour – Viktor Hovland vs. Rory McIlroy

Stars of the European Tour: Viktor Hovland and Rory McIlroy. (Photo: Getty)
Stars of the European Tour: Viktor Hovland and Rory McIlroy. (Photo: Getty)

The “14 Club Challenge” demands precise play from the players of the DP World Tour (formerly: European Tour) despite a completely wrong choice of clubs. At Emirates Golf Club, DP World Tour stars Viktor Hovland and Rory McIlroy compete against each other on Hole 4, a 155-yards par-3. At the end of the challenge, there is a clear winner.

Only on the DP World Tour: Driver on a par-3?

A point is awarded for every tee shot that comes to rest on the green. The challenge: Each of the 14 clubs that the players have in their bags may be used a maximum of once. If one player uses his pitching wedge, it is unavailable for the rest of the game and for the other player. The longer the challenge runs, the more diffuse the choice of clubs becomes…

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PGA Tour

The return is near: Phil Mickelson about to make a comeback at the US Open 2022?

Could be back on the golf course at the US Open in June: Phil Mickelson (Photo: Getty)
Could be back on the golf course at the US Open in June: Phil Mickelson (Photo: Getty)

It was quiet around the six-time major winner for a long time. Phil Mickelson played his last official tournament at the end of January, when he failed to make the cut at the Farmers Insurance Open. After his clear criticism of the PGA Tour, the American subsequently apologized for his statements and announced a break from golf. Since then, little has been heard from “Lefty”. Now, however, the bang for the buck: Phil Mickelson could make his return at the US Open in June.

List of contenders for the US Open raises hopes for Mickelson comeback

Many had probably expected a return of Phil Mickelson at the Masters. However, this assumption did not materialize and so the American missed the prestigious tournament at Augusta National Golf Club for the first time in 28 years and with it Scottie Scheffler’s triumph. In the run-up to the tournament, there were also rumors as to whether Mickelson had been disinvited or whether the American had voluntarily decided not to take part. The latter was confirmed afterwards.

Now, however, there seems to be some movement in his comeback plans, even if the information about this caused a little confusion. An article from golfmonthly.com reports about the list of applicants for the US Open on the homepage of the United States Golf Association. Phil Mickelson was also mentioned on this list. In the meantime, the aforementioned USGA website is no longer accessible. Accordingly, this is not yet a firm commitment, but there are many indications that Mickelson could participate in a tournament again in June.

The US Open takes place from June 16 to 19 at the Country Club in Brookline in the US state of Massachusetts and is the second oldest of the four Major tournaments. Last year, Jon Rahm became the first Spaniard to win the tournament there.

It remains to be seen who will have the best cards this year. Phil Mickelson will probably also be there. The American is only one victory away from a career Grand Slam at the US Open, as he has already won the other three majors. All the more reason for Mickelson to return to the golf course.

PGA Championship not yet an issue for Mickelson

Before the US Open takes place in June, the PGA Championship is still on the agenda for May. From May 19 to 22, the golfing elite will meet at Southern Hills Country Club for the second major of the year. It is still unclear whether Phil Mickelson will be taking part, as the American has neither confirmed nor cancelled his participation. Last year he won the title with a par on hole 18, but whether he can defend it this year is still questionable.

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European Tour

Fortinet Australian PGA Championship to launch the 2023 DP World Tour season

Jed Morgan is heading as defending champion to the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship on DP World Tour. (Photo: Getty)
Jed Morgan is heading as defending champion to the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship on DP World Tour. (Photo: Getty)

The tournament will return to Royal Queensland Golf Club in Brisbane, with Jed Morgan defending the Joe Kirkwood Cup against an international field competing for a prize fund of AUD$2million.

Earlier this year, Morgan stormed to a tournament record victory in the rescheduled 2021 edition of the event. Making just his 20th start as a professional, Morgan finished 11 strokes clear of Andrew Dodt, joining an elite group of former winners of the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship including Adam Scott, Cameron Smith, Geoff Ogilvy, Gary Player and Seve Ballesteros.

