Masters_2012

A NATURAL FEELING

2 – On the Links

Thursday, April 5, 2012

www.lakeoconeebreeze.net

LIFE ON THE LINKS CUSCOWILLA

Cuscowilla offers a natural residential alternative

By KYLE COLLINS Lake Oconee Breeze

LAKE OCONEE — Of all the Georgia Lake Country community options, Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee gives residents and visitors an upscale lifestyle in a serene, wilderness setting. Home sites, lake villas and golf cottages provide breathtaking views without overpowering the top-notch Crenshaw/Coore designed golf course. The majority of homeowners use the community as their second home, because Cuscowilla currently features 275 homes with only 25 full-time residents. Located on an old seed orchard, the Cuscowilla property features towering pines and native grass meadows, giving it a unique look opposite a suburban theme. Real estate broker Jimmy Branan said Cuscowilla isn’t retirement oriented like other area spots. The personality of the property is polarizing, according to Branan.

“The thing about Cuscowilla that we always try to get across is that we are different and probably your more laid back alternative on Lake Oconee. It’s very natural when you drive in the front gates, and some people just don’t get it,” Branan said. “Some people are more used to a suburban type country club that’s just transplanted in the country. We took great strides to make this a natural place. We didn’t move a lot of dirt when we built the golf course.” Sales are headed in a positive direction, as Cuscowilla boasts financial security. Branan sees figures trending upward better than post-2008 levels, and said it’s a great opportunity for buyers. Most of the property sales are in the resell market. All but a few foreclo-

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sures were sold in 2011, and two company lots have closed this year.

Cuscowilla does pre-sales before any construction begins, which leaves them in a good spot for economic recovery. New real estate in some of the undeveloped acreage is in future plans.

“We anticipate releasing some new products when the market recovers. We’ve got some areas left to develop. We can do cottages or any kind of vertical product we want,” Branan said. Area Sales Director Allison Haynes mentioned Cuscowilla’s place as an upscale, casual golf community. On the job since last November, Haynes quickly noticed the member interest in the property brand, which comple-

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Thursday, April 5, 2012

On the Links – 3

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ments overall development.

“Members are tight with each other. First impression is that members are interested in the development and success of their property investments,” Haynes said. “They support us. Our owners have a stake in what we are doing as far as developing our business goes.” The fulltime residents have the place to themselves during the week, while homeowners visiting on weekends connect right in. Haynes feels the community gives everyone a positive situation. Wayne Watts, assistant golf professional, thinks the member vibe could not be any better. “The community and membership at Cuscowilla is a family. No

clicks or groups. Everyone can play with everyone. Many of our members think of Cuscowilla as an adult’s fraternity,” Watts said.

In addition to member home sites, Cuscowilla gives guests countless cottage and villa choices. The Golf Cottages and Lake Villas provide a perfect wide space to congregate for golf groups, and the Lodge Villas offer a more hotel like experience.

Haynes said they are lucky to have all types of group accommodations for varying tastes. Two on-site restaurants, the Waterside Restaurant and Golf House Grill, are within a quick walk or community ride. Either facility can accommodate your budget. “Cuscowilla is

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a great place for guys to come play golf, sit together on their balconies and overlook the lake or do outside activities. You can be outside in nature as opposed to a hotel room atmosphere. You can eat, drink and play world-class golf and not leave for two or three days,” Jarrod Clark, director of golf, said. In addition to sport and lake activities, Cuscowilla has grown into a nationally recognized wedding site with beautiful lake views, lodging and high-end catering services. Haynes said marketing efforts are extremely active locally and in the Atlanta area. The sales side of catering is bulked up, and two staff members dedicate themselves to special

events. Cuscowilla continues to look for ways to max out wedding parties. Wedding groups of 200 to 250 guests are the current norm.

The catering team thinks outside of the box for receptions, and the food and beverage team continues to bring people back, according to Haynes. All the potential for events and activities within the gates is ample, but the area towns provided shopping, culture and entertainment for a change in pace. “It’s nice to come to a place like Lake Oconee that’s secluded, and you have a lot of different options,” Branan said.

