The Loop

Missing Links: McIlroy listens to Caroline about fitness, and Spieth's Augusta infatuation

April 09, 2014

Stories you might have missed...

Tiger Woods' obsession with fitness and his myriad injuries are a cautionary tale to which Rory McIlroy has paid attention. In this story by James Corrigan in the Telegraph, McIlroy reveals his interest in CrossFit, which features high-intensity interval training. His fiancé, Caroline Wozniacki talked him out of it.

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(Getty Images photo)

The first time Jordan Spieth played Augusta National, he came to the 17th hole and said, "Now it's getting depressing, because we're almost done." ESPN's Gene Wojciechowski chronicles Spieth's infatuation with Augusta National and the Masters.

Canadian Graham DeLaet knew his Masters invitation was coming. Still, "it brought tears to my eyes," when it arrived, he said. Robert Thompson and Kevin Smith in Canada's Global News examine DeLaet's rise and the attempt by compatriot Mike Weir, a past Masters champion, to find his form again.

Former champion Craig Stadler and his son Kevin are poised to become the first father and son to play in the same Masters. Craig, who is playing his 38th Masters, says it might be his last. If so, "I can't think of a better way to do it than playing with your son in the same tournament," he said in this story by Paul Newberry of the Associated Press.

Forty-six years ago, a chance visit from Billy Casper saved his life, says a Vietnam veteran who was severely injured and near death. Jim McCabe in Golfweek recounts their emotional reunion beneath the famous oak tree behind the clubhouse at Augusta National on Tuesday.