The 2025 Masters Is Here*
Annual Drive, Chip and Putt sets the stage for the Tradition Unlike Any Other. But about the Chairman's Monday press conference, the Savory Tomato. pies, and the latest forecast.
Greetings from Augusta, where it’ll be a tidy edition after I spent the afternoon perfecting an Oscar-worthy impersonation of Greg Norman in 1996, minus the straw hat and ghastly shirt.
Before the evacuation began, I took in the always joyous Drive, Chip and Putt. Broken record alert: the kids performed remarkably (again) on a stage where most upright citizens would struggle to take the club back, much less put a tee in the ground or feel safe walking on the immaculate turf.
There was, however, one unfortunate trend accelerated from last year, but in more extreme fashion: the wee cutie-pies employed AimPoint Express at an alarming rate while patrons, parents and titans of industry looked on at the 18th green. The strange scene of youngsters straddling lines and making cultish symbols remains jarring for the reasons we’ve covered before.
I have no idea what the remedy is. But social media hate and television producers, some heard as far away as Aiken screaming, “hit the bleeping putt you punk,” ought to expedite a ban (or installation of a shot clock featuring a nasty “time expired” buzzer).
You can view all the winners here. And some of the incredible images here.
One moment of Golf God cruelty also took place: Nicklaus Miller, grandson to the legendary Johnny, seemed to have the Boys 12-13 all but wrapped after scoring nine points in putting, only to have Hudson Justus—yep, Justus—make both putts to score a perfect 10 and steal another win from a Miller. This came 50 years after his Grandad cruelly lost the 1975 Masters to Jack Nicklaus when making eight final-round birdies, only to have the Golden Bear birdie 15 and 16 for a one-stroke win.
Also…
Ángel Cabrera, set to make his return to the Masters after a multi-year diet of porridge and late-night bunkbed storytelling, held at least a share of the lead after each of the first two rounds before holding off K.J. Choi at the James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational. It’s the 2009 Masters champion’s first win on the senior tour.
Marc Leishman and the Flippers captured the LIV stop at Doral.
*Monday Weather Delay
The forecast has not improved for Monday. So the club is asking patrons to stay away from the property until an 8 a.m update.
Due to expected inclement weather and safety concerns, patron gates will not open as scheduled for Monday’s practice round. All patron parking lots will remain closed until further notice. No patrons should approach Augusta National Golf Club until more details are released.
As of press time, the severity of tonight’s front has weakened a touch upon reaching Augusta. Go river-bubble go.
Chairman’s Monday Press Conference
A rare Monday 2 p.m ET gathering has been announced. Speculation has centered around why Chairman Fred Ridley would speak before Wednesday’s traditional press gathering. Current odds on the possible topics for Monday: