AUGUSTA, Ga. – Paul Casey needed only 11 holes to realize a Masters in November was an experience unlike any other at Augusta National.
He had a 6-iron to a left pin on the par-5 second hole at Augusta National. Any other year — any April, really — he would have aimed well right of the flag.
On this soft, autumn day, he took on the pin. The ball plopped down 6 feet away. “You can't hit that shot in April,” he said. “That shot in April would have one-hopped over into the patrons.” Consider that a warning.
For all but 19 players in the field, the Masters back in April should feel like it usually does. There are pins to attack. There are pins to avoid.