Masters champion Fuzzy Zoeller doubles down on criticism of Adam Scott putting technique

Adam Scott heard the murmurs during his impressive three-under first round at Augusta National, and now a former Masters champion has again attacked the Australian.

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 11: Adam Scott of Australia walks on the second hole during the first round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2019 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

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Masters champion Fuzzy Zoeller has doubled down on his objection to the contentious new rule advantaging Aussie Adam Scott.

Zoeller this week declared that putting with the flagstick in the hole at Augusta National was a “sacrilegious” act.

“I wonder sometimes what the R&A and USGA are doing,” Zoeller told News Corp.

“It’s like dropping the ball from your knees, well hell I can’t even get to my knees, I guess I’ll get a penalty every time I drop one.

Adam Scott has again been criticised for putting with the flagstick in. Picture: AFP

“Does it look right? No. I’m a traditionalist. I don’t think we should putt with the flagstick in.

“Now for the average golfer that’s fine but for the professionals, no.

“It’s like a guy wearing a black shoe and a white shoe, even though they’re comfortable something’s just not right.”

Scott putts during his first round on Thursday. Picture: AP

Scott stuck to his guns and used the flagstick method on all 18 holes during his opening round.

“I got some disapproving murmurs on the 1st when I had like a one and a half footer and I put the flagstick back in,” Scott said.

“But until something doesn’t work I’m going to keep leaving it in.”

Zoeller, who won the Masters in 1979, floated the concept of a smaller hole to combat concerns over golf equipment and power-hitters.

“I was always told the room is only so big, so get the furniture (the flagstick) out of there and make the hole look a lot bigger, but they’re trying to make it smaller,” he said.

“Which might not be a bad idea to make the hole smaller. Something different, I mean they keep making everything else bigger — like bigger drivers.”

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Fuzzy Zoeller won the Masters in 1979 — and isn’t short of an opinion. Picture: Getty

Zoeller said Augusta was now the domain of the power-hitters.

“I played Sunday and it’s long. It’s a young man’s golf course, somebody who hits it a long way and hits it high has got a definite advantage this week,” he said.

“Here, missing it in the right spot is the key.”

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It’s the sort of luck you need to win majors.

Brooks Koepka’s monstered wayward drive at 15 in his opening round clamoured deep into trees and bounced back into the middle of the fairway. He finished with birdie - his fifth in six holes.

“Hit it right off the tee and got lucky,” Koepka said.

Brooks Koepka admits he got a little lucky in a sparkling six-under par 66. Picture: Getty

TIGER CARRIES CONFIDENCE INTO SECOND ROUND

Tiger Woods has been here before.

“I’ve shot this number and won four coats,” a confident Woods said of his opening-round two-under par 70.

“Hopefully I can do it again.”

Playing in his 22nd US Masters, Woods declared: “My body’s good and my game’s good. It’s sharp … it’s a matter of missing the golf ball in the correct spots and (knowing) when to be aggressive.”

Originally published as Masters champion Fuzzy Zoeller doubles down on criticism of Adam Scott putting technique