How about that drama on the 72nd hole of the Masters, huh? No, not the theater that unfolded with Sergio Garcia and Justin Rose sticking their approaches, only for both competitors to miss birdie attempts in agonizing fashion. Rather, we’re talking about this scene captured by our friends at Barstool Sports, right after Garcia missed:

https://twitter.com/barstoolsports/status/851210380873523200

There’s only four individuals featured in this photo, but each conveys a host of emotions and responses to the spectacle transpiring. Let’s break it down, person by person:

Sergio Garcia
Garcia’s reaction runs the gamut. The tongue protruding from the lips says, “Huh, I’ll be damned.” The slumped shoulders, a response to missing a chance at immortality. But his eyes are like, “Eh, whatever, at least Rosie missed too. I’ll get him in the playoff.” That, or he’s looking into the sun. For the sake of posterity, let’s go with the former.

Red guy
This cat seems like an overbearing sports parent, the type of dad who yells at his kid for missing a free throw in a 40-point win:

That, or he had the under on Sergio: 68.5.

White ballcap
The look of someone who copes with suffering through laughter. Like when you spend hours cleaning your house, only to see a dog walk through the back door and shake its mud-ridden fur all over the sparkling kitchen.

Cell-phone dude
Whoever he is, we wish his family the best. Because — given Augusta National’s strict no cell phone policy — you’re never seeing that poor bastard again.

The post There are so many things going on in this Masters photo appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

AUGUSTA, Ga. — All week, his public utterances were littered with telltale phrases. “Somewhat disappointed” was in there after an opening 72. “Disappointed to finish like that” was his verdict on the 73 on day two, alongside the all-too common admission: “I missed a couple of short ones.” Other familiar refrains dominated the aftermath of the third-round 71 that left him six shots off the lead: “I hit the wrong club,” “I had chances I could have converted,” and “I was a little frustrated.”

So it continued in the final round of the 81st Masters for Rory McIlroy, who will return to Augusta National next year still searching for the fourth and final piece of the career Grand Slam. His closing 69 was his best effort of the week and lifted him into a tie for seventh. It was also a round littered with “might have beens,” even if the man himself professed to feeling “encouraged” by his overall performance.

“This wasn’t as adventurous as previous Masters have been for me,” he said. “I didn’t get too high with some really low nine-hole scores. But I didn’t shoot any nine-hole scores that were in the 40s. It was quite a consistent, steady Masters for me. It wasn’t quite good enough, though. I had an opportunity to shoot something in the mid-to-high 60s yesterday, which would have got me closer to the lead today. I didn’t quite do that so it is a case of what could have been. I feel like I gave a good account of myself. And I’ll come back next year and try again.”

Which is a familiar refrain.

While no one is disputing McIlroy’s superior ability—he is one of only a few who can so obviously perform well below his best, yet still finish so high—yet again his carelessness proved too heavy a burden, even for all the innate talent with which he has been blessed. Since 2010 as many as 15 double bogeys have dotted his Masters scorecards. No player under the age of 50 has had as many.

But it’s not the over-par holes that hurt McIlroy most. It’s the birdies he doesn’t make. As he conceded, prodigious drives off both the 13th and 15th tees on Saturday were followed by sloppy second shots and, in turn, disappointing pars on holes where fours should have been close to routine.

For all that, this was McIlroy’s fourth top-10 finish in succession at the Masters, the one major he has yet to win. Not that such a record of consistency/failure will be any consolation to the World No. 2. For the game’s most-gifted player, only one thing matters. It’s winning, not an accumulation of frustrating near-misses and minor-league places.

So what’s the problem? Nick Faldo, three-time Masters champion, has one theory.

“Distance control is the secret to Rory achieving the career Grand Slam,” said the CBS commentator. “I watched him warm-up a couple of years ago and he was striking it beautifully. Then I looked at where his 8-irons were landing and they were sometimes 15 yards apart. You’ve got to know exactly what you’re doing, so it’s a good math game.

“Get your math right and land it right on the number. But you’ve got to hit the right shape as well. You can’t say, ‘I’m going to fade it into that spot’ and then draw it. That’s what happens to Rory. If you’re going for a fade, you better hit a fade. If you hit the opposite the slopes will repel the ball.”

