Masters Mentorship puts Tournament Rookies at the top

Still, advice is often welcome. I said he was with K.J. Choi, who finished in the top 10 at the Masters three times, on how to approach the course and ended the conversation with a feeling of encouragement. On the fairways and greens, other veterans have been eager to give advice about Augusta National over the past week, but they were far from stopping to waste every secret of the par-72 course.

"Ray Floyd, Crenshaw, Nicklaus, Palmer – they'd all talk about putts, shots, things to watch out for," said Mickelson, citing the winners of 13 combined Masters tournaments.

But despite all the wisdom available to early career players, there's only so much that can prepare a Masters rookie for the rigors of a course far more challenging, Ancer said Friday, than it seems. in splendor on television. Moreover, there was no guarantee that the tricks devised on the basis of successes and regrettable plays in April's past would last through November. had been advised by figures like Jack Nicklaus and Seve Ballesteros, but he said they – and later – hadn't shared everything. Instead, Woods, a five-time Masters winner who tied for a 2 0th place is fifth under, which was no substitute for raw experience at Augusta.

"That's also something you have to go through," he said.

Woods' approach can still make some sort of progress for rookie-veteran relationships.

Bob Goalby, the 1968 champion, recalled Wednesday that players like Doug Ford and Sam Snead, both Masters winners, had advised him. However, those exchanges were often based on friendships, not necessarily pay feelings, he said.