Knowing your greens to claim the Green

TEE TO GREEN:In the first of a series of occasional columns, GRAEME MCDOWELLsavours the unique atmosphere of Augusta

THE WAITING is almost over and final preparations near completion after some great reconnaissance work at Augusta in the last week. I’m raring to go for the first major of the year, which promises to be something special, especially with you-know-who ready to make his long-awaited comeback.

Masters week at Augusta, there really is nothing else like it. It’s a tournament that compares to no other, as heightened expectation and anticipation brings with it a unique type of pressure.

I’ve learned to get as much preparation as possible done early so that when it comes to the week of a major I can enjoy it more. These next couple of days are about fine-tuning.

I flew up to Augusta from my home at Lake Nona last Friday and played 36 holes. It was a long day but very productive. I’ve been working hard on the short game with my coach, Pete Cowen, and my caddie, Ken Comboy, also went to Augusta.

There are many quirky rules down Magnolia Lane. Until tournament week you’re only allowed to use a local caddie and one walking guest, so Ken walked with me. Unfortunately my dad, Kenny, or brother George couldn’t come with us.

You definitely get a different buzz around the locker-room. Guys are on their best behaviour a little bit more.

I’ve concentrated a lot on the greens. Very rarely at Augusta are you looking directly at the flags, you have to be smart and use the slopes to create birdie chances, then take advantage of the par fives when you can. I wouldn’t call it particularly demanding off the tee.

There are maybe half a dozen holes where par is a good score, another six outside birdie chances, plus six more really good birdie opportunities, particularly from 13 to 16.

Augusta requires you to shape the ball more than other courses, plus hit softer approaches into greens but not parachute them in. It’s all about strategy, patience and familiarising myself with the place again and trying to understand the nuances. I also have some great notes from last year.

There are few places on earth that give you the feeling Augusta does, butterflies in the stomach stuff. Perhaps the first or 17th at St Andrews, or the seventh and 18th at Pebble Beach compare.

Got here late last night and rented a house from a local family six miles from the course. My mum and dad and older brother are staying with me. We have an English chef, Hughie Kimnell, with us, and he’ll cook and look after the house. It’s handy because booking a table at a restaurant is near impossible this week.

Renting a house and getting away from all the hype is now a typical set-up for me at majors. It costs more, but it’s important to prepare well and be able to enjoy down time away from the course.

There’s no doubt Tiger’s presence will add another dimension to the week. It’s great to have him back, as he puts bums on seats and people in front of TVs. We tour players are under no illusions he has made the game more lucrative for us all.

Has my opinion changed of him since what’s happened? Not as a golfer, but the clean-cut image has certainly been blown out of the water. He was so calculated in everything he did, so to be as loose as he was with his personal life was more shocking than anything else.

I don’t think anyone wants to draw him for the first two rounds, I don’t think I’d enjoy it much. I feel sorry for the guy who does, though.

I played with Tiger in the third round last year, and it’s not the bigger crowds that’s the problem: it’s the crap that goes on inside the ropes, as media and general entourage is increased tenfold. He’s learned to deal with it, but it can be very distracting for others. It will be interesting to see if he still has that aura of invincibility.

I’m due to play 18 holes with Rory (McIlroy) today and we’ll play the Par 3 tournament together again. Last year our dads caddied, but George will put the white overalls on this time. Could be a bit of a rush as I want to get in and watch the Man United v Bayern match.

I’ve a few nice outfits lined up for the week, some nice belts and trousers, and I’ll be sure to wear something that doesn’t clash with green come Sunday. Every golfer has dreamed of putting that Green Jacket on. I’m no different, but there’s a lot of water to go under the bridge between now and then.

For more information about Graeme McDowell visit www.graememcdowell.com