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Posted April 4, 2016, 8:08 pm
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Masters rookie Kevin Kisner gets tips from 1987 winner Larry Mize

  • Article Photos
    Masters rookie Kevin Kisner gets tips from 1987 winner Larry Mize
    Photos description
    Kevin Kisner, left, shakes hands with Larry Mize on the practice range during the first practice round at Augusta National.

 

Kevin Kisner went straight to the source for expert Masters advice Monday.

The Aiken native played a practice round with 1987 winner Larry Mize, an Au­gus­ta native. The two played the back nine alongside amateur Derek Bard.

“He was dropping all kinds of pearls on me,” Kis­ner said of the tips Mize shared. “I love playing with one of those guys that’s been around here and seen all of the conditions that we could possibly be in, and he showed me where he liked to play from and why.

“That’s really helpful for me because I’m going to get in positions that I’m uncomfortable and don’t know and to have that written in my (yardage) book will be really helpful.”

Mize, who defeated Greg Norman and Seve Balles­teros in a sudden-death playoff, said he enjoys helping first-time participants.

“You love the local connection,” he said. “This is a special week for anybody, but especially when you’re local. It makes it even more special. I’m excited about them being here.”

Kisner is making his Mas­ters debut this week, and already he has leaned on Augusta National Golf Club member Jeff Knox for advice during a few practice rounds.

One thing he learned is that the speed of the greens changes dramatically the week of the tournament.

“(Sunday) I was shocked at how much faster the greens were,” Kisner said. “Every­body can tell you that, but you’ve got to experience it yourself.”

Monday was the first time Kisner experienced playing inside the ropes at Augusta National in front of a gallery.

“It was really cool,” he said. “I’m trying to treat it like any other tour event, but it’s going to be difficult to do that.”

Kisner followed the tradition of skipping a ball on the water and onto the green at the par-3 16th, but he had mixed results.

“I hit it fat,” Kisner said with a laugh. “But they said I got the most skips, so that was good.”

It’s been nearly 30 years since Mize slipped on the green jacket, but he knows better than most the pressure local participants can expect this week. He is happy to help.

“They know most of it. They know what they’re doing,” Mize said. “Kevin has been out here for a number of years. I just throw some things out there in case it may help them a little bit, and I hope it does.”

Kisner plans to play 18 holes Tuesday, then nine holes Wednesday before teeing it up in the Par-3 Contest.

He’ll have his daughter Kate serving as a caddie, but he’s already been informed by his wife that his tee time in the fun contest coincides with her usual nap time. He plans to play with Bill Haas and Hunter Mahan.

“We all have kids the same age so that’s why we try to do it like that,” Kisner said.

Masters Record - Mize

YearPlaceScoreRoundMoney
1234
2015T80+77873  $ 10,000
201451+1674727979$ 22,680
2013T62+57376  $ 10,000
2012T65+77675  $ 10,000
2011T82+67377  $ 10,000
2010T49+47672  $ 10,000
2009T30-167767272$ 46,575
200891+147781  $ 10,000
200790+178378  $ 10,000
2006T42+875727772$ 25,900
2005T74+97875  $ 5,000
2004T58+67674  $ 5,000
2003T58+87874  $ 5,000
2002T46+47474  $ 5,000
2001T59+47474  $ 5,000
2000T25+478677374$ 37,567
199923+276707272$ 41,600
1998T58+87379  $ 5,000
1997T30+679697472$ 17,145
1996T23+375717768$ 25,000
1995T56+37671  $ 1,500
19943-668717271$ 136,000
1993T20E67747473$ 17,000
1992T6-773697168$ 43,829
1991T17-572716674$ 18,920
1990T14E70767171$ 20,650
1989T26+572776975$ 8,240
1988T45+1678717679$ 3,400
19871-370727271$ 162,000
1986T16-275747265$ 12,000
1985T47+1071757676$ 2,115
1984T11-471707172$ 13,200