Observations from Friday at Augusta…. 1. The combination of slope and firmness is what makes this a test. Precise, controlled shots rewarded. And vice versa. The pin on one today was a great example. 2. Rory’s swing is looking so balanced. Smooth power, working it both ways off the tee and long (even for him!). Having 9-irons into greens vs most of the field having a 7-iron makes a difference. It’s clear when you watch approach shots. However, I need to ask him about his par five, tee-shot strategy. 3. "That chip" was obviously amazing, but also incredibly well played. Going to do a deep dive on that shot later on. Stay tuned. 4. Amazing how the entire property orbits around McIlroy. You can tell where he is at all times. Press conferences, on the range, on the course, in conversations from fans. Maybe he doesn't move the needle like Tiger did in his peak, but he is the needle in the sport, and even more so here. 5. Underrated part of the experience here is the removed nature of the hospitality. No tents or suites on the course. They are hidden away. Makes for a cleaner viewing experience but also makes everyone on-site feel equal. No hierarchy of ticket prices or access. If a rich CEO wants to see the winning putt, he/she has as much access and right as the everyday badge holder. 6. Another viewing note is the chairs. The rule of leaving them and people being able to sit in them if you’re not there, but politely taking them back when you want them, it’s great. 7. Honestly, the 12th hole is beautiful and well worth seeing in person but it’s an overrated viewing spot. Players hitting into shadows away from fans and not a lot of birdies or excitement on the hole. For me the best spot is 15 green, seeing 16 also. 8. Barely anyone hangs out at the short game practice area. I do. Guys hitting 10-50 yard shots off perfect lies, high and low, spin and run, amazing to watch up close. I spent 15 mins watching Alex Noren. Just wish I had popcorn. 9. There's a thrift shop near Augusta called "Uptown Marketplace" that sells a bunch of old Masters and club memorabilia and clothing. Flags, caps, badges, programmes, signed stuff and yes... Gnomes. Really cool place to check out if you're ever here. 10. In today’s “overheard at Augusta”, a woman by 18 green. We got chatting about the colours and condition of the course. She said “𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘖𝘱𝘦𝘯 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 ‘𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘖𝘱𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨?’”, implying the condition isn’t very good. Ah, how Augusta has impacted golf viewing. I just walked away.