The Masters is less than a week away! The golfing fanatics can feel the slow and steady increase of The Masters’ Hype. The media will find every possible story relating to the first Major akin to water rolling across at table top. Nothing will be left pristine and regardless of its importance, it will be reported. Is this a good thing? Well it is not for me to decide, but I do hope that they media focus is on substantial issues and not fluff pieces designed to fill holes in the paper. Continue reading
honorary starters
The First Drama Story of the 2017 Masters
Oh my! Dustin Johnson fell down stairs yesterday and hurt his back! I mean really; on the eve of The Masters! Man does that change the odds at Augusta. I feel for Johnson because this is the most inopportune time for fate to raise its ugly head. Continue reading
The 2016 Masters – Day 1
What did I learn today about golf from watching Day 1 of The Masters? It sometimes is very difficult to see if there was any benefit or lessons learned from watching the Masters. But, this year I believe that watching the roller coaster ride of some of the players I have a couple of take aways from Day 1.
I am not sure if you watched all of today’s round, but I did not. I was at work, so I caught snippets from time to time, reviewed the usual sites when I came home and that was enough to make a few observations. Not surprisingly, there really was nothing unusual that will shock anyone….or was there! Continue reading
The Masters – Let the Games Begin
The waiting is over! The Masters starts today! After much anticipation the honorary starters will tee things off at 8:05 am. Calling Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player (we will miss Arnold Palmer this year) to the hit the ceremonial first balls of the tournament is the beginning of “a tradition unlike any other”.
Following these golfing greats will be Jim Herman, winner of the Shell Houston Open last weekend, and Steven Bowditch. I cannot image the pressure and excitement these two will feel following Nicklaus and Player at The Masters. I would be shaking like a leaf and hoping I made contact with the ball! Continue reading
The Masters – Day 1
The first round of the 2015 Masters is in the books. The stellar play by Jordan Spieth (-8), Ernie Els, Charley Hoffman, Jason Day and Justin Rose (all -5) have them leading the field. Except for Jordan Spieth and Jason Day, the rest of the names in the top 10 were not on most pundits’ radar! But, it is still the first day.
The Masters is a game of endurance, it is not a sprint. As the next three days unfold, many aspects of the leader’s game will be tested. Most of all, their ability to handle the pressure of leading the Masters.
The first day of the Masters is always exciting where the anticipation for fantastic golf changes to reality for golfing fanatics. However, for me, there is always one aspect of the Masters I look forward to seeing each year. The honorary starters hitting the first ball. This year, like others in the past, Arnold Palmer , 85, Gary Player, 79, and Jack Nicklaus, 75, thrilled the crowds with three awesome shots.
When I look at these great players, I cannot help but remember all the fantastic memories they have created. They transcend time as I see them bend over (more of a feat than we would think given their age), line up, and launch their drives down the first fairway. These three giants are worthy of our respect and admiration for making golf the game it is today. Their stats are simply amazing. Here is a quick snapshot of how great these players really are:
| Honorary Starters of the 2015 Masters | |||
| Arnold Palmer | Gary Player | Jack Nicklaus | |
| Masters Played | 50 | 52 | 45 |
| Masters Won | 4 | 3 | 6 |
| Masters Top 10 | 9 | 8 | 15 |
| Total Majors | 7 | 10 | 14 |
| Professional Wins Worldwide | 95 | 178 | 116 |
The stories these golfing legends could tell would be mind-boggling. Each time they tee it up at the Masters, I take a trip down memory lane. The championships they have won and lost; the spectacular shots over the years; and the grace and gentlemanly fashion in which they carried themselves is a lesson for us all. Watching the honorary starters is a tradition I love about the Masters and if you missed it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8C0_3mjv2Wk
Tomorrow is another day. The pressure will continue to build. I am looking forward to seeing if the current leaders have the game (both mentally and physically) to extend their lead. Right now, many players are working towards the privilege of playing on the weekend; I still think Rory McIlroy will win and he will start making his move tomorrow. Who are your movers and shakers for tomorrow?
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 