Couples has a dedicated following after 40 times at the Masters

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - It’s hard to believe this was Fred Couples’ 40th Masters.

It’s also hard to a time when he didn’t play in the Masters.

Patrons have always loved him, and he’s always loved Augusta.

“It’s paradise,” he said.

So much so that the Masters seems like a homecoming each year for the Seattle native.

“I love coming here. Everyone I bring here loves it,” he said. A win in 1992 gave him a permanent seat at the Champions Dinner and a lifetime invitation to chase another green jacket.

“If could have won it one more time it would be the greatest upset in the world of golf, but I didn’t,” he said. “But that was really my goal.”

His goal this time was just to play this weekend.

He didn’t make the cut, however.

“I’m 65. I don’t feel 70. I don’t feel 50,” he said.

Before teeing off Friday, we saw him adjusting and re-adjusting his back- brace, but his back really didn’t seem to be bothering him at all.

“To be honest with you, last year I was not really very healthy at all,” he said. This year his 1-under 71 opening round speaks volumes – even if it wasn’t easy. “I am exhausted, I’ll tell you what,” he said. But patrons will tell you he put on a show.

Patrons Wendy Moody and Lynda Smith were watching.

“He was fixing all the divots – so nice – and he was so excited – you know as excited as Freddy gets – he’s just so chill, and wonderful you know,” one of them said.

As Couples looked to make history happen, his followers were just happy to watch him.

On Thursday, he became the second-oldest player to shoot under par in any Masters round.

Tom Watson shot under par at the 2015 Masters, but was only about a month older than Couples is now.

Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.