It’s Friday, and I have so many thoughts running through my mind, so today will be a series of brief descriptions of my observations on and off the course.
Many players who had high hopes will be going home or heading to the next tournament after the end of play today.
Gary Woodland
I really really, really want to see Gary Woodland do well. He is so courageous and has been through so much. My admiration for him increases with every stroke. Woodland suffers from severe anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, having endured a series of personal trials and tragedies, including a brain lesion that was affecting his mental health. Despite having the growth removed in 2023, he still feels uneasy in crowds, leading him to keep a security detail on the course since he worries that somebody might try to hurt him.
I also like Xander Schauffele, Jason Day, and Justin Rose too. I actually interviewed Jason when he was playing on the Nationwide Tour now Korn Ferry Tour in Omaha, NE.
Miscellaneous
How will Rory do today? I asked him the following question yesterday: What will you focus on tomorrow?
RORY McILROY: “Getting the ball in the fairway a little bit more different, I think would be a good thing. I’m going to be playing later in the day when the greens are at their fastest and firmest. So again, just being very aware of hole locations and making sure that I’m trying to put the ball in the right spots on the greens.”
Are you folks even reading what I am writing ? I hope so because I am writing for you.
Can I stay away from the world’s best golf gift shop?
My Blessings
I am watching golf and being fed every day and yet there is so much strife, famine and hurt in the world. How blessed I am to do this work.
Who will I meet today and hopefully impact their life in some small way.
Here are the some of our people I met today. They all want to remain anonymous.
- Shuttle Driver – Brother from Indianapolis who is an attorney
- Spectator – Husband works in the Clubhouse
- Couple from Boston – First Time attendees received tickets from “A Friend”
- Couple from Augusta – Educators, one had worked at Augusta National
KEVIN HART
Here is some addional information on Kevin Hart
https://x.com/espn/status/2041966017606295877Introducing my new caddie 🤝 pic.twitter.com/8OtBFH04LA
— Bryson DeChambeau (@brysondech) April 8, 2026
The Crowd
I stand by my crowd estimate of 40,000 and add that maybe 1% yes 1% is African American
Masters Workforce
Workers are recruited locally and nationally , apply for the jobs, hired and come here to work just for Masters week. Many are housed in motels and hotels in neighboring communities and are shuttled here daily. I’m talking hundreds or workers
Rory
Rory McIlroy set a record today for the largest 36-hole lead in Masters history. He shot a sizzling 65 and is 6 shots clear in the lead over Sam Burns. In one stretch he had 6 birdies in 7 holes. I attended Rory’s press conference this afternoon. I always find him to be very candid and honest. You can read the full comments here. https://asaptext.com/asap_media/media/1079/1207/transcripts/166434.pdf
THE CUT
54 players, including competitors from 15 different countries, made the 36-hole cut from a starting field of 91. The cut fell at four-over-par 148. Notables missing the cut including former Masters champions Bubba Watson, Mike Weir. Vjay Singh, Fred Couples, Jose Maria Olazabal and 2-time U S Open Champion, Bryson DeChambeau.
The hats of the Masters
Now that half the field is gone, the question is “Will Rory add to his lead, will he loose it?”
I will be on the course tomorrow to watch him pull further away or as they say come back to the field. Of course, someone else can get hot and run him down for a Sunday showdown. I will see you tomorrow. Send me your comments on the daily reports , [email protected] I want to know your thoughts. If your comment is selected you will a Masters cap. Please support the sponsors of the daily articles.
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