Time To Stop And Smell The Azaleas Again

I have some final thoughts before the 2018 Masters Tournament begins.
-The Augusta National Golf Club, the famous host of the Masters, has announced that it wil also host the first annual Augusta National Women's Amateur Championship in  2019.  While this move is perhaps intended to soften the club’s image concerning its less-than distinguished policy concerning women members  at the club (the first woman member was only allowed to join the club in 2012), as always the devil is in the details.  For instance the first 36 holes of the 54-hole tournament will not be played at Augusta National; rather the majority of the tournament wil be played at a neighboring club.  In addition, the tournament will end on Saturday to make way for the prestigious finals of the National Drive, Putt and Chip Competition (!) to be held the next day before Masters week starts.  The expression “lipstick on a pig” comes to mind.

-The ceremonial first drive to open the tournament, a wonderful tradition that should be repeated for every major tournament, will have a hole in its heart today.  We miss you, Arnie. 

-Speaking of golf”s greats,  how cool is it that Tom Watson won the annual Par Three Tournament at Augusta  this year.  If he had only hit a nine-iron instead of an eight at the final hole at Turnberry in 2009, his possible victory at the Open Championship at age 59 would have been perhaps the greatest victory in a championship in the history of sports, never mind just golf.

-Okay, predictions:
    -Rory McIlroy will complete his career Grand Slam with a victory by three strokes in the 2019 Masters. 
    -Tiger Woods will dominate media coverage and will flort with the leaderboard early in the tournament but will fade as his 42-year old, surgically repaired body and faulty driver fail him in the final 36 holes.
    -Two-time winner Bubba Watson will also flirt with victory and will finish second. 
    -Phil Mickelson will flirt (lots of flirting today) with surpassing Jack Nicklaus and becoming the  oldest winner of one of golf’s major championships, but like his old buddy Tiger, will fade in the end, gambling and as usual, losing, dumping his second shot in the drink at the 15th hole (named Firethorn for you Augusta National aficionados.)  

Enjoy the tournament.

Copyright R.E. Kelly 2012-2018
AMDG