STATESVILLE RECORD & LANDMARK ◆ www.statesville.com GOLF WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2014 ◆ 3B Scott goes for Mickelson has No. 1 at scene Masters covered The Associated Press on in the early part of this week. Just curious the ex- AUGUSTA, Ga. — There tent that you do that now of greatest win was a time around here as a past champion.” when ’s “Yeah, mentoring or wa- The Associated Press nerves were stretched so gering,” Mickelson said to tight, you could bounce a laughter. “Either way you AUGUSTA, Ga.— Adam quarter off ‘em and have it want to look at it. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Scott is relishing every land in Atlanta. “Rickie Fowler and I Rory McIlroy watches his tee shot to the par-3 12th hole in part of being Masters That was were partners today and Tuesday’s practice round. McIlroy and have been champion. exactly 10 he went on a tear. He shot installed as the betting favorites to win the Masters. The drive up Magnolia years, fi ve 30 the front nine; he ea- Lane. A couple of practice majors and gled 13, he birdied 17 and roundswithhisdad.Wear- three green 18, threw another one on ing the green jacket. And, jackets ago. 15, I think. Just played re- Without Tiger, certainly, the champions He arrived markable golf. It was fun,” dinner Tuesday night. that week 0 Mickelson Mickelson added,“to have But before anyone gets for 42 in the him as my partner.” worked up about having tournaments that matter “Speaking of wagering,” the Masters has to eat “bugs,” no worries and left as one of the most another reporter asked, “I Sample— that’s just Aussie-speak contented men on the head you lost a dollar to for a type of lobster. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS planet. Back at the scene a patron behind the sixth Scott went with surf- Adam Scott catches a golf of that fi rst major win green; couldn’t get up and an open look and-turf off the barbie for ball from his caddie on the for his interview session down. Is that right?” his Down Under-themed driving range before playing Tuesday, Mickelson was Mickelson tried not to The Associated Press the opening shot is in the menu,sohedoesn’t expect a practice round on Tuesday charming and so much blush. air Thursday, and a green too many complaints. at Augusta National. the master of his domain “He was mouthing off AUGUSTA, Ga.— One jacket is awarded Sunday. “They are going to be you half-expected him to about ‘hard shot, get this after another, some of the Even so, Woods brings a happy with what I serve,” chance to join him on the wade into the gathering up and down, no chance, world’s best players and buzz to any tournament, he said with a sly smile, course for practice rounds of reporters and pull that blah, blah, blah.’ And it favorites to win the Mas- even at Augusta National. “particularly the wine.” Friday and Sunday. It was same quarter out from wasn’t that hard a shot, ters trudged up the hill on And this year, his ab- A year later, Scott is back the thrill of a lifetime for behind someone’s ear. and I should have gotten the fi rst hole to start their sence has brought talk of at the scene of his great- both of them. Now 43, Lefty was at it up and down and I did practice rounds. Phil Mick- the most wide-open Mas- est triumph, a thrilling Not long after Scott fi n- ease, deftly tucking many hit a good shot. I had a 7- elson. Rory McIlroy. Adam ters in nearly 20 years. Las playoff victory over Angel ished off Cabrera down at of those reporters’ fi rst footer uphill and I missed Scott. Vegas has installed Scott Cabrera that gave the 33- the 10th hole, the winner names into his answers it, and I had to pay him,” It was typical of any Tues- and McIlroy as the betting year-old Australian his began thinking of what and lavishing praise on he said. “That’s what hap- day at Augusta National, favorites at 10-1, followed fi rst major championship. it would mean to his life. the conditions at Augusta pens when you lose.” except for the scoreboard by Mickelson, Jason Day The breakthrough, after Unlike so many fi rst- National and even rival The longer he goes on to the right of where they and Matt Kuchar at 12-1. so many close calls and time winners who are , who will spinning tales that are were walking. The board McIlroy had his own ver- missed chances, has pro- caught off guard by their miss his fi rst Masters in insightful or funny the has the names of all 97 sion of a betting sheet on pelled him to the greatest newfound fame, he had 20 years while recovering more Mickelson sounds players in the fi eld, with the table where he