Justin Thomas is still trying to figure out the secrets of the Masters, but he’s going to have to look past Tiger Woods for help.
Thomas was paired with Woods and Fred Couples during a practice round at Augusta National on Monday, when the threesome was the first group to hit off the 10th tee ahead of Thursday’s start. The 25-year-old was hoping to pick the brains of the former champions, but he found it pretty difficult to get Woods, a four-time Masters winner, to give up any secrets.
“Tiger probably isn’t as, I mean, I’m not trying to be mean, but isn’t as helpful I would say as Freddie,” Thomas said, via Golf Channel. “He just doesn’t, at this point he doesn’t quite give as much information.”
Thomas is making his fourth Masters appearance this week. His best is tied for 17th, which came last year, when he finished one-over 73.
He said Couples, who won his only Green Jacket in 1992, was more willing to give him some tips around the greens.
“I’ve picked Tiger’s brain enough around this place that he’s probably told me everything he’s going to tell me,” Thomas said.
“But I’d ask Freddie little things about stuff, where he lays up to different pins. … From playing, I try to pay attention to how guys do it to where I feel like I have a pretty good idea about where I need to go.”
Perhaps Woods is tight-lipped because this might be his best chance at winning at Augusta again. His last win at the Masters came in 2005 before injuries, infidelities and off-the-course conflicts hindered his play. He finished tied for 32nd last year, his first Masters in three years, before regaining his long-lost form contending in two majors and winning at the Tour Championship in September.
He shot a 65 during a practice round last week at Augusta National, according to Golf Week.
