Thoughts on Golf II

The Masters Tournament is currently being played at Augusta National. It began in 1934, and was not called "The Masters", it was called "The Augusta National Invitation Tournament." It didn't become "The Masters" until 1939.

Legendary golfer Bobby Jones began the tournament with Clifford Roberts.

Roberts wanted the tournament to be called "The Masters" but Jones did not want that. He felt that it was too snobby, but in 1939 he lost out to Robert's wishes.

The Masters embodies all that is good in golf. In a word, The Masters is "Tradition".

When a person wins the tourney, they are welcome back for life. There are no qualifying rounds, and only the player and his caddie are allowed in the player's area. There is even a caddy that has looped in every Masters since the 60's.

One man has won the tournament six times: Jack Nicklaus.

Jack pulled it off in 63, 65, 66, 72, 75, and 86. The next closest is Arnold Palmer with four wins and Tiger Woods with four wins.

My wife told me she hates golf. She sees no point to it, and I can understand that. Many people say that... why do you hit a little ball around 7000 yards of groomed grass and pay $50-$100 to do it? There is something so relaxing about it, and when you can see improvement in your game, it's like a drug. The first time you reach a par 5 in two, the first time you make a birdie or an eagle, the first time you make the ball spin back on the green, you're hooked. Think about it, a ball that is a little over an inch and a half in diameter is struck with an angled iron, and when it is done correctly, the ball flies as accurate as can be and lands within inches (or directly IN) from the cup.

Hmmm.... now, that may not seem like a great feat, but if you've never hit a golf ball, ask someone who plays to take you to the driving range; take aim, grip it & rip it. Where will it go?

History aside, (visit the Royal & Ancient Golf Club to learn more about the early history of the game) the bonding and friendships formed (even if it only lasts for four and half hours) are worth the cost. I have never played a round with someone and walked away thinking that the other twosome were jerks. More often than not, all four of us will sit at the bar and have a beer or two, and selectively recalling shots and putts.

Somehow, I am not worrying about every little thing when I am on the course, and the world seems right.