Masters Preview

The annual playing of the Masters marks one of the “finest traditions” in golf. As half of the country emerges out of hibernation, there is one thing on any golfer’s mind, the spring bloom of the azaleas in Augusta, Georgia. For many sports fans, it also means that Sunday, April 11^th will perhaps be the only day out of the year where golf will take over the TV screen. For those who have yet to be covered, E! news and Oprah will have a few things to say about Tiger’s dramatic return to the game. So why not make a few predictions?

The Cinderella

Personally, I am pulling for a few people, but one in particular. I’ll give you a few hints: he is a man who better characterizes a robot; during his reign as king of golf there were few who could compete with him; finally, never had anyone fallen from grace like he had. David Duval enters the 2010 Masters through his performance in last years US Open. The former best player in the world stunned audiences with his run at last years Open. Falling to 2^nd place, his efforts reminded us of the brilliance by which he played the game in the late 90’s. Like Tiger, Duval’s demise came down to his family life; but unlike Tiger, he has nothing to be ashamed of. After inheriting a few children in marriage and having a few of his own, he realized that there was more to life. Although there were several factors that may have led to his struggles with the game, a golf-digest article explains that the mechanic of a golfer is truly a family man at heart. What a story it would be if Duval could make another run!

He Who Will be in Contention

Madison native, Steve Stricker, is off to a hot 2010 season. After 6 tournaments, Steve has placed top-10 four times, 3^rd once, and won the other. He is currently leading the fed-ex cup point race; the yearlong battle for points based on finishes. Beyond that, Stricker finished at a tie for 6^th in last years Masters. With a solid ball-striking game and a deaf-touch around and on the greens, one would think that he of all people would play well at the torturous Augusta National, famous for greens unlike any other.

This Years Champion

Tiger Woods is my pick to win this years 1^st major, and his 15^th overall (3 shy of Jack’s record). If there were ever a scenario that would define the impossible, this would be it. A perfect image destroyed, the whole world rooting against him, a marriage on the brink, and an extended layoff from competition would all seem to point the other way – not to mention Augusta National. But if there were ever a person to do it, it would be Tiger Woods (he has done it before). A US Open on one leg, a British Open after his father’s death, and a Masters victory at the age of 21 are among a few. All I know is that right now, there is one constant in Tiger’s life – golf. In getting back to the tour, Tiger will return to what is familiar, only this time with more to prove. This will be a scary couple years for those on the PGA Tour.

There is no doubt that this years Masters will be one for the ages. If Tiger is to contend, it would indeed be quite the story. Everyone talks about the moments in sports where the result transcends the game. I think it’s safe to say that this is one of those moments.