Fred Couples was firmly in control of his round before a late collapse dramatically shifted his position at Augusta National.
Making his 41st appearance at the Masters Tournament, the 66-year-old veteran stood 2-under through 14 holes, showing composure and rhythm before choosing to lay up on the par-5 15th.
However, the momentum shifted abruptly. From around 90 yards out, his third shot found the water, and the very next attempt also ended in the hazard. The costly sequence resulted in a disastrous nine on the hole. The setback deepened on the 16th, where another errant shot into the water added further damage.
In total Couples played holes 15 through 17 in eight-over-par, eventually signing for an opening-round 78 after a promising start.
Reflecting on the turning point, the 1992 Masters champion admitted frustration at the unexpected collapse.
“I had a perfect yardage,” Couples said of his approach on the 15th. “I’d seen others play similar shots, and I felt I could execute it.”
However, the situation quickly unraveled. “All the gas was gone,” he admitted.
The 66-year-old also acknowledged the realities of age and course demands, noting that he no longer attempts to reach par-5 greens in two and instead relies on conservative strategy.
“I’ve never hit a 90-yard shot in the water and then followed it with another one,” Couples said. “In 41 years here, I’ve never experienced anything like that.”
Despite the disappointment he remained composed and reflective, completing his opening nine in 34 before a 44 on the back nine and still speaking to media afterward with his characteristic honesty.
“I do it at Augusta because I love this place,” he said. “No matter what I shoot, I try to answer questions. I do get frustrated, because even at this age you still want to hit shots.”
He added, “If I was 35 and did that, I’d be furious. But now, I just move on.”
Looking back on his long Masters journey, Couples noted how quickly fortunes can change at Augusta.
“I’ve played here for 41 years,” he said. “Sometimes your score just doesn’t matter the way you expect it to.”
Despite the setback, he described the day as “still enjoyable,” reinforcing his enduring bond with the Masters, where brilliance and collapse often exist side by side.
