Different Strokes: Hatton’s caddie finds it tough going

Struggling

Tyrrell Hatton finished dead last of the players who made the cut and was happy to see the back of Augusta National. so, too, you imagine was his caddie Mick Donaghy.

Donaghy, who has experienced knee problems of late, had trouble negotiating the undulating terrain to the extent that Hatton took over his own bag carrying duties at times during the final round.

“Mick is really struggling with his knees. He is going to go home and see a doctor and find out what the next step is for him. He said he would do (the RBC Heritage at Hilton Head) and I just said, ‘there’s no point stressing it out any further’.

“He has had the issue for quite a long time, so I said I would rather he just gets home, sees a doctor, and the sooner he has the diagnosis on it and what the relevant steps are to move forward. Obviously I hope he is not out too long but, for his sake, he needs to get it right before he comes out,” said Hatton.

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No return date for Korda

Nelly Korda, the world number two, isn't yet sure of exactly when she will be able to resume playing but provided an insight into her health problems with a post on social media platforms.

The American wrote: “It wasn’t the start of the year I had hoped for to say the least. 2022 began with me getting Covid-19 the second week of January, which kept me off my feet for some time before the beginning of the LPGA season. Then followed up with a blood clot.

“I recently underwent surgery for a blood clot in my subclavian vein. I am pleased to report the procedure went well, and the doctors were happy with the outcome. I am now home recovering and preparing to start rehab. I am looking forward to getting back 100 per cent so I can begin practicing.”

Korda hasn't played since the Drive On Championship in early February, the tournament where Leona Maguire achieved her breakthrough win on the LPGA Tour.

Maguire, currently ranked 21st in the world, returns to action at this week's Lotte Championship at Ewa Beach in Oahu, Hawaii. Also in the field is Stephanie Meadow, who showed a welcome return to form of late, including a top-10 in the JTBC Classic.

On this day: April 15th, 2007

Boo Weekley's breakthrough win on the PGA Tour in dramatic fashion in the Verizon Heritage Classic at Hilton Hill, where the American chipped in not once but twice over the closing two holes to edge out Ernie Els.

Weekley had rounds of 67-69-66-68 for a total of 14-under-under par but had steeled himself for the possibility of a play-off with Els heading down the stretch, only to produce two miracle shots.

As he explained afterwards: “I just thank the good Lord they went in. I mean, it’s unreal, back-to-back chip-ins. I don’t know how often that’s happened out here on the tour for a win, but it was pretty dramatic for me because I thought the first chip, on 17, I was just trying to land it just barely on the fringe and let the wind push it to the hole. I flubbed it a little bit.

“Then, the next one, I was just like, ‘all right, I ain’t even going to worry about it, just get it up there and chip it on, two-putt it and make my bogey and go to the next hole and give myself another opportunity’ . . . but I did it again on 18!”

Twitter Twaddle

"I didn't play my best out there, but just to have the support and appreciation from all the fans, I don't think words can describe that. Congratulations to Scottie Scheffler on an outstanding win. It's been a special run" – Tiger Woods with a new perspective on what's important. 

"Not that @TheOpen needs any hyping up. But with Tiger just saying he's going to play just made it even more special. Can't wait for it" – Richard Bland already fired up for St Andrews.

"Not the final result I wanted but fought as hard as I could. Congrats to Scottie on a great performance #the masters" – Shane Lowry, after a career best third place finish.

"Could be the greatest back door 2nd place finish in Masters history" – Former PGA Tour player Arron Oberholser on McIlroy's spectacular finish.

By the numbers

0 - For the first time since the 1965 Masters tournament, there were zero eagles made on the Par 5 15th hole during this year's championship.

Know the rules

Q Player B's ball was lying badly. B was deliberating what action to take when Player A, his marker, said: "You have no shot at all. If I were you, I would declare the ball unplayable." What is the ruling?

A As Player A's suggestion could have influenced B in determining his play, it constituted advice and A is penalised two strokes. B is not penalised. Such a comment is deemed as advice because it could have influenced the player in deciding how to play the hole. During a round, a player must not give advice to anyone in the competition playing on the course (see Rule 10.2a and Interpretation Advice/1).

In the bag

Scottie Scheffler
The Masters

Driver – Taylor Made Stealth Plus (8 degrees)
3-wood – Taylor Made Stealth (16.5 degrees)
Utility – Srixon Z U85 (3)
Irons – Srixon ZX7 (4), Taylor Made P7TW (5-PW)
Wedges – Titleist Vokey Design SM8 (50 degrees), Titleist Vokey Design 2021 Prototype (60 degrees)
Putter – Scotty Cameron Special Select Timeless Tourtype GSS Tour Prototype
Ball – Titleist ProV1