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4 – On the Links

CADDIES KNOW BEST www.lakeoconeebreeze.net

LIFE ON THE LINKS

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Cuscowilla Loopers accentuate golf experience

CUSCOWILLA

By KYLE COLLINS Lake Oconee Breeze

LAKE OCONEE — Playing one of the top modern golf tracks in the country and Golfweek’s No. 1 Best Course You Can Play in Georgia is a privilege. Knowing the intricacies of shot placement and the proper direction on challenging greens proves difficult for members, let alone the first-time guest. The Golf Club at Cuscowilla offers a caddie service to provide local knowledge,

while serving as Lake Oconee ambassadors. The caddie program consistently keeps the guest experience at a high level since the course opened in 1997. Ideally, the course is best played on foot, so the caddies can carry a single or double bag. For those desiring a golf cart, forecaddies describe the layout and hustle ahead to sight a given shot’s final resting place. Assistant Professional and Caddie Master Wayne Watts believes caddies deliv-

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er the ideal relaxed, fun and low stress Cuscowilla attitude. “The caddie system at Cuscowilla is unique because our caddies are not just bag toters. They are part of the experience,” Watts said. “The caddies provide the knowledge to get you around the course without the guest putting themselves in situations where they might say, ‘I wish I knew not to hit here or there’, basically helping them out of trouble.”

Unlike most golf facilities with a

similar program, Cuscowilla allows these employees playing privileges five days a week. The ability to learn the course through personal trial and error is the best way, according to Director of Golf Jarrod Clark. Jason Hall, a nine-year caddie, takes full advantage of his allotted rounds. Hall said the playing perks are his main reason for hanging around Cuscowilla and he still gets a kick out of how smitten people are with the layout. “You can’t

Thursday, April 5, 2012

On the Links – 5

www.lakeoconeebreeze.net

Kyle Collins

With playing privileges five days a week, the caddies at Cuscowilla know all the intricacies of the course and provide an invaluable element to the game not often found elsewhere.

come out here blind and expect to play well. We do our best to help out,” Hall said. “I love watching people that know how to play golf still be impressed by the shape of everything out here.”

Clark is confident in the top caddies like Hall, and says they provide a wealth of local culture in addition to reading the greens and keeping the round brisk. Cuscowilla forces you to use almost all of your 14-club allotment. Large, undulating bent grass greens have shaved aprons, which provide multiple short game shot opportunities. “There’s a lot of local knowledge and options of how to play and read the greens. The caddies help facilitate pace of play

Shopping at the Lake

as well,” Clark said. Woodstock resident Sean Almy and three longtime friends chose Lake Oconee for a three-day golf trip. The entire group raved about the course and their first round at Cuscowilla with Hall as a forecaddie.

“I love it. Normally, we’d shy away from caddies, but it’s nice to have someone around to fix ball marks and carry clubs,” Almy said.

“You can feel your own game, but help is out here to point you in the right direction.” Over the past few weeks and days leading up to Masters Week, Cuscowilla is prepping new caddies for the onslaught of community guests. Watts said training loopers in a few weeks isn’t

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easy, but is confident customers will be blown away with the service.

Hall often trains new caddies using a one-on-one method key on listening and watching. These employees serve as rule enforcers as well as golf liaisons during play. The business for employees, golf communities and Lake Oconee as a whole is huge during Masters Week. Primely located an hour from Augusta, these lake havens get a bulk of revenue and yearly rounds during a week and a half stretch.

“The buzz of Augusta in April makes it a special week out here.

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Oconee,” Clark said. Hall agrees the upcoming time is special for all involved since Cuscowilla’s green complexes share commonalties with the Augusta National Golf Club. “Masters Week is upon us. We are getting the new caddies ready, and the old caddies back in shape,” Hall said. “It’s non-stop two-a-days for 12 days straight. The greens are not as fast as Augusta but very similar, so it gets people prepared for what they could see.” Golfers interested in the Cuscowilla experience can call (706) 485-0094 to set up a tee-time. First-time guests are required to take a caddie, but they are available for service anytime.

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6 – On the Links

LIFE ON THE LINKS REYNOLDS

By KYLE COLLINS Lake Oconee Breeze

The Total Package www.lakeoconeebreeze.net

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Reynolds Plantation supplies a total lifestyle package other on 14 miles of paved trails, dining at club restaurants like Plantation Grille and the Landing Restaurant or taking in some educational and cultural pieces presented in the Linger Longer Living cultural lifestyle series. Fly said the variety in entertainment and club food always pleases.

In line with the membership package of vibrant activity, Fly encourages others interested to become a part of Reynolds.

