Goodbye from the 2008 US Masters

Now the dust has settled on the 2008 US Masters in Augusta, Neil Tappin takes a look back over the events of the final day

during the final round of the 2008 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2008 in Augusta, Georgia.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Neil Tappin
By Neil Tappin
published

Notwithstanding a painful two-day journey to Georgia, the 2008 Masters has finished in a flash. Trevor Immelman has suddenly become a major champion but the last few hours have, I suspect, been the longest of his life. It wasn’t pretty, in fact it was pretty ugly at times but the South African clung on for dear life and eventually staggered across the finishing line.

Speaking as a spectator, the atmosphere at Augusta was strangely muted today. Where grenades of noise had exploded at other points during the week there was a stony silence. We were all waiting for a moment that never happened.

A special mention however, goes to Brandt Snedeker. After completing his round he wandered into the media centre to face the obligatory press grilling. When asked about how he felt the day had gone, he said, “I'm still a little emotional, as you can tell, but it's one of those things; you've got of kind of pick yourself up, realise what you did wrong and go fix it.” Shortly after this response the interview was ended as he burst into tears. It makes a refreshing change to see a player reveal his emotions. He looks like a decent bloke and I for one wish him all the best for the future.

And with that heartfelt message it’s time to say goodbye. Tomorrow Luke, Bill and myself begin the arduous journey back to blighty (via Old Sycamore Golf Club in South Carolina… well, you have to leave a little time to squeeze in some golf). On Tuesday I’ll be back in the office - Augusta National, Washington Road and Hooters will all be a distance memory. It’s been a holiday to remember (sorry, I meant to say, hugely important work assignment) but all good things must come to an end. Still, there’s always the US Open to look forward to. Bring on Torrey Pines…

Where next?

Augusta Masters hole-by-hole guide

US Masters pictures

The English Contingent at the US Masters at Augusta 2009

 

Neil Tappin
Neil Tappin
Digital Editor

In his current role, Neil is responsible for testing drivers and golf balls. Having been a part of the Golf Monthly team for over 15 years and playing off a handicap of 3, he has the experience to compare performance between models, brands and generations. For 2022 he thinks the main trend in drivers is: "In a word, consistency. Whilst all the brands are talking about ball speed (and the new drivers are certainly long), my biggest finding has been how much more consistent the ball flights are. Mishits don't seem to be causing the same level of drop-off or increase in the spin numbers. This means that more shots seem to be flying the way you want them to!" As far as golf balls are concerned the biggest development is in the, "three piece, non-Tour, urethane-covered section. For regular golfers, these models offer superb performance at both ends of the bag without denting your wallet quite as much as the premium Tour-played options."


Originally working with the best coaches in the UK to produce instruction content, he is now the brand's Digital Editor and covers everything from Tour player interviews to gear reviews. In his time at Golf Monthly, he has covered equipment launches that date back well over a decade. He clearly remembers the launch of the Callaway and Nike square drivers as well as the white TaylorMade driver families, such as the RocketBallz! If you take a look at the Golf Monthly YouTube channel, you'll see his equipment videos dating back over a decade! He has also conducted 'What's In The Bag' interviews with many of the game's best players like Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm. Over the years, Neil has tested a vast array of products in each category and at drastically different price-points. 

Neil is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade Stealth Plus Fairway Wood: Titleist TSR2 Hybrid: Titleist TS3 Irons (4-9): Mizuno JPX 919 Forged Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 46˚, 50˚, 54˚, 60˚ Putter: Odyssey Triple Track Ten Ball: Titleist Pro V1X

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