Enough with the sentimental plug to watch The Masters, though I feel that even people who are not golf fans will find this week's action particularly captivating. The guys have already put in their practice time in preparation for the biggest test of their lives. The Par Three Contest has come and gone with weather issues today, with Paddy Harrington and Johnathan Byrd sharing top honors in the rain-shortened event. Players have brought out their kids, grandkids, and wives to bask in the sunshine that seems oh-so-different at Augusta National. I have never attended this event because of the near-impossibility in getting tickets, but I plan on going some day because of the sheer beauty of the landscape. The golf over the years has been great, but I'm sure I would probably soak in the amazing views and be the most annoying tourist on the planet if I were to attend. I'll say it again, this tournament is a tradition unlike any other.
That last paragraph may have been a little sentimental again. Wait, it definitely was. All right, now we need to get down to business and start talking about the tournament itself. The golf course sits at 7,435 yards in length and plays to a par of 72. The front nine is a good test of golf, but it is talked about far less than the back nine, where all the fireworks seem to happen every year. Players try to make some early birdies and hold their round together, but when they make the turn they know there is huge boom or bust potential when it comes to their play. The rough at Augusta National is not particularly long, but players will still have to be spot-on with their irons in order to give themselves some reasonable looks at birdie and to prevent the possibility of three-putting. Amen Corner (holes 11-13) will be the sight of some wild events, as a brutal par-4, intimidating, short par-3, and risk-reward dogleg par-5 await the players. Holes 14-18, however, are no slouches either, as players must play these holes well to have a chance at a green jacket. The 18th hole, an up-hill, dogleg right, 465-yard par-4, will be the final chance for players to capture the title of Masters champion. Players will walk over the Hogan Bridge, skillfully play shots over Rae's creek, and hear the roar of the masses as they gut it out for this prestigious title.
Looking to the field, it is easy to pick out names such as Woods, McIlroy, Westwood, Mickelson, and Donald as favorites because of their current play and history at Augusta National. Tiger is fresh off a dominating victory at Bay Hill and appears to be back to winning form. McIlroy is hungry to prove his choke last year won't happen again. Westwood wants his first major and would love it on a stage like The Masters. Mickelson is playing well and seeking his fourth jacket. Donald is #1 in the world and also needs a major to bolster his resume. These guys all have what it takes to win, but they also have flaws that could cripple them down the stretch at Augusta. With these flaws creeping in, other players certainly have the potential to steal this thing. The great thing about the game of golf right now is that there is so much talent across the board. So many guys have a realistic shot to win if they are at the tops of their games. Not to discredit what Tiger did years back, but many feel that his competition 10 years ago was significantly weaker than all the amazing talent in the game right now. Guys like Mahan, Day, Schwartzel, Rose, Poulter, McDowell, Kaymer, Scott, etc. all have the talent and drive to win this tournament. There is so much parity in the game right now that anything can happen this week.
I am obviously pulling for Tiger Woods to get it done and win a fifth green jacket, but it would not surprise me in the least bit if a player like Brandt Snedeker were to win this thing. While I am a huge Tiger fan, I am not ignorant to the fact that other guys can win this thing. Most people would be surprised if a player like Snedeker won, but I feel like those who feel that way aren't true golf fans. As a true golf fan, I have studied dozens of players, watching them week in and week out. I do not catch every shot of every round by any means, but I feel my base of knowledge gives me proper grounds to not feel shocked when a darkhouse wins a big tournament. Every year, analysts say there are about a dozen or so players that can realistically win it, but I feel that is being a bit unfair. I feel that every other year someone who is expected to win it does, but in those off years a guy like Charl Schwartzel emerges from the field the victor out of left field. Although it would be smart to bet on a favorite to take this thing home, one cannot count out guys who can get hot at the right time.
How awesome would it be to see a final pairing of Woods and McIlroy on Sunday? I can see it now: Woods and McIlroy share the lead at 11-under par coming into Sunday. The Tiger Woods supporters so desperately want to see Tiger magic in red on Sunday, while the Rory supporters and Tiger bashers stand in the other corner of the camp, hoping that McIlroy squelches Tiger's resurgence. The two players trade blows until a winner is crowned and the sun sets on the 2012 Masters.
This would make for unmatchable drama on the biggest stage of them all, The Masters at Augusta National. Again, my friends, it is a tradition unlike any other.
I have Tiger Woods to win this thing. Who are you taking in this year's Masters?
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