Watson let his fair share of big tournaments slip through his hands before learning how to close the deal. Once he did, Watson, a two-time Masters winner, became one of golf's greatest champions.

"You could not have asked for somebody to do that the way he did," Snedeker said. "He called and we talked for about a half hour. Probably one of the highlights of my life was having him tell me he watched the round on Sunday and tried to help me out here and there, what he thought I did wrong and where I could improve on it."

Led by Justin Rose's rousing opening-round 4-under 68, there are plenty of Europeans on the Masters leaderboard. Not since Jose Maria Olazabal in 1999 has a European won the Masters, but that may change this weekend.   

Retief Goosen has been noticeably absent from the winner’s circle in recent years. But with the Masters looming just around the corner, there is no reason to believe that the cool and calm South African will not be in contention on the weekend. In the past six years, he has four top-three finishes. All that’s missing is the green jacket.

Twenty-six years as technical director for the U.S. Golf Association makes Frank Thomas somewhat of an expert on the topic of equipment. These days he is spreading his wisdom through a new book, “Just Hit It.”

Virginia-based Robert Bryan, Ltd. is a unique apparel company — and the company’s founder knows the reason is right here at home. “We’re the American-made guys,” he said of the fact that his company manufactures entirely in the United States, even right down to the yarn.   

For some reason, Sandy Lyle, a two-time major winner, has not always been given his proper due. He’s been somewhat overshadowed by his European peers, names like Ballesteros, Langer, Faldo and Woosnam. But now he’s 50 and ready to make a new mark while playing on the Champions Tour.

James Kamte, 26, is doing something that hasn't been done in more than three decades. He is the first black South African to earn full playing privileges on the European Tour since Vincent Tshabalala in 1976-77.

Colin Montgomerie has never won anything in America, save for a Ryder Cup. But he’s progressing nicely at this week’s WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship because it’s a format he thrives in.

For all of Sergio Garcia's immense talent, he just cannot seem to break through. What's holding him back is not the putter he holds in his hands, but the lack of confidence that runs through his head.

Paul Azinger has demonstrated he will be a hands-on, proactive captain for the United States’ Ryder Cup team come September at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky. Whether he’s perceived, in the final analysis, as a successful captain will depend on a single fact: Did the United States win?