“We tell people there’s plenty to do, and it’s easy to find new friends to interact with,” Fly said. “There’s no problem what so ever in being active.”

Recently, Reynolds renewed focus on available cottages and condos for guests interested in different options. Units in a serene, wooded area or a more upscale hotel experience at the Landing Inn or Ritz-Carlton satisfy any tastes.

Heading into the season Masters Week kick-off, Reynolds has sold out its 70-cottage rental pool, according to Ferguson. Guests get the added privilege of golf during their stay, which would normally be limited to members or their guests.

Only an hour away from Augusta, those tournament time visitors can enjoy a slower pace and the amenities when the Masters frenzy cools down. Reynolds Azalea Package helped place them ahead of last year’s numbers in guest rentals.

“We want people to come to Lake Oconee and find what they are looking for because that helps everyone else,” Fedelem said. “It supports the local restaurants, Lake Oconee Village, etc.”

Ferguson urges the public to dine in all club restaurants besides the members-only Lake and Creek Club facilities. Things will be buzzing Masters week, as the area braces for a huge revenue bump.

“The last three years we saw things slow down for the Masters.

Two months ago we were at three times as many reservations as we were the previous year,” Ferguson said.

All available courses will be packed to the max days before and the week of the year’s first major golf championship. Lammi highlights a huge demo day and excitement during the unofficial start to the year.

“It’s a fun time around here to have that many people excited about golf. Most people here are going to Augusta for the first time,” Lammi said. “It’s neat to see people get really excited about their dream, bucket list opportunity to go see Augusta National and then hear them come back and talk about it.”

The surrounding options for entertainment and dining supplement the Reynolds experience.

Nearby cities give the resident and guest a feel of a quiet location, but bigger city options are all within an hour trip.

“Members frequently tell me they love the fact that we are secluded but not remote. They get to enjoy the benefits of the big city but in a small town atmosphere,” Fedelem said.

LAKE OCONEE — When golf destinations come to mind, few if any offer the total package of sport, wellness and entertainment better than Reynolds Plantation on Lake Oconee. A community with six acclaimed golf courses and countless other amenities peeks any guest or member’s interest.

This golf and lifestyle destination started in the late 1980s with the creation of the original Reynolds Plantation golf course. Vice President of Golf Operations Mark Lammi said the 1988 Bob Cupp designed Plantation course, which has recently been updated, was laid out without any notion the community would grow to its current level.

“When it was originally built, few could have envisioned Reynolds Plantation would be as big and nationally well known as we now are,” Lammi said.

That vision turned into a 14,000acre community that covers more than 80 miles of Lake Oconee shoreline. Reynolds Plantation boasts a Ritz-Carlton Lodge, award-winning golf, dining and tennis placing the property as one of the top international resorts and home sites.

With the average new buyer age of 52, Reynolds appeals to the mature crowd as well as fully endorses young families with age appropriate programming and amenities for all generations. Senior Vice President of Operations Gray Ferguson said cultural programming keeps the member spirit lively and interactive. Giving back and attracting youthful groups is a vital component to the Reynolds character.

“Our members love to see these bright, young college students giving different perspectives, whether it be in the arts or world affairs.

Afterward, they get a chance to meet the students which is a lot of fun,” Ferguson said. “We are trying to attract younger families. We don’t want to pigeonhole and say this is the certain age group of our members.”

Whether it’s tennis at the Peter Burwash managed tennis courts, the Lake Club wellness center, the Heritage & Nature Center or topshelf golf academy and club fitting, Reynolds member package pushes the area as one of Forbes “12 Best Private Golf Communities.” People who visit or purchase property become part of a diverse and funloving group.

Marketing Director Chris Fedelem said the recent boost in tours and transactions shows Reynolds moving in the right direction. With only half of the membership hailing from Georgia, Fedelem said people leave their comfort zones in other states or countries but have no problems plugging right into the Reynolds Plantation community.

“People come here and fall in love with the lifestyle, and then it’s really a matter of how they want to engage that. There’s some really terrific real estate values in the community, but what makes this location most attractive is the overall lifestyle package,” Fedelem said.

Dr. Jerry Fly chose Reynolds for a retirement home site and the golf selection. After Fly’s first visit in the early days, he always wanted some property in the community for himself and wife Sharon.

