IT'S time for The Masters.
The world's greatest golfers will descend upon Augusta for the prestigious tournament, where the purse is a mega $18million (£14.2million).
Jon Rahm is looking to defend his title, after he became the fourth Spaniard to win, shooting a three-under-par 69 in the final round for 276 (–12), four strokes ahead of runners-up Brooks Koepka.
Watching proceedings closely will be the player's Wags.
From the stunning daughter of a US ice hockey legend to a self-confessed donut fanatic, SunSport presents The Masters stars' partners.
Paulina Gretzky
Two lovebirds that are still going strong are Dustin Johnson and American beauty Paulina Gretzky.
They began dating in 2012, although amusingly Paulina's famous dad ice hockey legend dad Wayne Gretzky came along.
"I don’t know if you can call it a date since my dad tagged along," she joked.
Despite Wayne being a third wheel, they embarked on a whirlwind romance and were engaged within a year.
The Gretzky family are considered to have helped Johnson find his best form in winning two majors.
Johnson and Gretzky didn't marry until 2022, when they finally said their 'I do's' at a stunning ceremony at the luxurious Blackberry Farm in Tennessee.
The pair have two sons together, Tatum and River.
Nikki Guidish
Gorgeous Nikki, 32, is married to Patrick Cantlay.
A former model, she is now a practicing doctor of pharmacy – having given up on glam photoshoots.
Incredibly, Nikki also competed in the world of bodybuilding.
When she was younger, she appeared on US TV's the Home Shopping Network modelling footwear.
Jena Sims
Beautiful American actress Jena Sims, 35, married Koepka in 2022.
She competed in the Miss Teen USA beauty pageant in 2007, but failed to place, and has since become an actress and a model.
She has starred in Attack of the 50 foot Cheerleader, a comedy horror movie filmed in 2012.
She also appeared in Three-headed Shark Attack, in which a mutated great white kills former WWE champion Rob Van Dam.
Her other roles include Sharknado 5: Global Swarming, and TV shows, Entourage, Dexter and One Tree Hill.
On her Instagram account, she calls herself a self-confessed 'Krispy Kreme connoisseur'.
Kelley Cahill
2023 Masters winner Jon Rahm is married to his stunning college sweetheart, Kelley.
The pair met at Arizona State University, where they lived together for two years there before they finally became a couple.
And they were once almost torn apart by a fiercely competitive tennis match they played against each other.
Cahill said: "He’s killing forehands … crosscourt zingers, and I’m thinking, ‘This can’t be right’.
“He was so good. I was so upset. I was actually mad for a day or two. We have not stepped foot on a tennis court since."
Rahm married Cahill in the Spanish city of Bilbao at the end of 2019.
Alisson Stokke
Californian beauty Alisson, 35, married Rickie Fowler in 2019.
The brunette is a pole vaulter who rose to fame after photos of her competing in 2007, aged 17, went viral.
The photos gained the attention of sports blog "With Leather", who have a mainly male audience, and from there the images went worldwide, with comment pieces from The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Der Spiegel and even the BBC.
Stokke wasn't entirely happy with her newfound fame, telling The Washington Post: "It just all feels really demeaning.
“I worked so hard for pole vaulting and all this other stuff, and it’s almost like that doesn’t matter.
“Nobody sees that. Nobody really sees me."
Stokke just missed out on qualification for the US team for 2012 Olympics in London.
Erica Stoll
Rory McIlroy moved on from Carolina Wozniacki with Erica Stoll, who he married in 2017 in a ceremony in Northern Ireland.
Erica was working for the PGA when Rory met her as the manager of the Championship Volunteer Operations for the PGA of America in 2011.
She has always had an interest in sports, leading her to understand the pressures of his job.
They actually first set eyes on each other in 2012 when Rory nearly ruined the Ryder Cup Miracle at Medinah by oversleeping.
Erica was the PGA employee who came to his rescue before police rushed him to the course that September morning.
Katherine Gaal
Seen cheering Matt Fitzpatrick on at The Open last year was blonde beauty Katherine.
A former Miss Jersey runner-up from 2014, the couple made things official with a social media post – then Fitzpatrick later shared a heartfelt message to Katherine on Valentine's Day.
They have attended several golf tournaments together, including the RBC Heritage, which Fitzpatrick won in 2023.
Earlier that month, Fitzpatrick played alongside Katherine at Augusta for the Par 3 contest at the The Masters.
Katherine looked the part in her green Masters cap and matching trainers but she is not a natural when it comes to golf, having previously worked as a tennis professional at Bay Head Yacht Club in New Jersey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the fundamental rules of golfing?
