Fred Couples was one of the stars of the show during the opening round of The Masters, with the champion of 1992 rolling back the years and opening up with a one under par round at Augusta National.
A fascinating first day at The Masters has whet the appetite for what is to come on Friday. Justin Rose is looking to hold onto a lead while the likes of Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau lurk just behind him.
Meanwhile, it is going to be so intriguing to see how Rory McIlroy responds to his dreadful finish on Thursday.
But there appears to be a fantastic chance of Fred Couples making the cut for only the second time in his last seven appearances at Augusta National. An eagle on the 14th hole was the highlight of the opening round for the American.
Fred Couples makes Xander Schauffele prediction after his opening round at The Masters
It was suggested that Xander Schauffele is flying under the radar heading into The Masters. And it does seem that that has continued with the opening round, with the two-time major champion ending the day at one over par.
Couples played practice rounds alongside Xander Schauffele, Patrick Cantlay and Brooks Koepka in the build-up to the first major of the year, and he appeared to be fairly confident after his round that the world number three would find his way into contention.
“They were in great shape. I don’t know what time Patrick – I see Xander is maybe even. They’re playing very, very well. I played with Brooks; he’s playing very, very well. I mean, they’re all playing – it’s a different game,” he said.
“When I was 30 I played really, really well. I could play golf. I mean, the stuff these guys do is, you know it’s nuts.
“But, I don’t think they were better than me. I think they swing better than most people used to because there is so much mechanics involved. Cantlay and X Man, by the end of week I think they’ll both be up there fighting for something.”
Couples will hope latest Brooks Koepka comments do not land him in hot water
Of course, Couples playing a practice round with Koepka is interesting given that they were at the centre of some drama at a time when the sport remains divided.
Couples attracted criticism from Phil Mickelson after claiming that Koepka wants to return to the PGA Tour, with Mickelson hitting out at Couples on social media.
The veteran has since clarified that he did not intend to suggest that Koepka wants to leave LIV Golf, and insisted that they remain on good terms – which the practice round at Augusta certainly shows.
Koepka appears to be something of an anomaly on LIV because he is not afraid to say what he really thinks about the league. Ultimately, there is a level of camaraderie on LIV which sees most players defend the league against any criticism – a lot of which is valid.
It does the team format no favours at all, as no genuine rivalries are able to develop. Meanwhile, it makes it all the more surprising when someone like Koepka discusses how the league needs to improve.
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