“In 1997, I bought my lot mainly with the idea of building sometime after that and enjoying the golf Marketing Director Chris Fedelem lifestyle. We don’t get out on the lake that much.

It was overwhelmingly for the golf,” Fly said.

When not on the course, Fly enjoys walks with his significant

Members frequently tell me they love the fact that we are secluded but not remote.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

www.lakeoconeebreeze.net

On the Links – 7

A True Neighborhood

8 – On the Links

Thursday, April 5, 2012

www.lakeoconeebreeze.net

LIFE ON THE LINKS

Harbor Club urges public to ‘Discover Our Neighborhood’

HARBOR CLUB

Kyle Collins Lake Oconee Breeze

The Matteny Family has maintained a healthy golf community development on Lake Oconee for over 20 years. Recent purchase of 600 additional acres allows Harbor Club on Lake Oconee the option of more golf and homesites.

In the recession, a focus on membership and community health kept expenses low and the property debt free.

Marketing and promotion of Harbor Club was scaled back a bit leaving the club a more mysterious repu-

tation when compared to other golf communities at the lake. Smart business strategy kept the homeowners and members happy.

Now, a new slogan telling the public to discover our neighborhood kicks off the rebranding of a viable community. Currently, 450 homes sit on 750 sold lots in Harbor Club, and since 80 percent of residents are full-time, the Property Owners Association (P.O.A.) remains extremely strong in a true neighborhood.

Chuck Walsh, director of sales for Harbor

Club, helped launch a billboard campaign informing people the club is alive and well in an effort to encourage everyone to see what they are about.

“We really have a sense of true neighborhood like you’d find in a small town atmosphere. Everyone in this community knows everyone. People see each other socially, play golf and go on the lake together,” Walsh said. “One of the things we are trying to do by turning the tap back on with our sales efforts is to really let the area know what we are about. There is kind of a mystery about Harbor Club. We welcome folks to come into the real estate office and let us tell them about the community.”

The “Discover Harbor Club Package” gives visiting guests a chance to sample the lifestyle, doing as much or as little as they choose. Couples stay in Club Cottages for $145 per night, which includes a credit for use on golf, merchandise, boat rental or dining. Two-thirds of the package payment goes back into a folio credit for potential buyers.

With an average age demographic in the late 50s,

the door is still open for all generations including young families. Coming in to truly live the lifestyle is the main promotion.

“They can come down and experience this community from a member’s viewpoint.

Members are welcoming and inviting. We’re all in this together. The better real estate sales does the quicker property values come back for all involved,” Walsh said. The golf course itself is a large attraction that members enjoy during everyday play. Built in 1991, the Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish designed course presents a well conditioned championship style layout appropriate for all skills. Harbor Club has hosted numerous large scale professional, charity and amateur events. Assistant professional Doug Price, a staff member for over 10 years, puts the golf experience high on the list for drawing people in and also cites a comfortable atmosphere that makes his job much easier. “Our club is like a big family.

There’s people here who know more about me than the guys I went to high school with,” Price said. “It’s a close knit, family

facility. People appreciate you, and you appreciate them.”

Angela Dell, a sevenyear employee in membership and events, agrees with the closeness of the staff, residents and members. Typically, people stay longer at Harbor Club because the Mateny family’s welcoming attitude puts all sides at ease.

A true neighborhood environment presents the club in a distinct manner. People typically don’t choose Harbor Club as just a second home location.

“When you purchase at Harbor Club, you buy into a family and that family is active.

We have a good, diverse group here with something for everybody,” Dell said.

“Most of our people are full-time residents, and we are straight up neighborhood. That’s been our niche. We don’t want to be the resort. We put our membership as our main focus and make them happy.” T h e property features 20 ponds in addition to nine miles touching Lake Oconee. Harbor Club is routinely ranked as one of the top courses you can play and residential courses in Georgia.

Tennis, swimming and

croquet can supplement the golf experience. Troutdale took over the clubhouse restaurant within the last two years, giving Harbor Club that fivestar culinary piece.

Resident Chef Darrin Shelley is recognized nationally as one of the best chefs under 30 years old.

“Troutdale’s has been wonderful. It gave us that one thing we were really missing. Now, we have a great food and beverage experience here,” Dell said.

T h e restaurant is open to the public.

Tapas Thursdays are the most popular Troutdale events where members and the visiting public can enjoy Tapas inspired dishes and Happy Hour from 5 to 8 p.m.