The game of golf is governed by a comprehensive set of rules that are standardized by the R&A and the United States Golf Association (USGA). The core of golf is to hit a ball through the hole with a stroke. Some of the key principles include: playing the ball exactly as it lies on the ground, playing the course in the same condition as found, and completing the holes with as few strokes as possible. Penalties are incurred for rule breaches such as hitting the wrong ball, playing from the wrong place, and losing a ball. While not part of the official rules of golf, golf etiquette is an important aspect of the game. It addresses issues such as safety, respect for other players on the course and maintaining the course.
Can I golf alone or will I need someone to play with?
Solo golf is a great way to practice and enjoy the game. Solo play is a great way for you to improve your game. Golf is a very social sport and playing with others enhances the experience. There’s competition, camaraderie as well the chance to pick up new skills. Golf courses generally allow individual play, especially during less busy times, but some may pair single players with groups during peak hours to optimize course usage.
Does it make sense to hire a professional instructor for golf lessons?
It’s not necessary to take professional lessons, but it can greatly improve your game. This is especially true for beginners and intermediate players. A qualified coach can give you personal advice, correct fundamental flaws, teach you the mental aspect of the game, and tailor-make advice to suit your style. Sometimes, self-teaching leads to bad habits which are difficult to change. Even experienced golfers can benefit from periodic tune-ups by a professional to ensure that their technique is sound. Lessons can prove to be an excellent investment as they lead to increased enjoyment and improved scores on course.
What are the best ways to maintain and care for my golf clubs?
Proper care of your golf club will prolong their life and ensure they perform the way you intended. Use a brush with soft bristles and soapy water after each round to clean club heads and grooves. Dirt and grass can negatively affect shot accuracy. Clean the shafts using a wet cloth to remove any dirt. Inspect grips, as they may need replacement every year, depending on their usage. Store your clubs in an area that is cool and dry, since extreme temperatures or moisture can cause them to be damaged. To protect your woods and putsters from dings or scratches, use headcovers.
How can I select the best golf club for my shot?
The right club to use depends on your skill level, distance, wind, hazards and other factors. In general, woods are used for long-distance shots when playing from the tee or fairway. Irons are used as you get closer and closer to your green. A lower number iron (like 4 or 5) is used for the longer approach shot, while a higher number iron (like 8 or 9) is for the shorter approach. The pitching or sand wedge is commonly used to make precise shots close to the green. And, of course, the putter is the tool for putting. Knowing the distance you need to hit each club for and what your average range is can help with club selection.
What type of ball should a golfer use as a starter?
Beginners should choose a ball that is durable and offers a good balance of distance and control. Two-piece golf balls are often recommended for beginners due to their hard outer layer and solid core, which make them less expensive, longer-lasting, and able to travel further distances. These balls tend to be less spinny, which allows for better control. Experimenting with different types (like those that have more spin, or feel softer) as a player’s skill level increases can refine shot-making skills and preferences.
What should I know about golf course maintenance and its impact on play?
Golf course maintenance includes a range of practices, from mowing and watering to aeration and topdressing. The maintenance of a golf course can affect the play. For example, freshly aerated greens may be slower and less smooth, heavily watered fairways may play longer and softer, and tighter mowing patterns can lead to faster greens and fairways. The maintenance schedules may help guide your strategy. Check the rules and notices of your locality before you begin your round. These may contain information regarding temporary course conditions caused by ongoing maintenance.
Statistics
- Roughly 60% of golfers who maintain a handicap index see an improvement in their scores year over year.
- Beginner golfers who invest in at least five professional lessons reduce their handicap by an average of 30% faster than those who do not seek instruction.
- Nearly half of all beginners cite social interaction as a primary reason for continuing to play golf after their initial introduction to the sport.
- It is estimated that over 90% of dedicated golfers maintain their equipment regularly, which aids in performance consistency.
- The average golfer spends about $500 on initial equipment when committing to learn the game.
- Golfers who take lessons improve their game twice as fast as those who choose to learn through trial and error.
- Golfers who use a golf-specific fitness program can increase their drive distance by an average of 15 yards, benefitting their overall game.
External Links
golf.com
golfdigest.com
usga.org
golfpass.com
pgatour.com
njga.com
golf-info-guide.com
How To
How To Read Greens Effectively in Golf
Reading greens is a vital skill that can save golfers several strokes per round. Start by examining it from a low-angle to identify any undulations or slopes that may affect the ball path. You should pay attention to the grass color, which can reveal the grain direction as well as speed variations. It is a good idea to walk along your putt’s line, and feel with your foot the subtle slopes or breaks, before you begin putting. By practicing, you can adjust your vision and touch to the varying speed of greens. The more deliberate and consistent you are in your approach to reading the greens, the better putts will be.
