Fred Couples returns from injury to play his second favourite event

Seattle native Fred Couples hasn’t played competitive golf since enduring two painful rounds at The Masters in early April. His back was in such bad shape during those rounds at Augusta National that he was hesitant to hit shots with his irons, fearing the intense pain that came with mishits.

Despite his back issues, Couples competed in The Masters due to the deep significance the tournament holds for him. He won the event in 1992, set a then-record with 23 consecutive cuts, and became the oldest player to make the cut at age 63 in 2023.

While The Masters is the tournament he cherishes the most, the Boeing Classic, held in front of his hometown fans, is a close second. “It probably should be No. 1,” Couples said Thursday. “I love the course; it’s just so fun to play, and enough friends come.” In reality, it’s more than just a few friends and fans, which is why Couples is competing this week, even after going four months without picking up a club.

“I joked that I didn’t even know where they were,” Couples quipped. When he finally found his clubs, he discovered that his sand wedge was rusted—a reminder of the wet conditions during his final round at Augusta.

With the Boeing Classic in mind, Couples began practicing every other day in his Newport, California basement. After a few practice sessions, he played with friends in Newport on Saturday and felt that his swing was solid. Encouraged, he flew to Seattle, where he played rounds at Useless Bay Golf and Country Club on Whidbey Island on Monday and at Broadmoor Golf Club in Seattle on Wednesday.

Couples participated in the pro-am round at The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge on Thursday, preparing for what he hopes will be three strong rounds over the weekend.