Harbor Club wants to sell a lifestyle and life experiences, admitted Walsh. Those interested are encouraged to try the Discovery Package, where they view the community through the eyes of a member. “ Yo u have to be here and feel it before you know if Harbor Club is right for you. You can’t get it off a DVD, website or speaking with a sales executive. You really have to live it,” Walsh said.

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On the Links – 9

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10 – On the Links

LIFE ON THE LINKS DEL W E B B

Nationally Known

Thursday, April 5, 2012

www.lakeoconeebreeze.net

Del Webb at Lake Oconee provides unique, secure brand

By KYLE COLLINS Lake Oconee Breeze

LAKE OCONEE — Going into the fourth year of existence, Del Webb at Lake Oconee continues to grow as the only Del Webb community with lake access nationwide, holding its own with the larger golf-course based properties. Focused on active adults 55 or better, Del Webb gives homeowners quality homes, gated security and an exceptional lifestyle to be rivaled by any master-planned community.

The Lake Oconee area boasts a grand Amenity Complex that houses indoor and outdoor spaces including fitness rooms, pools, tennis courts, croquet and pickle ball. A lakeside pavilion gives residents and guests a calm gathering place to absorb water vistas. Del Webb features a full-time lifestyle director, Angela Dysart, who organizes countless events, social clubs and community outreach endeavors.

Dysart said though small by Lake Oconee standards Del Webb is able to vibe with the local environment and give back through charity work. “We give back to the community. We help with the Greene County Food Pantry Drive every year,�

Dysart said. “We’ve topped the other communities even though we’re considered one of the smallest in the area.� Currently, around 330 residents enjoy the Del Webb resort lifestyle. With a pace of several closings per month in this economy, the area will grow at a healthy rate the next five to 10 years.

Establishing a national brand

like Del Webb on the lake was a no brainer. Self-sustained living with Villa Collection model homes starts at $150,000.

Overlook homes top out on the still affordable $320,000 range. “That’s huge because where else can you move in the Lake Oconee area at that price point.

You essentially live a maintenance-free lifestyle and can access all of the amenities with one small monthly association due,� Dysart said.

Residents pay monthly fees for access to the amenities, lawn and home maintenance and any additional homeowner items they require. Marketing Manager Irene Hall said the living in a gated community, coupled with the strength behind the Del Webb name helps to maintain home values. “Buyers are more confident with the recognized history of a Del Webb community. Lake Oconee, as well as many places around the country, have been faced with foreclosures and short sales — all which can lower the value of your home,�

Hall said. “Del Webb Lake Oconee offers buyers peace of mind. If you’re age-qualified, there’s really not a better choice in active adult living.�

Numerous clubs and interest groups offer everyone something to dive into at Del Webb.

Dysart described the social scene as reminiscent of the college life – but on a more mature level, as she continues to book special events with notable chefs and guest intellectual speakers. People interested in the Del Webb lifestyle can try a three-day, two-night getaway to truly immerse themselves in community activities, use all of

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Linger Longer Living brings culture to Reynolds

On the Links – 11

LIFE ON THE LINKS LINGER LONGER

By KYLE COLLINS Lake Oconee Breeze

LAKE OCONEE — Reynolds Plantation boasts six tremendous golf courses and countless other amenities to quench a member’s entertainment and wellness desires. In fall 2006, the creation of the Linger Longer Living cultural lifestyle series brought the visual and performing arts, music, lectures, outdoor excursions and instructional pieces directly to the membership.

Led by Cultural Director Marie Garrison, this series offers Reynolds an unmatched set of intellectual, cultural, culinary and artistic events.

“They (members) really want you to push their envelope,” Garrison said. “This enhances the active part of their life here at Reynolds Plantation. The active lifestyle piece is wonderful, but they want to keep learning and growing in other equally stimulating ways.”

When Senior Vice President of Operations Gray Ferguson charged Garrison with the creation of the membersonly series, no one knew what heights Linger Longer Living would climb. The culture series is branded and certainly not the typical club theme night.

The programming typically includes cocktails, the performance or program itself and often a sit-down dinner. These lifestyle experiences take place within Reynolds three to four times a month at its numerous group and nature gathering facilities.

Garrison stresses there is no norm to the series, and it must

evolve to stimulate m e m b e r s h i p .

Experimenting, researching, exploring and taking member feedback keeps the series fresh.

