Augusta diary

GOLF:  A Masters miscellany compiled by PHILIP REID

GOLF: A Masters miscellany compiled by PHILIP REID

Three and out: Number one hoping for a first

MARTIN Kaymer wouldn’t be the world number one if his game around Augusta National were the sole criterion. The German has played in three Masters and, ahem, missed the cut in all three.

He is determined to change that sorry statistic this time around as the US PGA champion carries the mantle of being the best player on the planet into the tournament.

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The reason for Kaymer’s poor performances? “I struggle with the draw,” admitted Kaymer of his ability to hit the ball right-to-left.

It’s not the only area which has concerned him, though. “I think my problem was always that I was not sharp enough in my short game. I missed a lot of short putts, didn’t make a lot of up-and-downs.”

Kaymer, looking for solutions, asked Luke Donald how he had improved his short game. The Englishman wouldn’t tell him, obviously working on the basis that trade secrets should not be divulged to a potential opponent.

Watt power?: It's off

ONE MAN with an extra need to use the locker-room in recent days has been Bubba Watson. The storm which passed through the area early Tuesday morning knocked out all the power in the house where the big-hitting left-hander is staying, with the result that he couldn’t shower.

“Still no power,” said Watson before embarking on an early-morning nine holes with Aussie Aaron Baddeley yesterday.

Hacks poll: Phil top

A POLL of golf journalists in Augusta has agreed with the view of the bookmakers – Phil Mickelson is the favourite for the US Masters. But it is far from an overwhelming choice. Out of 48 votes cast in the Augusta Chronicle newspaper survey, Mickelson received only 11.

Fellow American Nick Watney, winner of the most recent WGC event, picked up eight votes and then came England’s Lee Westwood and Luke Donald with six each.

Daly pitch: Wild Thing's on site to flog his merchandise

TWO-TIME Major champion John Daly might not be playing in the tournament, but he has taken his traditional pitch across from the club selling his merchandise to fans . . . and he has put his full backing behind Tiger Woods returning to the winner’s enclosure.

“I’m picking Tiger. I’m tired of people being so critical of him,” said Daly, adding that he believed Wood’s work on his swing changes would bear fruit. “I love what Sean (Foley) is doing with his swing. With Hank (Haney), he stood up a little taller and took it back a little outside. But Tiger’s taking it back more inside now, which is a better position. His swing looks exactly like it did when I first played with him when he was 13 years old.”

Tougher line on touts

POLICE have taken a tougher line with touts illegally selling tickets in the vicinity of Augusta National.

After merely issuing warnings to “scalpers” on Monday, 11 touts were booked into Richmond County jail on Tuesday after being caught selling tickets within half a mile of the course. Each was released on bail bonds of $500 apiece.

Those caught selling tickets near the club are subject to fines up to $750, but the more serious deterrent comes from Augusta National itself who warn anyone caught selling their tickets on the open market could have them permanently revoked.

Still, the touts manage to get their hands on some tickets. And maybe it’s a sign the US economy is on the up, but a four-day set of competition badges was selling for $3,414 on one site, up $1,000 on last year.

Masters fact:This year's field of 99 is the largest since 1966, when there were 103.Therecord is109 in 1962. Six amateurs are competing this year.