Return to DP World Tour’s schedule

In 2019, the last time the event took place on the DP World Tour schedule, former World Number One and Masters Tournament winner Adam Scott delighted the home crowds as he secured a two-stroke victory and his first title on home soil in six years.

The event returns to the DP World Tour’s schedule as part of its renewed Strategic Alliance with the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia and will be co-sanctioned until 2026.

Ben Cowen, DP World Tour Chief Tournament Business Officer, said: “When we announced the extension to our Strategic Alliance with the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia at the event in January, we stated the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship was a key part of that partnership, underlining our joint commitment to providing playing opportunities for both memberships as well as pathways for players to compete on the biggest stage.

“Today’s announcement reaffirms that, and we are therefore delighted to confirm our return to Australia this November to start the new season at Royal Queensland Golf Club with a record prize fund of AUD$2million.”

Gavin Kirkman, PGA of Australia Chief Executive Officer, said: “I think the return of the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship in 2021 will stay in our hearts for a long time.

“Everyone’s been through so much in the last two years in so many ways, so to see so many people out on the course at Royal Queensland following their favourite players, and to see the players themselves getting that opportunity to compete, it was just very heart-warming for us.”

Tickets for this year’s edition of the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship are now on sale with a full programme of off-course activity scheduled for fans, including the Taylormade Party Hole, with a resident DJ, hospitality suites, food and public bars.

The event continues to confirm Queensland’s status as a premier tourism destination, with Royal Queensland already confirmed as the venue for the Men’s and Women’s Olympic Golf Competitions for the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane.

(Text: Press release DP World Tour)

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Highlights Tours

US Masters 2022: Scheffler, McIlroy, Woods – The records and statistics of the Major

The stats for the US Masters 2022 with Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler and Tiger Woods. (Photo: Getty)
The stats for the US Masters 2022 with Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler and Tiger Woods. (Photo: Getty)

At the US Masters 2022, Scottie Scheffler sets several records with his first major victory. Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods and others should not be missing from this list of records set or tied at the prestigious major.

Scottie Scheffler in outstanding form

Scottie Scheffler unstoppable! In recent weeks, hardly any professional on the PGA Tour could stand a chance against the Texan. In mid-February, the 25-year-old won for the first time since his rise on Tour in 2020 at the Phoenix Open. Fifty-seven days have passed since then and three more trophies have gone into the world number one’s trophy cabinet. He won the Arnold Palmer Invitational, the WGC-Dell Match Play and now his first major with the 2022 US Masters. No one before him has managed the first four tournament wins in such a short span of time! The last time someone won four tournaments in six starts was Jason Day in 2015.

Four wins in one season is already a great achievement, but to win at least one Major and one WGC event highlights the exceptional form of Scottie Scheffler. There’s only one guy who’s done that, too. You will guess: Tiger Woods. The superstar, who made his comeback at the US Masters in 2022 after a serious car accident, was even able to achieve these results a total of eight (!) times in two periods of four seasons in a row – incredible! For the sake of completeness, however, it should be mentioned that greats such as Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus certainly had seasons with four tournament victories including majors, but the WGC events did not yet exist at that time (introduction in 1999).

Scheffler is also the sixth player to win the Major at Augusta National as the world number one. In doing so, the American does it like Ian Woosnam, who also won the US Masters in his first start as the world’s No. 1 golfer.

After an outstanding Friday, Scheffler had built a five-stroke lead in difficult conditions. The shared largest halfway lead at the Masters.

With his fourth victory, Scheffler now not only clearly leads the world ranking and the FedExCup, he also obviously cashed in a lot of prize money. In the meantime, the professional has earned over ten million US dollars with his results this season alone. This already puts him in sixth place in the ranking of prize money earned in a PGA Tour season. By the way, Jordan Spieth leads this list with just over twelve million dollars earned in his fabulous 2014/15 season with two major victories (Masters & Open) and Tour Championship (bonus not included). Scheffler, however, still has half the season and three majors to play and will probably climb up a few places in this ranking.