“If we tried to tell Marie to create a very specific program, it wouldn’t be what it is today. We absolutely gave her free reign. No one tells her who to bring in.

Linger Longer Living is her baby. She brought it up from the very beginning,” Ferguson said.

History, world affairs, natural science and spiritual renewal have become important topics for visiting experts.

Garrison brings in artistic and intellectual presenters from the University of Georgia but has focused culling great minds from other places such as Emory University and most recently Georgia Tech.

With a sizable alumni member group at Reynolds, the March 14 lecture by Tech’s Dr. Reginald Desroches, associate chair and

professor in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, delivered a presentation on the past, present and future of world engineering miracles. Ohio natives and Reynolds members since 2006, Tom and Pat Doak have attended the series from the start, and Dr. Desroches’ presentation was their first this year.

The Doaks listed a C.I.A. program, Civil War reenacting, astronomy and operas from UGA as past Linger Longer Living highlights. More science based issues appeal to the couple.

“This is our first one this year. We’d like to go to more of them but haven’t gotten around to it,” Tom said. “We enjoy these lecture type issues. I’d like to see more of them.”

Ferguson and Garrison agree that members love witnessing the impact of young, college students.

“One of the things I

really appreciate so much is how the members really want to give back and encourage the young stories developing around them. They love things that include students.

It makes them feel young again, and they enjoy it,” Garrison said.

Nearby cities like Madison, Eatonton and Athens can supplement with additional culture and artistic entertainment, but the Linger Longer series stands alone in its intimate concept and organic growth.

Garrison wants the learning aspect to take hold of participants more so than the social aspect that may prevail in comparable region events.

“It’s not a social series.

There are social parts in every event, but it’s definitely a teaching series,” Garrison said. “Our members enjoy the chance to be a part of it and to be taught.”

Questions are always encouraged, and the

most popular events allow members to get their hands dirty in a nature walk or painting workshop.

The Reynolds team is always talking to members about the ideal weekly entertainment lifestyle. The Linger Longer series is one part of available large-scale events throughout the community. Ferguson said they are not trying to over-saturate on a given night, so people won’t be overwhelmed with choices.

Ferguson wants to tighten up minor logistical details making every event flawless.

He is confident in Garrison’s ability to bring the big talent to Reynolds Plantation.

“Marie has a great personality and a lot of great contacts. The beauty about what Marie is doing is that she is a bulldog when she pursues someone to present in the series,” Ferguson said.

“It took her a year to get the door open at Georgia Tech. She

makes it happen and won’t take no for an answer.”

Garrison believes the desire to learn and stay young drives people to Lake Oconee.

The area offers a special blend of big city perks in the small town atmosphere.

Reynolds Plantation gives members the means to stay physically and mentally strong at their own pace.

Linger Longer Living is the introduction to many facets of art and academia, so the member can take the experience wherever they like.

“When I think about the series, I hope we are offering a nice addition for someone, a resource opportunity and sort of a beginning. Take it and do with it as you will. I’m exposing them to a lot of pieces that are wonderful,” Garrison said.

Program literature can be found on www.ReynoldsPlantati on.com under the lifestyle tab.

Woods, McIlroy have starring roles in Masters

12 – On the Links

Thursday, April 5, 2012

www.lakeoconeebreeze.net

By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy passed each other on Sunday at Augusta National last year, two players from different generations who appeared to be headed in opposite directions.

Now, headed into Masters 2012, they're on a collision course — each taking a path over the last 12 months that would have been difficult for anyone to chart.

It all started last April 10.

Woods, with four green jackets among his 14 majors, made up a seven-shot deficit in nine holes and was poised for his first comeback win in a

major. But instead of the Masters not starting until the back nine Sunday, that's where it ended for Woods. He didn't pick up another shot the rest of the day, and then a week later mentioned a "minor injury" to his left leg that turned out to be much more than that.

It would be nearly four months until Woods completed another tournament, and he fell out of the top 50 in the world.

McIlroy, meanwhile, was on his way to the greatest collapse by a 54-hole leader at the Masters in more than a half-century. The tee shot behind a cabin left of the 10th fairway.

A three-putt from 7 feet on the 11th, and a

four-putt from 12 feet on the 12th. The lasting image was Boy Wonder burying his head in the crook of his arm after a wayward tee shot on the 13th. He shot 80 that day.

