The Golf Watch

Couples misses cut, streak ends at 23

Fred Couples missed the cut at the Masters, ending his consecutive cuts made streak at 23, a record he shares with Gary Player.  Couples had to shoot under-par today in order to make the cut, and came close to it with an even-par round of 72.  He had a makeable birdie putt on the 18th hole, but missed it a hair to the right. 

Golf World: Couples will replace Nicklaus as President's Cup Captain

Golf World reports that Fred Couples will become captain of the United States President's Cup team in 2009, replacing longtime captain Jack Nicklaus.  The 2009 President's Cup will be played at Harding Park Golf Course in San Francisco.  A formal announcement is expected on Tuesday. 

Durant, four others lead after round one at Hope

Joe Durant used past experience to his advantage when he played at the Classic Club on Wednesday at the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, shooting a 7-under 65, tying him for the first round lead with four others including Tim Petrovic, Omar Uresti, Shigeki Maruyama, and Matthew Goggin.  Durant won the Hope in 2001, but struggled last year, failing to finish once in the top-10.  His most recent win came in 2006 at Disney.  Other notable scores for the day include defending champion Charley Hoffman, who carded a 4-under 68 at the new SilverRock Resort, and Fred Couples (pictured above), who fired a 3-under 69, and is playing his first competitive round since the 2007 Masters.

Hewitt: Couples' back problems not improving

According to Brian Hewitt on Golf Central Wednesday night, 15-time PGA Tour winner Fred Couples is still struggling with an ailing back injury.  Couples has had problems with his back throughout his career, but this time, the injury has allowed him to play only three events this year.  Hewitt said, "The back problems of Fred Couples are simply not improving...I’m told every time Couples has played golf recently the back has reacted badly.  His agent, Lynn Roach, says Couples is still hoping to play in the fall, but there will be no concrete plans until the pain goes away. Right now doctors just aren’t sure when that will be."