Photo from Google images
Ah, the greatest golf tournament is back. There isn’t a course more beautiful than Augusta National. The course is perfectly manicured and a nightmare for anyone with allergies. But the views are worth all the Benadryl and tissues you can buy.
The Masters: A tradition unlike any other. I love that the Masters is the only major tournament that is played at Augusta National Golf Club every year. (All other majors change courses every year.) I once heard someone say that all golf courses look the same. Yes, they all are mostly green, but there is no course that looks as perfect and is as rich with color and life as Augusta National.
The Masters tournament was established by amateur golfer; Bobby Jones. Jones started the Masters tradition of honoring amateur golf. A newcomer to watch is Bryson DeChambeau. The 22-year old physics major is known for his unconventional swing with a single-plain motion and his signature Ben Hogan cap. DeChambeau became the 5th player to win the NCAA individual title and the US armature title the same year. This earned him an invitation to the 2016 Masters.
The field of talent is so good there is no clear favorite to watch. The field is just too good and too deep with talent. Tiger Woods announced that he will not be playing in this years Masters tournament due to not being “physically ready”. Tiger has never been the Tiger he once was, but I’m a big believer that Tiger made other golfers better and elevated the game to the level of talent and competition we have witnessed the past few years.
My personal favorite is Dustin Johnson! (Go, DJ!) He’s due for a major win.
This Masters, golf’s most beloved player, Arnold Palmer will be unable to hit the opening ceremonial tee shot on Thursday. He is recovering from shoulder surgery. Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player will still take the first tee shot early on Thursday and begin the year’s first major.
Watching Arnie, the King, take the first tee shot has always been one of my favorite traditions of the Masters. Fans and current PGA tour players pack the ropes early to watch the tradition with some of the most respected golfers in history.
Gary Player said “I look at Arnold and (I) had a great friendship with him. I love him as a friend and am going to dedicate my shot to Arnold.” I sure hope that the 86 year-old will be healthy enough to participate in next years 81st opening ceremonies.
Arnie still plans to attend the Masters and the Champions Dinner.