Fred Couples joins Scottie Scheffler in the field for The Masters this week, with both players having won the famous tournament.
Couples claimed his only major championship win at The Masters in 1992, when he edged out 1976 champion Raymond Floyd by two shots.
Scheffler has already surpassed that total, earning himself the green jacket by triumphing at Augusta National in both 2022 and 2024.
But he does fall well short of his fellow American when it comes to starts at the iconic major championship, with Scheffler set for his seventh appearance.
Ahead of his 41st appearance in Georgia, Couples has been comparing his ability to the four-time major champion.
Fred Couples suggests Scottie Scheffler was a better college golfer than him
Before getting his tournament underway, Couples was asked for the favorite part of his collegiate golfing career.
He replied: “I roomed with Jim Nantz and Blaine McCallister who won five times, and we had a very old coach who before we played a lot of tournaments I’d have to go get a haircut and if I didn’t go, I wouldn’t be able to play.
“People ask me why I went there. My mom is the one who loved Coach Williams. So that’s why I went to Houston. There’s no other reason. Jim Nantz and I have been lifelong friends.
“He’s got his guy, Freezer here with him, and he’s losing all of his women’s basketball team. Can we say that? That I found out. So he’s going to send me a text and tell me why.
“But Jim Nantz, to go to college with him was amazing. But school, the golf was incredible. It’s way different now. These guys, they’re so much better.
“I was a really good player and as it turns out, I’ve had an unbelievable career. But they’re way better than we were.
“I know Jack Nicklaus is the best and Tiger Woods, but Scottie Scheffler and all the other guys and the college kids, they’re really, really talented. And for me it’s fun to see.”
What is Fred Couples’ history at The Masters?
It is, of course, very difficult to compare generations, with so many different variables playing a part, such as technology.
But there is no doubting Couples’ talent and indeed the legacy he has left on the golfing world for players such as Scheffler.
Now 66 years old, he has big plans for another impressive run at Augusta National, where he has been paired with Min Woo Lee and amateur Fifa Laopakdee for rounds one and two.
The iconic figure missed the cut at The Masters last year, but joined an exclusive group by becoming the 15th player to make at least 40 starts.
Moreover, he became the oldest player to make the cut at the tournament in 2023, doing so aged 63 years, six months and five days.
Couples has made 31 cuts from his 40 starts, with 58 rounds under par and a low round of 66, and a scoring average of 72.43.
The golfing legend made his first start at The Masters all the way back in 1983, and boasts $2,890,600 in prize money thanks to his efforts.
Read more:
Scottie Scheffler claimed to have advantage at Augusta National this year by Johnson Wagner
How Scottie Scheffler really feels about his game ahead of The Masters compared to previous years
Scottie Scheffler backed to contend at The Masters this week thanks to his ‘most underrated skill’
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