AUGUSTA, Ga. — As the excitement builds for the 89th edition of the Masters, players and local businesses are gearing up for a week filled with golf and camaraderie. On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, the final preparations were underway at Augusta National Golf Club and the surrounding area, as GOLF’s Seen & Heard crew checked in to capture the buzz of the tournament.
Among the highlights was Viktor Hovland's surprise equipment change. Known for his consistency, Hovland rarely alters his setup, but this year he decided to switch things up by replacing his 9-degree Ping G425 LST driver with the new G440 LST. "Last couple of days back in Orlando, I'd say my iron game has been really, really nice, but still was just having a hard time with the driver to get it exactly how I wanted to," Hovland explained. This change comes after he won the Valspar Championship just weeks prior, marking his first victory in 18 months.
Hovland's decision to experiment with the G440 LST driver reflects his confidence as he prepares for his sixth start at Augusta. "I hit those — those high right shots that I had before were even higher and further to the right. I didn't really feel like testing it," he said, referring to his previous driver. However, with an improved swing and a desire for better performance, he felt it was time to give the new driver another shot.
In addition to the driver switch, Hovland has also opted for a Fujikura Ventus Black VeloCore+ 6TX shaft. This combination has shown promising results during his practice sessions, as he noted, "Really just excited about how much tighter the dispersion was and even getting a little bit more ball speed out with the new driver." With this adjustment, Hovland hopes to enhance his chances of donning the coveted green jacket come Sunday.
Meanwhile, the local dining scene is also bustling with activity. Michael Bamberger from GOLF visited Tbonz Steakhouse, a favorite among Masters attendees, located just a mile from Augusta National. General manager Chris Wilson shared that during this busy week, they will stock an impressive 47 cases of tenderloins, 35 cases of ribeye, and 12 cases of New York strips, totaling about 4,000 pounds of meat. "That’s the amazing part, the amount of volume that comes out of this kitchen in this small of a setup," Wilson remarked, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to serving the influx of golf fans.
As the Masters approaches, the absence of Tiger Woods, who suffered a torn Achilles in March, is felt both on and off the course. This year marks the first time since his tragic car accident in 2021 that Woods will not compete, a significant change for fans and bettors alike. Jeff Sherman, the golf oddsmaker at Westgate SuperBook, reported that the betting handle for the Masters is down roughly eight percent compared to previous years when Woods was in the field. "The handle refers to the total amount of money wagered by bettors at a sportsbook over a given period," he clarified.
Despite Woods' absence, the betting landscape remains vibrant, with several players drawing attention. Sherman noted that the most substantial liabilities to win the tournament include Scottie Sheffler, Collin Morikawa, and Jordan Spieth. Interestingly, Ludvig Åberg, who finished as the runner-up in his first Masters tournament a year ago, has seen his odds rise to +2000 due to recent struggles with his short game.
Among the notable bets is one on Hovland, whose odds have shrunk to +7000 after his recent success. Sherman highlighted Hovland's impressive performance at the Valspar Championship, where he showcased his tee-to-green skills. "I haven’t seen Spieth put together four rounds this season. He hasn’t showcased any consistency. … I have more faith in Hovland at plus-money," Sherman stated, indicating confidence in Hovland's potential to outperform Spieth on the leaderboard.
As the Masters tournament kicks off, fans are eager to see how these storylines unfold. With players making strategic equipment changes and local businesses thriving, the atmosphere is electric. The Masters is not just a golf tournament; it’s a celebration of the sport that unites fans, players, and the community.
The excitement is palpable as the first tee time approaches, and all eyes are on Augusta National. Will Hovland's equipment adjustments pay off? Can the local restaurants keep up with the demand? And how will the absence of Tiger Woods affect the competition? As the tournament unfolds, one thing is certain: the Masters will deliver unforgettable moments and stories that resonate long after the final putt drops.