Indeed, the last four days have been marked by more than a few instances of McIlroy and caddie J.P. Fitzgerald staring at each other in disbelief as seemingly solid shots came up way short or blazed way past the intended target. Perhaps the time has come to reassess the accepted wisdom on how best to play Augusta National. Maybe blasting away from the tee is not really the way to go, especially if distance control with the shorter irons is lacking.

SEE ALSO:
Where it all went wrong for Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler on Sunday

The obvious danger is that, as time drags on, McIlroy’s desire to win golf’s biggest tournament will become more curse than cause. Masters history is littered with “can’t miss” guys who never donned a green jacket. Tom Weiskopf, he of the majestic swing and massive talent, was runner-up four times between 1969 and 1975.

Just over a decade after that last near miss, the 1973 Open champion was part of the CBS commentary team when Jack Nicklaus arrived on the 16th tee in the final round of the 1986 Masters. “What is Jack thinking right now?” Weiskopf was asked. The plaintive reply? “If I knew that, I’d have won this tournament.”

So eternal failure is not unthinkable, as other non-winners like Greg Norman and Ernie Els can also testify. Quite apart from his epic final-round meltdown in 1996, Norman recorded eight other top-six finishes between 1981 and 1999. Els was twice a runner-up, in 2000 and 2004.

On the eve of this Masters, three-time champion Phil Mickelson had this to say: “You always have those players like Ernie and Greg that you know are going to win the Masters and they haven’t done it. It would be that kind of surprise if Rory didn’t.”

Els, who knows a thing or two about coming close at Augusta, concurred with his long-time rival. “I would be really shocked if Rory doesn’t win at least four,” said the four-time major champion. “He is built for this place. Rory has that slinging draw. This course is perfect for him. If I was to give advice it is just to be a little bit patient. I fell out of patience with the place.”

Ah. More patience. McIlroy feels like his is headed in that direction.

“The last four years have been a transitional period for me,” he said on Sunday. “I feel like I am figuring it out, though. Coming off the course yesterday I was frustrated. But today I am encouraged. I feel more comfortable around the place. I feel like every time I tee up here I have a really good chance to win. I prepared well. I came a couple of times beforehand and that is something I will keep doing in the future.

“I felt as comfortable on the greens as I ever have. Even though I had a few three-putts, I made some good ones and holed out for pars when I needed to. I just didn’t convert the chances I should have yesterday. It’s another year and another missed opportunity, but I’ll move on, focus on the U.S. Open and try to add to my tally there.”

Four majors and counting. Still.

Main photo by Getty Images

The post Rory McIlroy’s Grand Slam quest on hold … still appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Sergio Garcia had yet to tee off on Sunday at the 2017 Masters when his fiancee, Angela Akins, stood to the right of the fairway wearing a white hat with Garcia’s “S” logo on it. “I’m nervous, but I’m excited,” Akins said. “It’s going to be a great day.”

“It’s going to be a great day,” Akins’ mom, Pam, reaffirmed.

“A great day,” added Akins’ dad, Marty, also wearing a Team Sergio cap.

SEE ALSO:
Sergio Garcia is considering wearing his green jacket at his wedding

That kind of positivity had Garcia on the brink of his first major championship. And regardless of whether he wins on Sunday, it bodes well for him in golf’s biggest events.

“We’ve got a great group here this week,” said Akins, who also supplied Sergio with motivational quotes ranging from Audrey Hepburn to Buddha throughout the week. “A lot of positive energy.”

On Saturday evening, Garcia talked about the effect Angela, a former college golfer, and Marty, a former All-American quarterback at the University of Texas, have had on him.

“It definitely helps, there’s no doubt about the background that the whole family has. Marty is a very, very positive, very, you know, outspoken and very, very confident kind of guy, and it definitely helps when he’s encouraging you and things like that. Those things are nice to see,” Garcia said. “Angela is the same way. They are all very competitive. So you know, they are positive things to help out, for sure.”

Akins and Garcia got engaged on Jan. 6.

