Masters week magic
It’s the best week of the year. The azaleas, the roars, the back nine on Sunday—there’s nothing like Augusta National. With the Masters this week, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it feels like to work with a player in that setting, and I wanted to share one of my favorite stories.
The biggest Masters moment that sticks out in my mind was coaching Smylie Kaufman when he was in the final group on Sunday in 2016. I remember finishing on Saturday afternoon and having a gentleman in a green jacket escort us to the media center after Smylie shot 68 in crazy windy conditions that put him in the final pairing with Jordan Spieth.
Sunday morning felt like the longest morning of my life. There’s nothing that prepares you for going off in the final group at Augusta. I got a call from my longtime mentor while sitting in the Waffle House in North Augusta, and he simply said, “Don’t mess him up and stay out of the way.”
Being one of the last two people on the practice area before the final round—knowing all the eyes of the golf world were on you—was something I’ll never forget. There were no distractions. Everything was focused on your player. Smylie was swinging great, didn’t seem to miss a shot on the range. It’s an experience you wouldn’t trade for anything, and it made me fall in love with that place even more.
The lesson I took from that day? You can try to be prepared, but there are some things you can only be prepared for by having experience in that arena. That’s true at Augusta and at your home course.
Masters Tip: How to Handle Tight Lies
If you’re watching the Masters this week, you’ll notice these players navigating some of the tightest lies in golf. The key is ball-first contact, and that means getting the low point out in front of the ball. Whether it’s a short game shot or a full swing, here’s what to focus on:
1. Rotate toward the target
Make sure your center—your trunk—is rotating and moving toward the target through impact. This naturally moves your low point forward, which is exactly what you need on a tight lie.
2. Thin beats fat every time
If anything, it’s better to catch it a little thin than to hit behind it. A slightly thin shot from a tight lie will still get to the green. A fat one won’t get halfway there. Commit to moving through the shot.
3. Learn the hinge and hold
Around the greens at Augusta, you’ll see a lot of the hinge-and-hold chip and run. I recorded a great series on this with the legendary Roger Cleveland that breaks it down step by step. Watch the short game clinic here. So much great insight in this series—it’s definitely worth your time.
What I’m Watching
To get you in the Masters mood, check out one of our latest videos on the DewsweeperTV YouTube channel. We’ve got some great content to keep you sharp heading into the best week of the year. Watch the latest here
Masters Week Contest — Sponsored by StayCay
Want a gimme? Masters week, if you comment on, like, or share any of our social or YouTube posts and tag a friend, you’ll be entered for a chance to win a set of Cleveland Golf wedges, Vineyard Vines Dewsweeper swag and gift cards, Rhoback socks, and some special treats from our friends at StayCay.
Schedule Update
With the Old Palm practice facility closed for renovation, I’ll be teaching in South Florida at Boca Point Country Club in Boca Raton. Special thanks to the Heritage Golf Group for allowing me to set up shop there.
Upcoming dates:
Boca Point: April 14-16, April 22-24, April 30-May 3, May 13-15
Blue Bell, Philadelphia: May 6-9 (Private lessons)
We also have our VIP Elite Junior Camp featuring myself and Top 100 teachers Kevin Kirk and Wayne Flint along with Golf Digest Best Young Teacher Jackson Koert. This is a rare opportunity for juniors to work, play, and compete in a Ryder Cup–style team format with tour players as captains and partners.
Click here for the full schedule, and we’ll get something on the books.
Here’s to azaleas, Amen Corner, and birdies when they matter most.
Tony
