Fred Couples Shines Again at 65 in 40th Masters Appearance

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Fred Couples, the 1992 Masters champion, made headlines on Thursday by carding a remarkable 1-under 71 in his 40th appearance at the prestigious tournament, becoming the second-oldest player to shoot under par at the Masters.

Despite being outdriven by younger competitors, Couples’ experience and strategic play allowed him to finish the first round tied for 11th place among a crowded leaderboard. “Today is a hell of a round. I am exhausted,” said Couples, who is 65. “If the weather is like this and not hard, I can shoot 73 or 74. That’s not embarrassing myself at all.”

Earlier in his round, Couples showcased his skill with a stunning 48-foot birdie putt on the first hole and later delivered a hole-out eagle from 186 yards on the par-4 14th. “I thought I had enough to get over there, and then they went crazy,” he recalled, referring to the crowd’s reaction when his shot landed in the hole.

Couples has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the tournament over the years, especially after struggling in 2022 when he shot 80-76 and missed the cut. “Last year, I had a bunch of cortisone shots and it was the most pain I’ve ever been in. If I can swing a club, I play,” Couples shared, reflecting on his previous performance.

Having adjusted his club selection and incorporating several hybrids into his set, Couples expressed confidence in his game. “I have a set of clubs I feel I can hit around here,” he said. His sixth Masters eagle marked a significant accomplishment, adding to his remarkable history at Augusta National.

As fellow competitors, including 35-year-old Harris English and 33-year-old Canadian Taylor Pendrith, take note of Couples’ gameplay, the legend remains focused on his immediate goal: making the cut. “That’s really our goal,” Couples stated, referring to himself and the other veteran players. “When I was 50 or 51, I felt like I could do really well, and I did a lot of times.”

Couples’ continued participation in the Masters not only signifies his enduring passion for the sport but also his ability to enjoy the game despite advancing age. “Tomorrow may be different, but today was a lot of fun,” Couples concluded, setting his sights on the challenges ahead as he vies for another successful round.