If there’s anything Paul Lawrie has learnt in the intervening eight years since he was last at the Masters and that is not to get too aggressive in tackling Augusta National.
Lawrie was out on a rain-softened Augusta course yesterday (TUES) with just his caddy, Dave Kenny and purposely playing by himself after being joined a day earlier by American Corbin Mills in playing the back nine.
It’s been eight years since Lawrie ended the 2004 Masters with a 77 that earned him a share of 37th place and a cheque for $US 32,663.
However while Lawrie continued to endure a winless spell his career took a turn for the better just over a year ago in capturing the Andalucian Open.
Paul Lawrie with son Michael and wife Marion in front of the iconic Augusta National clubhouse. (Photo - www.paullawrie.com)
Lawrie followed that with a second place last December in Dubai and then an unprecedented string of top-10s capped by a second Qatar Masters success.
“It’s nice being back here again and great to have Michael in the car with Marion and I because he had never been here before,” said Lawrie.
“I have been playing well for a while and to be now back inside the top-50 on the World Rankings is opening a lot of doors for me like Augusta.
“If I was 51 or 52 all you gets is tournaments on your own tour but then I work pretty hard at what I do and if didn’t get myself back in the top-50 then you just keep working hard and hope that you do.
”But I feel as though I can well this week so I am looking forward to a good tournament.”
And while Lawrie again familiarised himself with Augusta and the new practice facilities there is also a few changes to the golf course since he last played the course.
In 2004 Augusta National measured 7,290 yards but this year it will play to 7,435 yards.
Noticeably, 35 yards has been added to the par four third hole, 40 yards to the par four seventh, 15 yards to the par five 11th, 30 yards to the par five 15th and 15 yards to the par four 17th.
“There’s a number of new tees since I was here last in 2004 and Augusta just does a great job of building something new, like the practice range, that looks as though it’s been here for years,” he said.
“When I drove in to the course I’d forgotten where the old practice range was and the practice facilities now are probably the best I’ve seen.
“Of the holes I’ve played so far the 11th hole is probably the biggest change and I’ve never known it be as long as it is but then that’s the effect I guess of new technology.
“But while I am about eight years older than my last visit here I feel as lot I am a lot smarter as when you’re a bit younger you get a bit aggressive and you can’t play this course that way.
“You have to be patient, you have to play away from the pins and one mistake can cost you dearly.”
Lawrie will wind up his practice with nine holes this morning (WED) and then will have his six-handicap son Michael as partner for the Par Three Contest.
