The Masters 2022 Overview
The first and most important major of the year is upon us. A select field will tee it up at the world-renowned Augusta National.
The course is the most picturesque and well-kept piece of golfing land in the world, yet Alister Mackenzie’s design is a highly specialised test that pushes players to their limits.
The Masters is one of world golf’s four major events. It is the first event of the year, as well as the only one on the circuit that is hosted at the same place each year: Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia.
Augusta National plays to a par 72 and 7,435 yards but plays longer due to a number of uphill holes and the grain of the fairways pointing back towards the tee boxes meaning length is a huge advantage. The course is still largely forested, with each hole named after a flower, plant, or tree, I’m sure we will hear plenty about this over the next 7 days.
Course history, current form, and key statistics are all important topics of research for any golf event, but they are especially important for the Masters. Course history is more important than everywhere else since it is the only major that is played at the same venue each year and against a similar strength of field. The same statistical areas apply each year, but remember to consider a golfer’s historical success in those numbers in conjunction with their most recent play.
Understanding the course, as well as knowing how to play the holes and where to position shots, is critical for success at Augusta. Familiarity with the greens is also important, which is why players with less experience on the course typically do not do as well. Forecasting players putting week to week, on the other hand, might be challenging. While longer hitters have an advantage and playing the par 5s well under par is essential, precise ball striking, quality irons and approach play, and putting are the keys to winning. The bentgrass greens are lightning fast, with run-off areas, slopes, and numerous layers putting a real premium on short game skills. Think Tiger, Speith, Phil, Speith all have excellent short games.
This is the ultimate test of ball striking to ensure that approaches land on the correct tier and provide more opportunities for birdies, the ultimate second shot golf course.
The first major of the year is upon us in a matter of days, so much to cover off below but in short we’re are looking for a player who can control his ball flight and shot shape, with a great short game and bring their flat stick to the table. Lets dive into the stats and trends as we try and unlock the first Major champion of 2022.
5 Key Skills Set Required
- Driving Distance – Yes, some short hitters have won this event in the past. However, in my view, distance is of critical importance here at Augusta National.
- SG T2G – Without a doubt, T2G performance is the most critical factor this week for all the players. The relentless nature of Augustine national puts pressure on ancient every shot from the tee all the way to the final putt. When building your portfolio pay attention to players who have been dominating from tee to green over the past few months.
- SG Approach Play – Augusta National is known for being a second-shot golf course, the greatest Iron player of all time Tiger Woods has 5 victories here to demonstrate that fact. Iron play from 150 yards out or further, is of key importance here at The Masters with the majority of shots coming from this range whether that be attacking the long par 4’s or par 5’s. The successful player come Sunday evening will have dominated with long irons in hand.
- SG Around The Green – Small undulating greens which are super fast mean that the ball will be repelled from all these pin positions constantly throughout the week. This in turn will mean lots of shots in and around the green complexes. Getting up and down for par and protecting the scorecard is of key importance. The player who is comfortable around the green can be more aggressive when the opportunity presents themselves, knowing they are confident in their short game if their execution is off slightly.
- Par 4 Scoring – A lot of talk about dominating the par fives this week which of course is important however it’s the par4 scoring that will separate the players from the field this week. Look for players who have been excelling with their par 4 scoring averages coming into the event over the past few months. This has often been a key indicator of success here at Augusta National.
