Masters insider: Mize talks about his golf game

UNDER THE OAK TREE

Augusta native Larry Mize, 55, won the Masters Tournament in 1987 with a dramatic shot on the second hole of a sudden-death playoff. Now on the Champions Tour, Mize continues to have high expectations at Augusta National. In 2014, he has played in four events and his best finish is a tie for 37th at the Ace Group Classic.

Q: What is the state of your game?

A: I haven’t been playing very well but it’s starting to turn around now. So this is a good week to get it turned around, so that’s what we are working for.

Q: What is your favorite hole at Augusta National?

A: On this course there are so many that are my favorites but I’ve always loved the 13th hole. Number one, I just think it’s a beautiful hole. With azaleas and dogwoods down the left side and just the setup for excitement, it’s a great par-5.

Q: What did you think about the Drive, Chip and Putt competition?

A: It’s better than I could have imagined. I’m really excited for the kids and for golf.

Q: Do you wish there would have been a similar competition when you were a kid?

A: I don’t know if I could have gotten here, but it would have been great.

Q: What have you heard about the Eisenhower Tree?

A: I know it’s down. I think they’re waiting to see how it will play this year and see what they’re going to do.

Q: What are your expectations this week?

A: I come here to win the golf tournament every year. That still hasn’t changed. Obviously I’m trying to get my game in shape so that’s a possibility.

ALL ABOUT ARNIE

No one has led more rounds at the Masters than Arnold Palmer.

The four-time champion either held the outright lead or was tied for the lead 14 times in his Masters career. Jack Nicklaus is second with 13 rounds led. Gary Player and Raymond Floyd are tied for third with eight apiece.

Palmer held first-round leads three times, and he was on top after 36 holes six times in the span between 1959 and 1965. Of his five 54-hole leads, he failed to win only once, in 1959.

MASTERS SPEAK

The gathering of Masters winners on the Tuesday night before the tournament is popularly known as the Champions Dinner.

But did you know it is formally called the Masters Club?

The tradition began in 1952 when defending champion Ben Hogan gave a dinner for all previous winners. The annual meal became a hit, and honorary memberships in the Masters Club were extended to tournament co-founders Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts. All tournament chairmen since have been added as honorary members.