sat dur- run of his career, includ- a keen appreciation for from back surgery. like one of the game’s el- blank boxes to put their ing his interview — the tee ing top-five fi nishes at how much things would Then again, he could af- der statesmen. But un- scores when the tourna- times for the opening two both the U.S. Open and change. ford to be gracious. Mick- like , 74, and ment begins. On the far rounds. Told that 97 play- British Open. Scott knows Scott learned to manage elson sat down at the po- , 84, who right side of the board is a ers were in the fi eld, the he has the game to add his time better, dealing dium fresh off a big win in reminisced about his last list of noncompeting invi- 24-year-old from Northern another major title or two with his increased obliga- one of those high-stakes major win 50 years ago, tees. Tommy Aaron. Doug Ireland fi gured 70 had a to his resume. He’s eager tions while making sure it practice rounds for which Mickelson is still a real Ford. Tiger Woods. chance to win. to take advantage of it. didn’t affect the hours he he’s become notorious threat to win every time “It’s weird not having “You’ve got a lot of guys “I’m at the highest level needed to spend at the “Curious on practice he tees it up. him here, isn’t it?” said Phil that can win, a lot of guys I’ve ever been at,” Scott practice range. In addi- rounds,” a reporter said. He’s still ranked No. 5 in Mickelson, a three-time that have won PGA Tour said. “My window of op- tion, he relished the perks “Watching former cham- the world, but hasn’t had Masters champion and the events,” McIlroy said. “OK, portunity is right now, that came with being a pions going out with a top-10 fi nish this season chief foil for Woods over we’re playing at Augusta. and I don’t know when it Masters champion. younger players, you’ve and his last win was last the years. “He’s been such a Because it’s the Masters will close. So I just have “After winning this tour- done that in the past, and summer’s magical victory mainstay in golf and in the and because it’s so big and to keep going as hard as I nament last year and ev- the mentoring that goes at the British Open. majors. It’s awkward to not so hyped up, you ought to can right now.” eryone asking me what have him here. I hope he remember that you’re still From the back of the the best thing about it gets back soon. I hope he’s playing against the same room, his parents, Phil was, I always felt like there DENTURE SUFFERERS: back for the other majors. guys you play with week in and Pam Scott, looked would be things in the fu- NEW HOPE AT LAST! As much as I want to win and week out. I’ve beaten on proudly. Phil Scott is ture that would be great — and I know how great he them before. They’ve beat- pleased with the way his about coming back here Finally End Any Discomfort, Embarrassment, is and tough to beat — it en me before.” son has dealt with his in- for the rest of my life,” and Frustrations YouHaveWith Your Teeth! makes it special when he’s For years, the Masters creased fame. Scott said. “I’ve got lots of in the fi eld and you’re able was seen as having the “You can have respect those memories to look • Implants are Surgically Inserted and Restored in the Same Office to win.” smallest group of contend- for everything, from the forward to. That’s why this • Replace Missing Teeth, Stabilize Dentures -Virtually Pain Free! Woods hasn’t been the ers, and not just because game to the course to place is just so unique.” • Immediate Placement Implants Secure Teeth the Same Day! same all year, even before it had the smallest fi eld of you guys,” the father With Tiger Woods side- back surgery last week. He the four majors. told a group of reporters. lined by injury, Scott has Call 704-278-1118 Today forYour 100% FREE is missing the Masters for “No matter who is in con- “You’ve got a choice to do a chance to move to No. 1 No-Obligation Exam and Consultation the fi rst time. His presence tention or who is going to it nicely or not. If you take for the fi rst time in his ca- looms as large as some win this week, the Masters the choice to do it nicely, reer. He would take over Kenneth J. Rasbornik, DMD, PA of the Georgia pines lin- always provides a great fi n- you’ll have a better time.” the top spot by fi nishing FAMILY, COSMETIC, SEDATION, &IMPLANT DENTISTRY ing the fairways, though ish,” McIlroy said. “Regard- Phil Scott, who once no worse than a tie for 11707 Statesville Blvd • Cleveland NC it will be forgotten when less of who is there.” coached his son, got a third.

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