The devastation gave way to a coronation two months later, however, when the 22-yearold from Northern Ireland shattered the U.S. Open scoring record and won by eight shots at Congressional.

McIlroy has won twice and finished no worse than third in nine of his last 12 tournaments, and his win at the Honda Classic a month ago made him the second-youngest player (behind Woods)

to be No. 1 in the world, even if the top ranking lasted only two weeks.

That made him the favorite among bookies —until Woods ended a 30-month drought on the PGA Tour by winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational three weeks later.

Here they come again.

A chance for redemption for McIlroy at the Masters.

A chance for Woods to resume his pursuit of Jack Nicklaus' record 18 majors.

"It was definitely a defining moment," McIlroy said of blowing a four-shot lead last year. "It could have been the crossroads of

my career. I could have did what I did on Sunday at Augusta and let it affect me, maybe go into a slump or feel down or feel sorry for myself. I had enough good people around me not to let that happen.

"I was able to go down the right path, and do the right things, and to put everything right and win the next major."

Woods has been stuck on 14 majors since he won the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines in 2008 on a badly damaged left leg. His last win at the Masters was in 2005, his longest drought in any of the majors.

He has withdrawn from two tournaments

since last year, the most recent at Doral because of soreness and swelling in his left Achilles tendon. One week changed everything. He made a hard course at Bay Hill look easy and won by five shots, just like he used to do.

"I've gone into Augusta with wins and without wins," Woods said. "You're looking for one week, that's all.

Hopefully, everything comes together for that one week. I understand how to play Augusta National. And it's just a matter of executing the game plan."

It is easy to get wrapped up in the "Tiger and Rory" show at the Masters when it starts April 5.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

But the 76th edition could be so much more.

From the season opener at Kapalua, where Steve Stricker won the Tournament of Champions, all the right players are winning going into the first major championship of the year.

Phil Mickelson appears to have discovered his putting touch and shot 64 to win at Pebble Beach for his 40th career PGA Tour win. Bill Haas backed up his FedEx Cup title with a playoff win at Riviera.

McIlroy went to No. 1 in the world until Luke Donald won a fourman playoff at Innisbrook and regained his No. 1 ranking.

Eight players from the top 20 in the world already have won this year.

"Augusta is always the most exciting

On the Links – 13

www.lakeoconeebreeze.net

event, just because it's the first major, a lot of exciting things are happening in golf, a lot of the big names are doing well," Donald said. "Tiger is making a mini-comeback. All of the pieces are falling into place."

Topping last year will be a tall order.

In one of the most exciting final rounds in Masters history, eight players had at least a share of the lead on the final day.

Charl Schwartzel delivered a finish that matched the quality of the final round. He became the first Masters champion to close with four straight birdies for a two-shot win over Jason Day and Adam Scott.

There hasn't been this much anticipation about the Masters, and the leading characters, since 2005 when seven of the top 10 in the world had won tourna-

ments going into the Augusta, including multiple wins for Woods, Mickelson and Ernie Els. Woods ended up winning his fourth Masters. Not many could have imagined he would go six years without another. This year, however, might be as good of a chance as any.

He hardly practiced in 2010 after missing four months as his personal life caved in around him, yet Woods tied for fourth. He had not finished closer than seven shots all year in 2011, showed up at Augusta and nearly won again.

What happens when he is swinging well (which he is) and has more confidence (he does) than he has in three years?

His win at Bay Hill gave him 72 for his PGA Tour career, and someone mentioned to

Woods that if he were to win the Masters, it would tie him with Nicklaus for second on the career list with 73 wins. Woods smiled when he heard the question. It's not the statistic most people associate with Nicklaus, least of all Woods.

"Yeah, well, that's nice," Woods said. "But I'm looking forward to more of the green jacket part of it."

The closest McIlroy ever got to the green jacket was on a private plane to Malaysia after the Masters, with Schwartzel on board.

They posed for a picture, the South African in a green jacket.

It revealed a comfortable side of McIlroy, evidence that this would not crush his spirits, much less his career.

Then again, he showed that in the immediate aftermath

of his meltdown.

Woods shot 67 and could not get away from a TV interview quickly enough.

McIlroy faced reporters in the locker room after his 80, looking everyone in the eye, making no excuses.

He returns as a U.S. Open champion. That four-shot lead he took into the last round a year ago now is looked upon as an example of what he can do, not what he didn't. What's new is the attention, the heir apparent to Woods.

