It was an early alarm for the final day of the Stena Line Media Masters 2019. As we stumbled down to another fine breakfast at the Druids Glen Hotel thoughts turned to the eight singles matches which were to take place at Powerscourt Golf Club. I had heard great reports of the courses at Powerscourt and so was looking forward to another great test of golf. I was not to be disappointed.
Having found a new and relaxing way to reach the Emerald Isle, by ferry across the Irish Sea, Team GB headed out of Dublin on their way to their base for the Stena Line Media Masters. The 5 star Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort is set in 360 acres of countryside between the Wicklow Mountains and the Irish Sea and is only some thirty minutes from Dublin.
The call came through: “Can you play in the Masters?” Thoughts like ‘is the Pope Catholic?’ came to mind as they followed up with the “Media Masters – Stella is inviting you.” Panic sets in as I wonder if I know a Stella and what the wife might say. “No, the Stena Line Media Masters” and so began the adventure.
As Tiger Woods holed the winning putt some time around 7.35pm on Sunday I was asked an awkward question: "Are you crying??", "Seriously, mate, are you crying?" "I've just something... sniff... in my eye, that's ... sniff... all..."
Tiger Woods. The incredible story so far...
Saturday Tee Times and pairings as Ian Poulter goes out with Tiger Woods...
Despite being slide-tackled by a steward on the 14th hole, Tiger Woods produced a stunning round of 68 to put himself right in contention for his fourth Masters title going into the weekend.
We had everything on Friday at The Masters: A stellar leaderboard; birdies galore; storm threats; unbelievable recovery shots; a marshall slide-tackling Tiger Woods on the 14th hole (he still made birdie) and some truly comical moments starring Zach Johnson, Rory McIlroy and Kiradech Aphibarnrat.
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has announced it will be offering free golf bag luggage on its flights to Abu Dhabi with immediate effect.
The Golf Scientist, Bryson DeChambeau, and one half of golf's Odd Couple, Brooks Koepka, lit up day one of the Masters with rounds of 66 to take a one shot lead over fellow American Phil Mickelson.
This is the moment we've all been waiting for. Who's playing with who? When are they off and did they remember to put the cat out before hastily legging it to Magnolia Lane? All you need to know right here: How to watch, best odds, course guide, winning score predictor, everything...
Remember when Europeans dominated the Masters? From 1980 to 2000, the tournament was won 11 times by European golfers. Since then, not so much, with only two winners in the last 18 years. It's worth noting, however, that those wins (Danny Willett and Sergio Garcia) make up two of the last three Masters. Maybe the transition of power at Augusta has already begun?
