“I remember the first time I walked down Magnolia lane, the sparkle and aura of one of the greatest golfing venues can take your breath away.”
David Leadbetter headed to Augusta on Sunday to get settled in for the week, filled with corporate clinics, range sessions, and impromptu putting lessons on the lightning-fast Augusta greens. He shared insight from what he’s been working on with his players leading up the 2017 Masters:
“Working with players at Augusta requires far more than just tweaking techniques. Coaching here is more about making a person believe in their talent and relish the challenge of battling one of the greatest sporting spectacles.
One of the biggest keys I try to install in my players this week is really delving deep into the intricacies of the golf course. By taking their focus away from all the external distractions that the event brings, players can focus on the things they can control. This includes scanning every inch of their yardage books and leaving no stone unturned. We saw this beautifully executed when Jordan Speith blew the field away in 2015, going in with a perfect gameplan and executing it with perfection.
This week I am working with a number of players looking to claim their green jacket. Only one player will have the opportunity to enjoy Danny Willet’s Roast potatoes at the Masters Champions dinner, though, and that’s 2008 Masters Champion Trevor Immelman. I’m very pleased to have reunited our partnership, and I’m hoping he can draw some inspiration from his win in 2008. It’s always nice playing a tournament you’ve already won.
The Spaniard Rafa Cabrera-Bello is arguably one of the most in-form players in the past 18 months. Coming off of a solid 18th place finish in 2016, Rafa is excited by the prospect of doing even better this year. His long game has been coming along nicely and with the added confidence of performing admirably in his first Ryder cup experience, he hopes to make a challenge for the jacket on Sunday afternoon.
Byeong-hun “Ben” An has also been working as hard as ever and has been consistently in the hunt ever since his BMW PGA Championship win in 2015. His swing has always been extremely efficient which his consistent form has proven. I expect Ben to really push on this year after already coming close in Pheonix. He hopes to put himself in position on Sunday by playing smart golf but being aggressive in the right situations.
This isn’t Ernie [Els]’ first time around Augusta National, and he has many fond memories on this course. Although he’s struggling with a few back issues, we’re hoping it will hold up through the week. He’s starting to hit the ball really well and obviously knows the course as well as anyone in the field.”
This isn’t Ernie [Els]’ first time around Augusta National, and he has many fond memories on this course. Although he’s struggling with a few back issues, we’re hoping it will hold up through the week. He’s starting to hit the ball really well and obviously knows the course as well as anyone in the field.”
“All that being said, its hard to look past the World #1 this week, but the young Spaniard John Rahm would be my outside bet.”