Augusta National, Augusta Georgia
Photo from Google Images
In a world where so much has changed in the last few years, there’s a comfort when you hear “Georgia”. No matter who sings or what instruments are being played, one word simply gives you all the feels. You know after hearing that one word, it’s Spring. You know the first full week of April means it’s time the greatest golf tournament of all time; The Masters.
This year’s rendition of Georgia On My Mind is by, Lady A’s Charles Kelley:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=TgG6YBdPpvU
The Azaleas are in full bloom and the prestige of Augusta National runs deep in traditions and rich in colors from the moment you enter Magnolia Lane. The patrons are back and a Pimento cheese sandwich is still $1.50. But at the present time, the biggest comeback will be seeing Tiger Woods tee off at 10:34AM on Thursday. Tiger Woods is proof that some cats have nine lives.
“As of right now I feel like I’m going to play.” -Tiger
The Photos Of Tiger Woods Playing A Monday Practice Round At Augusta National Are Certifiable Golf Pornography https://t.co/gjlKrd4K7P pic.twitter.com/5Ns2h54z6z
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) April 5, 2022
Tiger draws a crowd whenever he steps in the tee-box. No other players attract this crowd for a practice round. It doesn’t matter how you feel about Tiger Woods. The simple fact is that the game of golf needs Tiger Woods more than Tiger Woods needs the game of golf. Neal Pilson, the former president of CBS Sports, once estimated that Woods contributed to a 30 to 35 percent ratings increase when he played. However, fourteen months ago, we didn’t know if we would ever see Tiger play again.
The Wreck
On February 23, 2021, Tiger was involved in a serious rollover car accident in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. While the car was destroyed, it was a miracle that Tiger survived with multiple leg injuries (broken bones) and had surgery for non-life-threatening injuries. Tiger remained in the hospital until March 16th.
On May 27th 2021 Tiger talking about his physical therapy said “I do my routines every day and am focused on my No. 1 goal right now: walking on my own. Taking it one step at a time.”
October 9th 2021 a photo of Tiger was posted showing him standing on the driving range without crutches and wearing a black compression sleeve on his right leg. He was watching his son, Charlie, hit balls.
November 21st 2021 Tiger posted a video hitting balls with the caption “making progress”.
December 18th 2021 Tiger played in the PNC Championship at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, Florida. He and Charlie, finished in second place.
March 9th 2022 Tiger was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. His daughter Sam said in his introduction speech. “About a year ago you were stuck in a hospital bed at one of your ultimate lows and one of the scariest moments of your life and ours. We didn’t know if you’d come home with two legs or not. Now, not only are you about to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, but you’re standing here on your own two feet.”
April 3rd 2022 Tiger files to Augusta to get in more practice rounds and the world of golf almost broke the internet.
Get Ready to Roar
Tiger isn’t just showing up to Augusta National. He’s playing to win. Tiger has made the cut for 22 of 23 Masters tournaments. That’s a 96% rate of making the cut and the highest percentage since 1957 (when cuts were first implemented). The last time Tiger played in front of a crowd was his comeback win over Milinari at the 2019 Masters. That was Tiger’s 5th Master’s victory and 15th Major win. (Jack Nicklaus holds the record with 18 Major Championships.)
As a result of Tiger playing, StubHub has seen an 21% increase in ticket prices for this weekend from 2019, all from the addition of Tiger Woods. Regardless of how he plays, the galleries will erupt louder than ever for Tiger.
Go DJ
I’m always team Dustin Johnson. DJ finished 4th at the World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play on March 27th. He feels good with how he is playing right now and DJ loves Augusta National and the sandwiches. The 2020 Masters champion said now that he’ has earned a green jacket, he doesn’t put as much pressure on himself as he did before. But he still wants to win, DJ said “I still want to do well. Next goal is to get another one.”
The Masters begins on Thursday at 7:40am. Golf royalty will continue the Honorary Starter tradition with Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson. If you see a ray of sunshine, that’s Arnold Palmer saying hello to his friends from above.
I said Georgia
Georgia
A song of you
Just an old sweet song and a tradition unlike any other.
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