I can’t wait to marry my best friend and true love! Following my heart has led to the greatest blessing of my life! @thesergiogarcia

A post shared by Angela Akins (@theangelaakins) on Jan 6, 2017 at 8:23pm PST

Here’s a look back at some of their other memorable moments as a couple:

Happy New Year! Wishing you an incredible 2017! #HappyNewYear #cheers pic.twitter.com/DpwGKHUpoa

— Angela Garcia (@TheAngelaAkins) January 1, 2017

Playing golf:

It’s in the bag! No, seriously, what’s in this bag?! ? Haha I’d caddie for this guy any day! But geez that bag is heavy! I have a new appreciation for all of the caddies out there! ??‍ @thesergiogarcia #DellMatchPlay #AustinCountryClub #Austin

A post shared by Angela Akins (@theangelaakins) on Mar 18, 2017 at 8:46pm PDT

Hanging out on the beach:

? Credit: @muhaphotos

A post shared by Angela Akins (@theangelaakins) on Jan 29, 2017 at 12:00pm PST

Hanging out at the pool:

?

A post shared by Angela Akins (@theangelaakins) on Jul 9, 2016 at 7:18am PDT

Racing cars:

My man can drive! @thesergiogarcia @bmw #BMWChampionship #Indy

A post shared by Angela Akins (@theangelaakins) on Sep 6, 2016 at 1:59pm PDT

Touring NYC:

Carriage ride through Central Park with @thesergiogarcia! ? #NYC #NewYork

A post shared by Angela Akins (@theangelaakins) on Jul 20, 2016 at 2:45pm PDT

Celebrating a win in Dubai:

Amazing way to finish our week in Dubai! Congrats to my love! ?? @thesergiogarcia @omegagolfdubai #Dubai #ODDC #Omega

A post shared by Angela Akins (@theangelaakins) on Feb 5, 2017 at 7:42am PST

And singing in the car while going to taste wedding cakes:

Cake tasting today! ?Love this man and all the laughs we have together! @thesergiogarcia #weddingplanning

A post shared by Angela Akins (@theangelaakins) on Mar 10, 2017 at 7:14pm PST

The post How Sergio Garcia’s fiancee, Angela Akins, has helped his career appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

AUGUSTA, Ga. — The mood of the crowd at Augusta National when Sergio Garcia broke through to take the 81st Masters, snapping his 0-for-73 winless streak, was particularly celebratory. Fans found it necessary to show their appreciation to the 37-year-old Spaniard for all that he had been through in trying to claim that elusive first major.

The same can be said for friends and fan watching from afar, at least judging by the stream of congratulatory messages toward Garcia on social media.

Congrats @TheSergioGarcia
Incredible battle out there. Sport in the moment can be tough. But it's just sport. Hope you guys enjoyed it. pic.twitter.com/er7OzrdTgA

— Justin ROSE (@JustinRose99) April 10, 2017

Congrats @TheSergioGarcia. Well earned.

— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) April 9, 2017

Congrats @TheSergioGarcia!! Well deserved and great playing…soak it in my man!!

— Rickie Fowler (@RickieFowler) April 9, 2017

Great battle out there between 2 champions @TheSergioGarcia @JustinRose99
Congrats El Niño ??Vamos!!!! #themasters pic.twitter.com/71PKouh9xV

— Danny Willett (@Danny_Willett) April 10, 2017

Congratulations to Sergio Garcia on his first Masters victory and first major! I thought Sergio played very (cont) https://t.co/PZDdenIzTN

— Jack Nicklaus (@jacknicklaus) April 10, 2017

CONGRATS @thesergiogarcia on your first major!!!! Beyond inspiring and well deserved! Enjoy your… https://t.co/J6WEMapANS

— Paula Creamer (@ThePCreamer) April 10, 2017

Congrats to @TheSergioGarcia! Amazing to watch! What are we eating next year on Tuesday night?? #Champion

— bubba watson (@bubbawatson) April 10, 2017

@TheSergioGarcia I LOVE YOU… #Masterschampion

— Thomas Pieters (@Thomas_Pieters) April 10, 2017

The post The reaction from Sergio Garcia’s peers to his Masters victory was pretty overwhelming appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Among the many rules at Augusta National, no one is allowed to run. Not to your seats, not to the bathroom. Not during practice rounds, not during regular rounds. And not even during a sudden-death playoff. A Masters Sunday battle for the ages has just spilled into extra time, and it amazes me that everyone is still obeying this rule. Well, everyone except me.

“WALK!”

That’s all a stern female security guard needs to say to get me to slow down instantly. Not that it matters. By the time I get out to the course from the sparkling new media center — which is spectacular, but also located in another zip code — I can barely see anything on the 10th hole. And that’s not even where the action is happening.