US Masters 2022: Rory McIlroy ties record

But enough about the Masters winner, others also set records at this major. Rory McIlroy ran hot on the final day, working his magic with flight partner Collin Morikawa at Augusta National. McIlroy’s closing 64, the only bogey-free round of the entire tournament, set the record for the best closing round at the Masters; in fact, it was the second-best round ever at one of the four majors for the Northern Irishman. It was a pity for the four-time major winner that he was already too far away from Scheffler before the final day and it was again nothing with the career Grand Slam for McIlroy.

On the final day, it was a duel between two players in good form with the better end for Scheffler. But Cameron Smith also has two victories this season (including the Players Championship) under his belt and has been playing incredibly consistent golf lately. However, the triple bogey at the 12th sank any hopes of winning the Masters at Rae’s Creek, and that after Smith had fought his way back in with a birdie at the hardest hole (11th). The three-stroke loss was the worst score on a hole in almost ten months for the Australian.

Previously, the Players Champion had carded a 68 in Round 1, although he conceded double stroke losses on holes 1 and 18. Only Ricky Fowler played a round of 68 or better including two double bogeys at the Masters.

Tiger Woods keeps series alive

It’s not a record yet, but Tiger Woods kept his streak of made cuts alive and could set a record next year. Despite his extreme suffering since his serious accident 14 months ago, the 46-year-old Hall-of-Famer made the cut at the 2022 US Masters for the 22nd time in a row.

On the weekend itself, the 15-time major winner was clearly feeling the strain and the strain, twice coming back into the clubhouse with 78 strokes. He had never needed so many in 92 rounds before to master Augusta National.

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Highlights Tours

US Masters 2022: Million dollar prize – this is how much money is at stake in Augusta

The winner of the 2022 US Masters will receive just over two million dollars in prize money. (Photos: Getty)

The official prize money for the US Masters 2022 was raised to 15 million dollars. In 2021, the prize money totaled $11.5 million. The raise is making the Masters one of the top tournaments on the tour, also financially, and the second best endowed tournament in golf behind the Players Championship ($20 million). The US Open and the PGA Championship both payed $12 million in 2021. According to reports, the organizers and sponsors even wanted to raise the prize money a little this year to underline the importance of the tournament.

One thing is for sure, whoever makes the cut at Augusta National can already look forward to a tidy handout in any case. Since 2019, the winner has received just over two million dollars, 600 FedEx Cup points and 100 points for the world rankings. In addition, a win at Augusta secures a PGA Tour card for five years, lifetime playing rights at the US Masters, and a starting spot at all majors for the next five years.

US Masters 2022: Smaller field = more money for everyone

Nothing is left to chance when it comes to the distribution of prize money at the US Masters. Instead, a clear scheme is followed that regulates the payout to the individual placings on a percentage basis. According to this scheme, the Masters champion always receives 18% of the total prize money, the runner-up still gets 10%, the third place 6.8%. If two or more players share a place, the prize money is divided among the players, as in any other tournament.

Augusta National: How to play a round of golf at the world’s most exclusive course

One reason why it is still possible to cash in well on the back places at the US Masters 2022 is the significantly smaller starting field compared to the PGA Tour. In terms of the size of the field, the fewest number of players make the cut after 36 holes at the Masters. Only the top 50 players (and stroke ties) make it to the weekend and thus receive a slightly higher share of the total prize money. Even those who miss the cut still receive $10,000, with only amateurs going away empty-handed.

