UP & DOWN

He's back and so is Mother Nature, but Jack is out. Here's the real Masters scorecard

UP

Tiger Woods

His win relieves the pressure--about his swing, his major drought and his quest to catch Nicklaus.

Luke Donald, David Howell

These unheralded Englishmen tied for third and finished 11th, respectively, showing that at least a few of the great young European players have grown up out of the spotlight.

6-mm Spikes

Like your average Joe Golfer, most pros have gone soft, but for the few players who still wear the metal variety, these stubbies are certain to become de rigueur.

Jack Nicklaus

A month after the death of his grandson, the Golden Bear made a graceful exit from the tournament that, thanks to his six wins there, has defined his career.

Ryan Moore

The super amateur and UNLV senior finished at one under, good enough for 13th and an automatic invite next year, when he'll be a pro--but not necessarily on the PGA Tour.

Mother Nature

Rain so disrupted and scattered play that most of the best golf--including Tiger's Sunday morning birdie binge--didn't occur during the telecast.

Senior Showcase

Nicklaus floated the idea of a mid-week event for senior past champions, letting them be part of the Masters without playing in the tournament. It deserves consideration.

The Big Three?

With Woods's victory, the trio of Tiger, Phil (left) and Vijay Singh has won in seven of 14 '05 Tour events.

 

DOWN

Chris DiMarco

Losing is never fun, but it's not all bad for DiMarco. For two straight years he's had a front-row seat for the final round at the Masters.

Sergio García

He opened with a 77 and missed the cut. If he's not careful, he may lose his shot at the best-player-never-to-have-won-a-major label.

8-mm Spikes

After Phil Mickelson got hazed for tap dancing around the greens with extralong cleats, players won't want to wear them--and they shouldn't.

Billy Casper

Even though he played only because his grandkids asked him to, the 1970 champion should've known better. A 106 with a 14 on one hole? Ouch!

Casey Wittenberg

Last year's amateur sensation--he was 13th in '04--flunked Q school and has struggled all year as a pro. He made the cut in Augusta but faded by going 74-76 on the weekend.

Tournament Committee

When the Lords of Augusta had a chance to get play back on schedule with an 8 a.m. start on Friday, they blew it by waiting until 9:45. They swear it wasn't for TV, but....

Spikegate

We'll be chewing over this thing for months, and it's already tired. Let's go to Vijay versus Phil on pay-per-view or drop it altogether.

The Other Two

Ernie Els (right) has two Euro W's and Retief Goosen four top 10s, but they have no U.S. wins.

KEY STAT

24

Number of birdies made by Tiger Woods last week, the most ever for a Masters champion.

FOUR COLOR PHOTOS

ROBERT BECK (4)

COLOR PHOTO

DAVID CANNON/GETTY IMAGES (SCOREBOARD)

COLOR PHOTO

SHAUN BEST/REUTERS (ELS)