AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) The roar sounded like Sunday at Augusta National.

This was Monday afternoon, and it was so sudden and thunderous that it reached the clubhouse. It was loud enough to startle spectators who wondered what they had missed. They had a pretty good idea who it was.

Tiger Woods is back at the Masters.

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Woods teed off with Justin Thomas and Fred Couples shortly before 3 p.m. when thousands of fans were making their way toward the exit. Thousands more crowded around the tee, lined the first fairway and followed him down the par-5 second hole. Some of them rushed over to the third hole to stake out a spot. Most of them surrounded the second green, and they were responsible for all the noise when Woods chipped in from behind the green.

About the only thing missing was a beam of light from the heavens.

Any talk about this being one of the most anticipated Masters in years starts with one player. Woods is at Augusta National for the first time sinc..

Dylan BuellIf you don't remember who Miles Mikolas is, allow us to refresh your memory. Back in December, we wrote about Mikolas, a struggling pitcher trying to make his way back to the MLB after spending three seasons in the bigs from 2012-2014. Mikolas went all the way to Japan to work his way back, eventually earning a two-year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals.
But the most interesting thing about Mikolas was his nickname, “the Lizard King”, given to him after he ate a live lizard in the bullpen during an Arizona Fall League game back in 2011. On Monday, the Lizard King got the start for the Cardinals, and gave us a much less gross reason to write about him. In his second at-bat of the season and just the sixth of his career, Mikolas finally got his first-career major league hit, and it was a DINGER:
https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/980896344393920512
That thing was tattooed. Big time power for a pitcher, or any player for that matter. A no-doubt-about-it two-run shot t..

Move over, Frank Caliendo, and make way for Conor Moore. As the Masters approaches, the Irish impressionist whipped up a video in which he imitates 11 different golfers (plus Butch Harmon) in only two minutes. And we're not exaggerating when we say it's bloody brilliant. Check it out.
https://twitter.com/ConorSketches/status/980872408138698753
RELATED: 7 fun Masters prop bets that don't involve Tiger Woods
As you can see, Conor needs to work on the spelling of a couple of the golfers, but his impressions are so good — nice touch copying the headwear as well — we'll let it pass. In fact, it's impossible to pick a favorite. Is it the Sergio Garcia giggle? Or the Bubba Watson sob? Or the Tiger Woods non-answer answer? Or maybe Justin Rose using his standard inside voice when he gives an interview? Seriously, the man might possess more acting range than Daniel Day Lewis.
Well done, Conor. And if you're taking requests, we'd love a little Phil Mickelson ..

Jamie Squire(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)AUGUSTA, Ga.—It's Monday at the Masters, which means it's one of the best days to be at Augusta National. That's right, better than the tournament itself. And though I'm drunk on pimento cheese, I assure you it's a sober conviction. Here are eight reasons why attending a Masters practice day is better than a tournament round.
The course is the star
Save for possibly the Open Championship at St. Andrews, the Masters is the only tournament where the competition can be argued as secondary. No need to wax poetic on why; anyone who’s seen an image of Amen Corner can testify. However, once Thursday arrives, the focus tends to turn to the players (and rightfully so). The practice rounds allow Augusta National to shine without sharing the spotlight.
Staying with this theme…
It’s easier to maneuver around the course
During the tournament, patrons will set up shop at holes like the 12th, 15th and 16th…and not move for t..

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (AP) Pernilla Lindberg plunged into Poppie’s Pond with her parents and fiance-caddie Daniel Taylor, celebrating her first professional victory in about the biggest way possible in women’s golf.

”I can’t believe that I can call myself a major champion,” Lindberg said.

It wasn’t easy.

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The 31-year-old Swede needed a major-record eight sudden-death holes over two days to finish off Inbee Park in the ANA Inspiration, ending it Monday morning with a 30-foot birdie putt on the par-4 10th.

”I just know I’m a grinder, and I just felt: `This is mine. I’m going to do this,”’ Lindberg said. ”I just knew I could, and I just kept fighting away. I couldn’t believe when that last putt went in.”

Park’s 20-footer to match stopped on the edge of the cup.

”The putt Pernilla made on the last was a champion’s putt,” Park said. ”I’m really happy for her. This one was not an easy major win for her, as well. I mean, eight-hole playoff, I’ve never done so..

Chris JacksonNow here’s some news that will sadden you into emotional-eating a bucket of Tide Pods: The Kidz These Days, having successfully reached the limits of human detergent-eating capacity, are putting down the delicious laundry flavor packets and picking up the condoms. But they’re not using the condoms for their intended teen purpose (fumbling around trying to rip something open in the dark like a 14-fingered orangutan), but for jamming into their noses and pulling out of their mouths! To recap, teens who at least used to know what condoms ARE and where they GO are now tearing them open and saying, no no baby, you wait over there while I get this in my nostrils. And the Pope thinks there isn’t a hell.
Here’s a field guide to the Latest Viral Teen Craze That Probably Like 14 People Did But Makes for Super Clicky Headlines Anyway:
OK, God, so what is this about?
According to what this story Trump-ily calls “multiple reports” (“many people are saying that kids are doing this, good..

The StateBubba Watson hugs caddie Ted Scott after winning The Masters at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Sunday, April 13, 2014. (Gerry Melendez/The State/MCT via Getty Images)Tiger Woods' sudden resurgence has generated perhaps more pre-Masters gambling talk than ever before, keeping oddsmakers on their toes with every hole he plays. Woods will tee off this Thursday at Augusta National as one of the favorites (about 10-to-1 odds at most sportsbooks), and there are plenty of other ways to bet him as well, from finishing in the top 10 (+515 — a $100 wager would win you $515) to withdrawing (+265). But there are plenty of other Masters prop bets that don't involve Tiger, and we've highlighted seven of the most fun wagers out there, courtesy of BetDSI. So take a gander and enjoy — in moderation, of course.
Headwear of winner in 2018 Masters
Hat -1500
Visor +900
No headwear +5500
That visor bet has some decent value considering the pair of lefties, Phil Mickels..

Golf Digest's tradition of inviting illustrators and cartoonists as house guests during the Masters each April to record their first impressions in the following year's tournament preview.

The Oak near the 18th green at Augusta National Golf Club—the tree annually photo-bombed by the giant leader board—is one of the most prominent landmarks on a course known for them.

David Cannon (Photo by David Cannon/Allsport/Getty Images)AUGUSTA, Ga.—At the Masters, the course takes center stage. Following a close second are the players. Far away from the spotlight, however, are those who populate Augusta National: the patrons. In every sense, they are a different breed. But though they are one as a background on the telecast, they are not of the same ilk. Here are the 15 patrons you see at Augusta National.
Badges Hat/Neckless Guy
He's been to SO many Masters. And he wants you to know it.
Merchandise Entrepreneur guy
We're not talking about the guy who goes in with wide eyes and maxes out his credit card, because that's nearly every darn patron on the property. Rather, this designation belongs to the schmuck who views his badge not as a passport to paradise but as a money-making opportunity. This guy snags 60 flags, two dozen shirts and countless coasters, putting all said items on eBay for five times the purchase price. I hate this guy.
Overwhel..