The Eternal Freddies Shine on Augusta’s Opening Day

During Master Week, the gates of Augusta National were opened in Augusta National, and there was a certain amount of electricity in the air. For me, this feeling will never go away, no matter how many times I walk on the sacred ground. This year is my 14th Masters trip, and even after all this time, tradition, excellence and sheer magic are as always.

As a PGA professional, I have a unique privilege of watching the game from a different perspective, not only being a fan, but a companion to the profession. On the first day of the 2025 Masters, this view made me the front seat of one of the most memorable shots of the day. Let’s talk about Freddie Mac.

Mr. and Mrs. Fred. This man is more than just a master champion. Here they called him the mayor of Augusta State. There is a reason for this. During the practice round, he was everywhere, smiling and catching up with his new and old friends. It’s like watching someone wander around a high school party and everyone else is happy to see him. But Freddy is not only here to smile and recall. On Thursday, he reminded us why he is still one of the most popular figures in golf.

The shot appeared on the 14th hole on the par 4 (called Chinese fir). This is a 440-code test of strategy and control. Today, the young player hit the green in the middle and late stages in the second shot. But Freddie, 65, shows that this experience and touch are still more important than the power of barbarity.

From my point of view, I saw him making holes for Eagle. This is one of the moments that give you chicken skin ump, pure classic master magic. There is history on that hole. Phil Mickelson came a few years ago after one of the hawks in his famous Nine Points charges. But Thursday belongs to Freddie Mac.

He ended the day with a 71-under par. Let that sink. In one of the world’s most demanding competitions, one is at the age of 65. That’s what makes Augusta so special.

It’s the only major champion to return to the same course year by year, and this continuity gives veterans a chance to shine. For players like Fred, Phil Mickelson and Bernhard Langer, this year was more than nostalgia in the final Masters. This is a legal opportunity for competition.

And if you understand the course the way these guys are, if you can still put it on Tee 250 or 260, you can definitely argue. The key is positioning. You can’t miss the wrong location on the T-shirt. Augusta requires precision. Green complexes are dangerous and even a great short game may not save you if you are not in the position. But these experienced champions only have the kind of knowledge that time can provide.

Justin Rose took a strong start with players like Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau were on the hunt. There is no doubt that there are fireworks and fireworks. But for me, the shot of the day comes not from the up-and-coming show, but from a legend who knows these fairways better than most.

That is the beauty of the master. It’s not just who hits the farthest. It’s about who can think about their own way in this place and who can make the most of every opportunity, no matter how old they are.

Congratulations, Freddie Mac. And thank you for reminding us of the great authentic look.