Posted by Jason Sobel
Three things we learned from last week's Masters Tournament:
One, Phil Mickelson has gradually transformed from a guy who couldn't win the big one to Mr. Clutch in the majors ...
Two, at 46 years old, Freddie Couples still has plenty of game ...
And three, you can't keep the little guys down. Augusta National officials controversially lengthened the course to 7,445 yards for this year's tournament, yet relative short hitters such as Tim Clark, Jose Maria Olazabal, Stephen Ames and Mike Weir were still able to contend for the title.
Well, if you enjoy watching shotmakers over long bombers, then check out this week's MCI, uh, Verizon, er, Heritage ... the PGA Tour stop at Harbour Town, whatever they're calling it these days.
One of only seven host venues that will play less than 7,000 yards this year, Harbour Town will, as usual, be target golf at its best, which is why the recent winners list reads like a who's who of top ball strikers on tour. Peter Lonard, Justin Leonard and Stewart Cink have all worn the garish plaid champions jacket in the past few years. Then there's Davis Love III, simply one of the purest shotmakers of this generation, who has claimed this title a record five times.
If you want to watch big bombers hit 330-yard drives, don't worry; there will be plenty more of that this season. But if you want to see course management and brilliant shotmaking, keep an eye on HarbourTown. It's a shame there aren't more venues like it on tour.
