The Masters

"The stache" returns with some back-to-back blogs for the first time in awhile. Track workout today has me feeling a little frisky.

You know spring has arrived with you hear the music and see the grounds of the Masters. A tradition like no other. So there we have it, today's "word of the day" is the Masters. If I said that word to just anybody they would know what I was talking about. Everything just feels right in the world when you get to see one of the most beautiful places in the world on your TV screen. The Green Jacket, given to the winner is just a part of the history of this wonderful place. I hope to one day be able to witness this tournament on those hallowed grounds. A place that is so rich and lush with history. I would not even know where to begin. I guess I could start with Bobby Jones, an amateur who was one of the co-founders of this tournament. Originally called the Augusta National Invitation, it debuted in 1934 with Jones coming out of retirement to play. Jones is the only man to this day to have won all four majors in a single calendar year. The Grand Slam is what it is referred as. Quite a feat. By 1938 the tournament came to be known as The Masters and the name as stuck ever since. It is such a prestigious tournament and golf course to be a part of. Only members of the Augusta National Club and certain selected individuals are allowed to play the course.

It can be one of the most challenging courses, especially when the temperatures are up and the winds are howling. The greens become fast and the ball starts doing funny things. The pine trees that line many narrow fairways throughout the course to help to add to the difficulty of the course. You have Amen Corner on holes 11-13 that have given and still give many golfers fits.

My first memories of really watching golf, start at this tournament. In 1997 when a young Tiger Woods completely obliterated the field and laid his claim to the become the best golfer in the world. A global icon who is now one of the most famous athletes in all of the world. He is the reason so many people have been turned on to golf recently. He is a special player who has helped to elevate the game of golf to levels that are unprecedented. Assuming his body holds up he will capture the most majors won all-time. He currently sits at 14, 4 away from Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 major tournaments won. He is a larger than life figure. I remember Phil Mickelson's first Masters victory back in 2004. His first major victory that lifted a huge monkey off his back for all the times he had "choked" in previous major tournaments. He has since gone on to win two other majors, a Masters win in 2006 and the PGA Championship in 2005. I remember the joy that was evident in him as he sunk a putt in on the 18th hole to win in 04. He jumped like 2 inches off the ground but the image will always be ingrained in my head. The azaleas in bloom, the Green Jacket, the excitement of the gallery, and the major season is underway. You know spring is here and that summer is not too far away when you see the Masters. The music the networks use is so peaceful and it never gets old, at least not to me. This is one of "the staches" favorite sporting events and one that he wishes he could attend. A tradition like no other.

Thank you Verne Lundquist, Jim Nantz and others for making me feel like I am there with you at The Masters.

Mb