Masters Week Is Here, With Ears on the Chairman and Eyes on Tiger Woods and LIV Golfers
The wait is over.
April's first weekend is in the books, with Corey Conners becoming a two-time winner in San Antonio and Brooks Koepka becoming LIV Golf's first two-time winner, period.
Those two are now on their way to Augusta, Ga., filling out a field of 88 players at the year's first major. And what might the second weekend of April bring?
Play begins Thursday but there's much to discuss before then, including a press conference on Wednesday morning which figures to lend insight on a number of topics that will shape the next few years in golf.
All Ears Will Be on the Augusta National Chairman's Masters Press Conference
Adam Cairns/USA TODAY Sports
The chairman of Augusta National and the Masters has long been one of the most powerful figures in golf. But now? What Fred Ridley says on Wednesday in a press conference could shape the future of LIV players in majors, the viability of the proposed rolled-back ball and even provide clues to what's next on the property at Augusta. Bob Harig breaks down the issues.
Tiger Woods Is Back, But What to Expect at the Masters Is Anyone's Guess
David J. Phillip/AP
For the 25th time, Tiger Woods will tee it up at the Masters. He arrived on Sunday, hitting a few balls and saying some hellos. He'll certainly play a few holes over the next couple days and media will analyze how he looks, but really, how he plays come Thursday is impossible to know for sure. All we know is that we'll be watching.
Don't Expect the Masters Broadcast to Linger on LIV Golf
Andrew Davis Tucker/USA TODAY Sports
Last week, the Masters's television partners met with reporters. Predictably, many questions were about LIV Golf and how its 18 players in the field might be treated on the air. The consensus response is that things will be business as usual, with LIV players covered like anyone else. Which would be unusual given the angst and constant banter around the Saudi-backed league.
Weekly Read Fore! Things: Corey Conners, Brooks Koepka Head to Masters After Wins
Michael Thomas/AP
The field for the Masters stands at 88, not the possible 89 it could have had after the Valero Texas Open if a non-qualifier won. Corey Conners already had his invitation but will now head with the added momentum of a win—and his record at Augusta National is solid. So is Brooks Koepka's, though he has missed the cut the last two years. He will also arrive off a win. Bob Harig has more on their wins and additional insight into this week's field.