This is how much money the top 50 players receive at the US Masters

Win: Scottie Scheffler, -10, $2,700,000

2: Rory McIlroy, -7, $1,620,000

T-3: Shane Lowry, -5, $870,000

T-3: Cameron Smith, -5, $870,000

5: Collin Morikawa, -4, $600,000

T-6: Will Zalatoris, -3, $521,250

T-6: Corey Conners, -3, $521,250

T-8: Justin Thomas, -1, $450,000

T-8: Sungjae Im, -1, $450,000

T-10: Cameron Champ, E, $395,000

T-10: Charl Schwartzel, E, $395,000

T-12: Dustin Johnson, +1, $330,000

T-12: Danny Willett, +1, $330,000

T-14: Kevin Na, +2, $225,333

T-14: Matt Fitzpatrick, +2, $225,333

T-14: Min Woo Lee, +2, $225,333

T-14: Harry Higgs, +2, $225,333

T-14: Lee Westwood, +2, $225,333

T-14: Talor Gooch, +2, $225,333

T-14: Hideki Matsuyama, +2, $225,333

T-14: Tommy Fleetwood, +2, $225,333

T-14: Jason Kokrak, +2, $225,333

T-23: Robert MacIntyre, +3, $138,000

T-23: Harold Varner III, +3, $138,000

T-23: Sergio Garcia, +3, $138,000

T-23: J.J. Spaun, +3, $138,000

T-27: Jon Rahm, +4, $111,000

T-27: Seamus Power, +4, $111,000

T-27: Viktor Hovland, +4, $111,000

T-30: Russell Henley, +5, $93,150

T-30: Sepp Straka, +5, $93,150

T-30: Hudson Swafford, +5, $93,150

T-30: Lucas Glover, +5, $93,150

T-30: Marc Leishman, +5, $93,150

T-35: Joaquin Niemann, +6, $75,562.50

T-35: Tony Finau, +6, $75,562.50

T-35: Patrick Reed, +6, $75,562.50

T-35: Webb Simpson, +6, $75,562.50

T-39: Patrick Cantlay, +7, $63,000

T-39: Bubba Watson, +7, $63,000

T-39: Tom Hoge, +7, $63,000

T-39: Si Woo Kim, +7, $63,000

43: Billy Horschel, +8, $55,500

T-44: Christiaan Bezuidenhout, +9, $51,000

T-44: Kevin Kisner, +9, $51,000

46: Cameron Davis, +12, $46,500

47: Tiger Woods, +13, $43,500

T-48: Adam Scott, +14, $40,050

T-48: Max Homa, +14, $40,050

T-50: Mackenzie Hughes, +15, $37,350

T-50: Daniel Berger, +15, $37,350

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Highlights Tours

US Masters 2022: “I’m thankful. I really am. I truly am.”

Tiger Woods waving towards the crowds after round 4 at the Masters. (Photo: Getty)

After his final round 78 at the 2022 Masters Tiger Woods wasn’t disappointed. Not at all. After returning to the competitive stage after 14 month of recovery he was happy to be competing again. Even though his goal to play for the title was set too high.

Tiger, now that it’s over, why was it worth it to you?

Tiger Woods: Well, this tournament has meant so much to me and my family, this entire tournament. I was explaining it there to Cara that you go back to the year I was born was the year that the first black man played in the Masters in Lee Elder. He was an honorary starter last year. He was there when I won in ’97. 25 years later here I am playing again.

It’s meant a lot to me, and there’s no other place that — well, there’s no other place, no other major that we play in the same venue. St. Andrews is, obviously, near and dear to my heart because it’s the home of golf, and I’ve been able to win a couple of Opens there, but we rotate.

This is different. This is where all the great champions have ever played. They have walked these grounds. Granted, I don’t think they’ve imaged walking back as far as we have, like on 11. I think when Bobby Jones originally designed it, it was supposed to be like a links golf course inland where you go from green to tee. But the game has changed, it’s gotten bigger, and there’s more walk-backs than ever before.

When you reflect back on all the hard work that you’ve put in to get back to this place, what goes through your mind?

Tiger Woods: I don’t think people really understand. The people who are close to me understand. They’ve seen it. Some of the players who are close to me have seen it and have seen some of the pictures and the things that I have had to endure. They appreciate it probably more than anyone else because they know what it takes to do this out here at this level.

It’s one thing to play with my son at a hit-and-giggle, but it’s another thing to play in a major championship. It’s been a tough road, and one that I’m very thankful to have the opportunity to be able to grind through it. A lot of different things could have happened, but 14 months, I’m able to tee it up and play in the Masters.

I realize there are historic and pretty crazy numbers, but under the circumstances, do you consider this week one of the greatest achievements of your career?

