Masters field soars past eagle record

The sound heard between Sun­day afternoon roars at Augusta National Golf Club was the clinking of crystal being shipped out in record fashion.

The 2015 Masters Tourna­ment field set a record for eagles with 47, obliterating the previous high of 37 in 1991. This year’s total was 30 entering the fourth round, and the record was passed early in the day.

Greens were described as “receptive” throughout the week, allowing players to stop long irons closer to holes on par-5s. Pin positions also affected the number of eagles, as Friday and Sunday had double-digit totals while Thursday and Saturday combined for only 13.

There were 17 each on Friday and Sunday.

“The course has been somewhat receptive the first three days,” Rickie Fowler said late Sunday after an eagle on No. 13. “It’s starting to firm up some now. You can get some good shots and end up with not a whole lot left for eagle. There’s a lot that can happen out there.”

Much did happen on the par-5s, especially for one golfer Friday. Dustin Johnson carded three eagles in the second round to set a Masters single-round record.

The long hitter had eagles on Nos. 2, 8 and 15 for a total of eight in six Masters appearances.

Those who make eagle are awarded a pair of crystal glasses, and where they are placed is often a point of interest. Trophy cases are popular spots, while Johnson said he keeps them in his office.

Cameron Tringale, playing in his first Masters, made his eagle on No. 13 on Friday.

“To get an eagle, crystal is pretty sweet,” he said. “It’s something I’ll have forever. I don’t know where I’ll put it yet, but I’ll find a nice little spot for it.”

Defending champion Bub­ba Watson carded two eagles in the fourth round on Nos. 2 and 13. Among Sunday’s contenders who had eagles this week, Charley Hoffman got one on No. 15 on Thursday to propel him to an opening-round 67. Phil Mickelson did it on No. 8 on Thursday and added one Sunday when he holed his bunker shot at No. 15.

Three others came on hole-outs. Sangmoon Bae holed out from 165 yards on par-4 No. 14 on Sunday, Morgan Hoff­mann did the same from 123 yards on No. 3 on Saturday, and Thongchai Jaidee did it from 98 yards on No. 3 on Friday.

No matter how it’s accomplished, recording an eagle and what goes with it is something the players cherish.

“It’s one of the first things you think about after making an eagle. It’s pretty special,” Fowler said.