Worlds Greatest Sporting Event

This morning, the first round of the greatest golf tournament in the world got underway in Augusta, Ga. Arnold Palmer hit the honorary first drive of the 72nd Masters this morning to officially start the tournament. The Masters is one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world and tickets (or badges) for the tournament are harder to get than Super bowl tickets. I love Masters week and everything is brings with it! It is more than just the first major of the PGA season; it also marks the start of spring, which is evident with all of the beautiful azaleas that line the Augusta National course.

This tournament is extremely rich in history and tradition and very few things have changed since the first few times the tournament was played back in the 30’s. The actual tournament is unique for several different reasons; it is the only major tournament that is held on the same course every year, the players have to qualify to play in the tournament through a variety of ways, there are amateurs in the field playing along side the pros, all past champions are welcomed back and can play in the tournament every year they are able, the course is extremely tough and the greens are the fastest on tour, the limited amount of sponsors and commercials during the telecast, and of course, the prize they are playing for is a green jacket! All of these things make the Masters special and different from other tournaments. But there is another thing that makes the Masters so special and unique, this is the only golf tournament that I know of that non-golf fans will watch. My wife hates golf, but looks forward to watching the final two rounds every year. The same goes for a lot of family and friends that I know. There is always a lot of drama and great golf, which makes for great TV.

In order to win the Masters, you have to be on your game, you have to hit solid shots and play four smart rounds of golf. Of course, Tiger Woods is favored to win his 5th Green Jacket and I sure wouldn’t bet against him. But the field is full of golfers that are more than capable of beating Tiger. I think players like Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, K.J Choi, Justin Rose, Jim Furyk, and last year’s winner; Zach Johnson will give Tiger a good battle. It is going to be exciting to watch things unfold. I would watch every second of TV coverage if I could! I know I will be watching as much as possible this weekend!

“The Masters, a tradition like no other!”

Enjoy!