Well that is a wrap for the 87th edition of The Masters.

What is my take on the week?

Firstly, well played to 28 year-old Jon Rahm on picking up his second Major on what would have been the late Seve Ballesteros’s 66th birthday and the 40th anniversary of the second of the Spaniard’s two Green Jackets.

This is a big boost to European Captain Luke Donald and his 2023 Ryder Cup Team for Italy in September and Jon now regains the number one spot on the Official World Golf Ranking. I hope he continues to support the DP World Tour and plays in events over here.

One of my men Brooks Koepka did well all week, just struggled on the last day, to finish in tied second alongside Phil Mickelson.

Thomas Pieters was never quite himself and finished tied 48th with a final round of 77.

Danny Willett missed the cut on +6, but credit to Matt Fitzpatrick who seems to be showing some form with a tied 10th finish on four under for 72 holes.

Last week just reaffirms that the only golfing Major that does not rotate its venue – there is a huge element of ‘horses for courses.’

Mickelson has three Masters jackets to his name in his wardrobe, and played a brilliant last round 65. Not bad for a 52 year-old. This seven under par round tied his career low around Augusta National, a score he first carded in 1996 when he finished just behind Sir Nick Faldo and Greg Norman. It is the lowest round by a player over 50 and he is now the oldest golfer to have a top-five finish at Augusta.

Fred Couples became the oldest player to make the cut at 63 years – six months and five days. What an achievement for the 1992 champion.

Regarding Rory McIlroy and his missed cut in this his 15th visit, it was a huge disappointment for so many people, beginning the week as one of the favourites. His build-up seemed ideal, with the spotlight for once on others. Back to the drawing board to see how he should approach the 2024 Masters. He took a week off prior this year. Maybe he should just turn up next time on Tuesday night and play just one practice round and then tee off as if it was just a ‘normal’ week. Is he overthinking stuff? Is he underthinking stuff? Rory, I am sure Rory will sort it all out. One thing that should give him positive encouragement is that Tiger Woods is publicly saying that Rory will finish his career with a Green Jacket on his golfing CV! Nice one Tiger.

As for Tiger, well done for making the cut – that is a huge achievement. Perhaps the cold and wet weather was never going to help him. What is next for Tiger? When will we see him play next? He did not look good on completion of his second round – but what a fighter.

Finally, my take on the OWGR.

This was an event where LIV golfers could win Official World Golf Ranking points.

A look at the movement of LIV golfers on the table who made the cut makes interesting reading:

Brooks Koepka up 78 places to 39Phil Mickelson up 353 places to 72Patrick Reed up 25 places to 45Joaquin Niemann up one place to 24Harold Varner III up one place to 59Cam Smith up one place to 5Talor Gooch up two places to 56Abraham Ancer down 4 Places to 35Thomas Pieters up one place to 44Dustin Johnson down one place to 70Charl Schwartzel up 18 places to 196

A review of the Ranking System apparently took place during the week, more especially an overview of the amendments to the new system, but I am sure reference must have been made to the application by LIV Golf for Ranking status.

It is an interesting time for golf at present.

The next Major is only 38 days away – the US PGA Championship at Oak Hill CC, New York. We cannot wait for that to come around and see where we all are then.

Thanks to GULF NEWS for being able to host this Daily Diary from The Masters.

See you all soon.

Peter Cowen

Peter Cowen is 72 years old and a Dubai Golden VISA Awardee. He has his Peter Cowen Golf Academies at both Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and is headquartered in Rotherham, England.

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