Fred Couples has confessed that he’s been fighting a lingering virus as he prepares to take on the Masters at Augusta National this week.
As one of the past champions competing in the season’s first golf major, Couples is a familiar face at Augusta, having claimed the coveted Green Jacket back in 1992. With an impressive record of only missing two Masters tournaments since his win, Couples is set to make his 40th start on Thursday. However, this year’s event might prove to be one of his most challenging yet, as he battles health issues that have been plaguing him for weeks.
Following his practice round on Tuesday, Couples shared his struggles with reporters, saying: “I’ve got this virus. Two weeks ago, it was in here, and then it was the other virus, and now I just got a mean cough, and I’m a little congested.
“But I’m fine… I feel okay. I’m a little sick. For almost three weeks now. But I’m getting some strength back, and I’m trying to hit it hard and where I can reach most of the holes.”
As a 65-year-old player, Couples already faces an uphill battle at Augusta due to the course’s demanding length, and his current health issues only add to the challenge. Despite advancing in years, the seasoned pro continues to fine-tune his game, competing on the PGA Champions Tour with four appearances so far this season.
The 1992 Masters winner, edging closer to 70, has been greenlit to extend his participation in the iconic tournament for the next couple of years due to his satisfactory performance.
(Image: Getty Images)
“I always thought there was some kind of an age requirement and there really isn’t, but now there’s more of a, you know, how do you play requirement,” Couples added. “So I feel good about my game. Like I said, I was at a Bridgestone outing, and on the way back, we called Steve at Augusta, and he gave me the news, and the six-hour flight home kind of went fast.
“So I can play this year and next year for sure, but I don’t want to come here as some clown just trying to play golf. I got one more day to keep swinging hard, and I love the course, as we all know, and I think the course is playing very good. The greens are a little — we all agreed the greens were a little slower than normal.
“Hate saying that, but I’m sure they’re going to speed them up. But they’re firm. After all the rain, they know how to get rid of water.”
Couples was reminiscing after a practice round alongside Justin Thomas, Adam Scott, and Brooks Koepka. He recently turned heads in the golfing world after revealing he had spoken to Koepka, who had indicated his desire to return to the PGA Tour after being with LIV Golf since 2022.
Speaking last week, Koepka disclosed to The Times that there were some PGA Tour events he would like to participate in again, but he is currently unable to do so due to the ongoing division within the sport.
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