"It will be very different," McIlroy said. "I wasn't necessarily under the radar last year, but I'll be going in there with a lot more attention, a lot of scrutiny, because of what happened last year. The spotlight will be on me, and it's something that I'll just have to deal with. But

I'll try to ... approach it like I did last year — at least for three days, anyway."

The Masters will add a minor wrinkle for the opening round when Gary Player joins Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer as the honorary starters.

Otherwise, the course has not changed significantly since last year, except for some new hole locations now available on the 16th green.

What has changed is the outlook.

Even as Woods was out for three straight months, and two majors, golf was being handed over to youth like McIlroy, Schwartzel, PGA champion Keegan Bradley, major champions Martin Kaymer and Louis Oosthuizen.

It was in good hands.

And now, Woods is back to join them.

MASTERS CONTENDERS RORY McILROY

LUKE DONALD

Age: 22 Country: Northern Ireland.

World ranking: 2 Wins: 5.

Majors: U.S. Open (2011)

Age: 34 Country: England World ranking: 1 Wins: 10 Majors: None.

Best Masters moment: The 25foot birdie putt on the 17th hole in the third round of 2011 that staked him to a four-shot lead going into the final round.

Worst Masters moment: Losing a four-shot lead the next day with an 80 in the final round.

Forecaddie: Along with the obvious — the beautiful, powerful swing and the vastly improved putting inside 10 feet — he can lean on his experience last year as a positive instead of a failure.

Being a major champion gives him a greater sense of freedom. A green jacket makes him the youngest with two majors since Gene Sarazen in 1922.

TIGER WOODS

PHIL MICKELSON

CHARLES SCHWARTZEL

Age: 36.

Age: 41 Country: United States.

Country: United States World ranking: 6. Wins: 84.

World ranking: 15 Wins: 42 Majors: Majors: Masters (‘04, ‘06, ‘10) Masters (‘97, ‘01, ‘02, ‘05), PGA Championship (‘05) U.S. Open (‘00, ‘02, ‘08), Best Masters moment: Chipping British Open (‘00, ‘05, ‘06), in for birdie on the final hole last PGA Championship (‘99, ‘00, ‘06, ‘07) Best Masters moment: The 18year, and the rare display of emofoot birdie putt on the final hole to tion that followed. win his first major in 2004.

Best Masters moment: Winning in 2001 to give him a sweep of the four professional majors.

Worst Masters moment: The verWorst Masters moment: Hitting tical leap to celebrate first major 8-iron into water on the 12th hole that was estimated at no more when he was tied for the lead last Worst Masters moment: A double than 13 inches. year. bogey on No. 10 and a triple bogey on No. 12 in the opening Forecaddie: What he lacks in round of 2000, sending him to a Forecaddie: Even though power off the tee (though he's 75. Woods won the other three Mickelson has one less Masters majors that year. long enough), he makes up for title, he now rivals Tiger Woods as a perennial favorite. It doesn't with his chipping and putting. matter what form he's on, and Efficiency can go a long way at Forecaddie: He didn't have much Mickelson at least has that win at Augusta National. It has been 10 years since the No. 1 player in the game in 2010 in his rush to return Pebble Beach this year. He doesfrom scandal and tied for fourth. n't feel as though he has to play world ranking won the Masters.

He had not contended at any tour- perfectly. But he does have to nament early in 2011 and tied for make putts. Oddly enough, he has fourth. Imagine what he can do never been the runner-up. when he's actually playing well, which he is. The question is whether the Bay Hill win signaled a return, or whether he putted well on a course where he's won seven times.

da Corrado Ristorante “An ITALIAN Experience”

Age: 27 Country: South Africa World ranking: 7 Wins: 8 Majors: Masters (‘11)

Best Masters moment: Becoming the first player to finish with four birdies to win the Masters.

Worst Masters moment: Learning that Augusta National won't let him do the cooking at the Champions Dinner.

Forecaddie: He has not won since the Masters last year, though Schwartzel returns to Augusta National on good form with close calls at the Honda Classic and at Doral. He is trying to join Jack Nicklaus (1965-66), Nick Faldo (1989-90) and Tiger Woods (2001-02) as the only players to win back-to-back at the Masters.

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14 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; On the Links

www.lakeoconeebreeze.net

Thursday, April 5, 2012