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Fred Couples is sick at the Hoag Classic, but he's swinging harder than ever. How come?

In preparation for his upcoming trip to Augusta National, sweet-swinging Fred Couples has been adding a little mojo to his drives, and has even traveled for a few training sessions. But a recent journey didn't help put the 1982 Masters champ in a good place just before his appearance at the PGA Tour Champions' Hoag Classic.

"I went to the desert to practice," he said, "and I got sick, really sick. You know, I kept putting this coat on because I'm actually sweating."

And while that might slow some players, the illness didn't seem to bother the 14-time Champions winner, who fired a 67 during the opening round at Newport Beach Country Club, leaving him just three shots off the lead.