SEE ALSO:
Masters 2017: Sergio Garcia and Justin Rose’s amazing Sunday, in pictures

Thousands of people line that downhill par 4 hoping the playoff will last longer than one hole. And even more pack the perimeter of the uphill par-4 18th where Sergio Garcia and Justin Rose are set to tee off. I settle into a spot on the right side near the big scoreboard that now reads “PLAYOFF” because if I crane my head just right, I can see the flagstick. I think. But while we wait to see something — anything — there’s the unmistakably ugly sound of a golf ball hitting bark.

Now everyone is scrambling back down the hill toward those trees. It’s a rare semi-chaotic moment at Augusta National where order always reigns. Now other people are running, and I get down there pretty quickly to see a golf ball nestled in the pine straw. But now the question everyone has is Who’s golf ball is it?

Moments later, we see Justin Rose walking toward us.

“It’s Rose’s ball!”

“C’mon, Sergio!”

“Vamos! Vamos!”

Andrew Redington

The man screaming in Sergio’s native tongue isn’t Spanish. At times, Sergio Garcia has felt American crowds are against him, however, that couldn’t be farther from the truth now. But the partisan crowd is smart enough to realize that even with Garcia’s golf ball in good shape, this isn’t over.

“We all know what Bubba did. . .” a woman says, referring to Watson’s miraculous wedge in 2012. I sure do. I had a 90-to-1 bet on Louis Oosthuizen that day. Thanks for reminding me, lady.

But Rose punches out, and Garcia hits a great approach shot. At least, that’s what the crowd up by the green seems to indicate.

“Only Sergio can f— this up,” another patron concludes. “Yep,” his buddy responds. No one argues. This is a man who is 0-for-73 in majors, after all.

As word of what’s happening spread, hordes of people from No. 10 start making their way up the hill, making it even less likely to know what’s going on by the green. I find a man standing on a chair (pretty sure that’s not allowed, but he’s getting away with it) who tells me that both players face similar putts to what they had in regulation. But this time, Rose is on in three. “Wait, is Rose on in three or Sergio on in three?” he asks me. I fill him in. Watching in madness like this is truly a team effort.

Rose is going first again, and. . . he misses, this time for par. The prevailing noise is not an “aww,” but the kind of “ohh” you make to express pleasant surprise. The fans are not only rooting for Garcia, but they’re rooting against Rose. Somewhere, Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts are shaking their heads. Sorry, guys, but patrons wearing “Arnie’s Army” pins have now joined the Spanish Armada.

And then I’m told Sergio is about to putt, and. . . “He made it! He made it to win the Masters!”

Usually I’d need to see something like that to believe it, but I’ll take the word of thousands of screaming fans. And the people high-fiving me from every angle imaginable.

“FINALLY!”

“Hall of Fame!”

“Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole. Ole, Ole!”

A mob of us push up the hill, but we are stopped because the players have to walk through.

“I hope he’s crying,” a fan says.

“I hope my wife extended the time on the DVR,” says another.

We don’t come close to seeing Sergio. Or Jim Nantz, who I hear is also making his exit. Then I hear someone explaining who Jim Nantz is. “Have you ever watched the Super Bowl?” A man shakes his head no. “Never mind.”

Even though we’re stuck, the mood is jubilant. It seems everyone was rooting for Sergio to win his first major. Well, almost. I notice two young boys sobbing and covering their faces. A man tries to comfort them.

“It’s OK, he’s still a U.S. Open champ! And a gold medal winner! And he’ll be back next year! And you’ll be here to see it!”

SEE ALSO:
Masters 2017: If it was going to happen for Sergio Garcia, it had to be the hard way

As someone who growing up used to cry every year when the Knicks were knocked out of the playoffs, I know there’s nothing to be done to stop their tears. So they keep sobbing. And we keep waiting.

“Open the gates, me lord!” a brazen patron says.

“I’ve got to pee!” shouts an even bolder one.

Another man predicts the guards letting us leave will bring a bigger roar than Sergio’s winning putt. And when it finally happens, it’s close.

Now free to roam, it’s time to head back to the media center — so I can actually see how Sergio Garcia won the 2017 Masters. And just in case, I’m going to walk.

Main photo by Getty Images

The post Oh, the things you’ll see — but mostly, hear — in a sudden-death playoff at Augusta National appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.