The Masters
Well like everyone else I am not surprised to see Tiger on the first page of the leaderboard at Augusta National. I have heard many comments from people who are amazed at what he has done so far in the tournament. One reporter said Tiger had no clue what to expect from his play this week. Obviously this reporter has never competed and prepared for competition himself or he would have not made such a comment. I can guarantee you Tiger fully expected to play well and contend, if not win, another green jacket this week. Most people have no idea how good the PGA Tour players are. I have played with many PGA Tour winners and believe me they are better than you think. Most important is they know their game and how to ‘peak’ at the right time. Notice how the game’s top players all seem to contend year after year in the Majors..coincidence? No it is because they have prepared correctly and understand their formula for peaking at the right time.
Other than Tiger I love to see my childhood idol Tom Watson contending going into the weekend. He is 60 years old, which means nothing to his golf clubs, and can still bring the heat to those young guns. If he played regularly on the PGA Tour he would win annually. You want a role model for kids? Well, Tom (aka Huckleberry Finn) is the person for you. I had the good fortune of meeting him a few years back and had a nice conversation with him. He is a true gentleman and one of the greatest players to ever play the game.
Fred Couples also stunned many when he was leading after the first round. He actually was my pick ! No surprise to me..all he has done is win his last three events on the Champions Tour and is still a strong competitor on the PGA Tour. He may not win, but look for Freddie to have a competitive weekend. Actually, I will go on record right here by saying he will be a captain’s pick for the Ryder Cup team, if he doesn’t make the team on points.
Who will win? You have two non Major winners at the top, but at this level that too means very little. I like Westwood to wear his first green jacket on Sunday. If not him, Tiger. My sentimental and wishful thinking pick would be Tom Watson.
Enjoy the tournament it will be a magical weekend for golf.
I would love to see Tom Watson win the Masters. I am with Rick, Tom Watson is one of the greatest players of all time. Like most of us as we get older he has lost a little touch with his putter but he is another great wind player. He has done well in The Open because he has the discipline to play in adverse conditions. At 60 years old, he is an inspiration but what I like most is his respect for traditional values of golf competition and the courage he has to call Tiger out for his unsportman like behavior and ask him to stop the profane outbursts and tantums that unfortunately are mimiced by our so many young players. My Uncle Malcolm called me out when I was a teenager for swearing and club throwing. He told me,”Boy, you’re not good enough to throw a fit like that!” I am thankful for that painful dressing down and try to remember that I can only throw a fit when I am good enough. Probably won’t be too soon. Go Tom. Go Freddy!
Very good take Paul ! It does look like a two man shot out today between Westwood and Phil..maybe Tiger will join as well.