Fred Couples makes decision on Masters future

Fred Couples has confirmed he will be back at Augusta National in 12 months after he almost made the cut at the 2025 Masters.

Couples upstaged Rory McIlroy on day one of the first men's major of the year by carding a 1-under 71.

The highlight of his round was undoubtedly holing out for eagle from 191 yards at the 14th hole. 

The 65-year-old battled hard on Thursday but missed out on weekend action after posting a 5-over 77. 

But this is not the last time we see the 1992 green jacket winner in action at Augusta. 

Couples told reporters in the immediate aftermath of his round that he'll be back next year.

"I'm playing next year for sure," he said. "They [Augusta] made that clear they wanted me to come back, so I'm coming back next year."

Couples said his only goal was to make the cut.

"I didn't," he said. "And I'm kind of spinning my wheels thinking why it [my round today] was so mediocre."

Even though Couples isn't saying farewell to Augusta National, another former champion is. 

Bernhard Langer attempted to become the oldest golfer to make the cut at the 2025 Masters but missed out by one shot.

The German has been playing The Masters for more than four decades and was given a tremendous standing ovation on the 18th hole. 

"It was a wonderful setting," Langer said. "Fantastic after 41 years here at Augusta as a player. 

"I look forward to many more as a non-competing past champion.

"It was lovely to see all my family there supporting me and the chairman Fred Ridley and many more friends from all over the world.

"It was really fun to play the past two days with standing ovations all over the golf course and the patrons seem to really appreciate what I've done the past four and a half decades.

"I was a global player and enjoyed that part for many, many years. 

"There's so much to be thankful for, to glorify God for the gifts and talents he's given me to play for so long and to stay healthy for so much of it."

Bryson DeChambeau is the one to watch

Couples said he'll stick around to watch the drama unfold over the weekend.

Justin Rose, Bryson DeChambeau, Rory McIlroy, Tyrrell Hatton and Scottie Scheffler are all in contention. 

But Couples believes DeChambeau will walk away the winner providing the weather stays the same. 

"The guy to watch is DeChambeau," Couples said. 

"I know [people will say] Rory, all of them. But DeChambeau, if it's not blowing, I think he's going to make 13 birdies the next two days. If it's not blowing. 

"So he can offset a few bogeys with the way he plays."

He added: "Then Rory. Look at what Rory did today. Everyone was picking on him after a couple [of] doubles [yesterday]. 

"He says, you know what, here's what I'm going to do the back nine."