Tiger Woods:

Tiger Woods: For not winning an event, yes. Yes, without a doubt. To go from where I was to get to this point, I’ve had an incredible team that has helped me get to this point and incredible support from — as I alluded to in the press conference on Tuesday, the amount of texts and FaceTimes and calls I got from players that are close to me throughout this entire time has meant a lot.

Then to come here on these grounds and have the patrons — I played in a COVID year, and then I didn’t play last year. ’19 was the last time for me that I experienced having the patrons like this, and it’s exciting. It’s inspiring. It’s fun to hear the roars, to hear the hole-in-ones. I think Steward Cink made one the other day. To hear that roar down there at the bottom on 16, just to hear that excitement of what this tournament brings out.

We have just an amazing day today with now the wind is starting to pick up, it’s starting to swirl a little bit. It’s going to get — I think it’s going to get tight, and it’s going to be fun to watch.

How much pain were you in today?

Tiger Woods: Uh-huh.

Now when you look back on this week in your life, how will you describe it?

Tiger Woods: Thankful, as I alluded to. I keep saying it, but I am. I really am. I truly am. Just to get to this point.

Just to be able to play, and not only just to play, but I put up a good first round. I got myself there. I don’t quite have the endurance that I would like to have had, but as of a few weeks ago, didn’t even know if I was going to play in this event.

To go from that to here, we’re excited about the prospects of the future, about training, about getting into that gym and doing some other stuff to get my leg stronger, which we haven’t been able to do because it needed more time to heal. I think it needs a couple more days to heal after this, but we’ll get back after it, and we’ll get into it.

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Highlights Tours

US Masters 2022: Scottie Scheffler’s flirtation with disaster on course 18

us-masters-2022-golf-Scottie-Scheffler
Scottie Scheffler deep in the woods on 18 at the US Masters 2022 (foto: Getty)

Scottie Scheffler was in cruise control on day three at Augusta at the 2022 US Masters. At any point in the third round, he was at least three strokes ahead, and at times it was as much as seven. But a relaxed Saturday by Masters standards could have ended disastrously for Scheffler on 18. With a four-shot lead, he stood on the tee of the last hole, the narrow wooded fairway of the 18th in front of him. Before teeing off, all sorts of spectators had to be moved to get the shadows out of Scheffler’s view. Perhaps this distraction, this brief moment of reflection in the situation was too long for him, because his following tee shot was one of the worst shots of his day.

US Masters 2022 Leaderboard after round 3

Pictures at US Masters 2022 like Saturday tournament among amateurs

Scheffler’s ball started left toward the tree line. His typical fade curve failed to materialize and the ball disappeared deep into the trees on the left side of the course. Now you would think that at the Masters such a ball would be found immediately. But anxious minutes followed for Scheffler, during which helpers searched for his ball. In the end, fortunately, the ball was found, and the resulting pictures looked like an amateur in Saturday’s tournament. “Fortunately, they found the ball. And then I was just trying to figure out how to get it on the green with my third shot.” Scheffler, scrambling among bushes and branches, looked for a way out of the mess. All day, his round was going relatively smoothly, until that moment. But Scheffler remained deeply relaxed in his inimitable way, as he had throughout the US Masters 2022.

Clever interpretation of the rules help Scheffler

Scheffler’s first idea was to play the ball from there. But the heavy stand and the branches made that impossible. The second idea was the much better one. He declared the ball unplayable and subsequently got a drop two club lengths from the ball no closer to flag. Those two club lengths were enough to drop in an area on the left edge of the lane where he had a free swing. After discussions with the referee, he was allowed, in accordance with the rules, to remove pine needles in the drop area and test the ground for roots. On the drop, the ball rolled out of the designated area twice, and as a result, he was able to place the ball. The rest was a formality for Scheffler, world No. 1 and currently the best player on the planet. Iron 3 from 215 meters just behind the green, and then a relaxed up-and-down to the five. The bogey could be the important piece of the puzzle for Scheffler to win at the end of the fourth day. He enters the final round with a three-stroke lead over Cameron Smith, although it could have been considerably less.