Well, we can finally kick off the golf season. Isn’t that what most people say about Master’s week? This week, there are so many thoughts in my head, I figure it’s best to get them on paper and see what you think…
Is Tiger a for sure?
If there was ever a tournament that truly plants itself in one person’s pocket, it’s The Masters and Tiger Woods. Even Jack Nicklaus said that at the end of it Tiger would have more Green Jackets than he and Arnie combined. On the other side, in Woods’ first 6 seasons, he was 50%. In the last 5 years he is 20%, winning in only 2005. Even with that in mind, every person alive has given Tiger his 5th Green jacket… me included.
Tiger seems more focused that ever on his trip to his 19th major victory. Earlier this year the world’s number 1 spoke about his chances of winning the Grand Slam. We’re talking Tiger Woods, the guy who keeps most of his thoughts to himself. What does that tell you?
There is only one person that keeps Tiger from winning: Mother Nature. At the moment she seems pretty calm. Weather forecast is good other than Friday afternoon. Hopefully Tiger will get an afternoon/ morning set.
The Grand Slam
Let’s get this straight once and for all. Four in a row is four in a row. Where is it written that the Grand Slam has to be in one year? Is a player is good enough to win The Masters, US Open, Open Championship and PGA consecutively, they have won the Grand Slam? Every time I hear the words “Tiger Slam” I get that little throw-up taste in my mouth.
Winning Score
2007 saw Zach Johnson win with the highest score ever. It was the third time a number 289 won the event. Will it happen in 2008? I hope not. Mr. Mackenzie was rolling over in his grave and still is. The game has changed; the equipment has changed; the agronomy has changed. But the one thing that always stayed the same, the one thing we could always count on, was this: aggressive players at the Augusta National. There was no rough; there were more short irons than long ones and yes, guys went for the par 5’s in 2. And life was good.
Then someone said, let’s change the course and the winner will be someone who plays every par 5 in 3 shots. There was not a roar to hear last year… how silly.
Hopefully someone has realized the mistake. Please give me back the pine straw on number 13… please give me back the rush of watching players trying to go low on the back side. If they do, then 11 under wins the event; if not, 4 under wins.
Who is the best player to not win a major?
For so many years, the leader of this category was a player in his 30’s. No question it was Phil. There has been a dynamic change in the category since Mickelson won and Monty got old. The category has become much younger. For the past few years, the name Sergio seemed at the top, but as most realized that his putting woes might keep him from ever winning, Adam Scott (another under 30) seems atop the list.
The crazy thing about the discussion is that I’m not sure there is anyone on this list, at least at the moment. Before someone can be considered the “best player never to win a major,” I think they have to have played in a minimum of 24 majors.
Speaking of Monty
Last week, Colin Montgomerie attacked the Masters elite about giving 3 Asian players Special Exemptions into the event. Colin said, "It's a strange way to make up a field for a major championship - TV rights. They are quite open about why, just as they were when I missed out last time in 2005, when they picked Shingo Katayama, who was then 67th in the world. I was 51st at the time. They picked him over me for the Japanese TV rights.”
As usual, Monty took plenty of grief from the American media about his comments. Monty loves to be hated. The problem is that Monty was right. Television should not be the reason to give special exemptions. Want to give one this year? Give it to Davis Love III. 70 straight Majors over 17 years and injury causes him to end the streak. The Tour allows for medical exceptions, why not Augusta?
So who is the Dark Horse?
Since last November, I have said that all the Majors in 2008 would be won by previous major winners. That leaves me little room for a dark horse. So I choose Angel Cabrerra.
Now, just in case I’m wrong, I pick Paul Casey. Casey is one of the few young guys that has not spat all over himself in the final round of a major.
One final thought…
When will we recognize Lorena Ochoa’s greatness? Oh yeah, one other: Mr. Howland, have you heard of the zone defense?
