The Master gets his Grand Slam
Golf’s Greatest Moment?
It might sound hyperbolic, but did we just witness the greatest moment in golf? A lovable child prodigy takes the world by storm, battles a disruptor tour single handedly, leads Europe to Ryder Cup victories, but can’t get the Major monkey off his back. Eventually he slays the dragon, righting 11 years of near misses. This story has it all.
The Potential Paradox
Rose receives nothing but praise for being in the mix. McIlroy is slaughtered if he doesn’t win. This week, Justin played on the upper end of his capabilities whilst Rory seemed to stumble his way to victory. Playing well and falling short is easy for us to understand. Playing at a fraction of your capacity and being on the cusp of losing is hard for us to stomach (but deliciously engaging).
Bernhard Bows Out
The 67 year old, 2 time Masters Champion hit his opening tee shot on Friday 234 yards. 5 hours later he needed to make par on the 18th to book his weekend tee time. It wasn’t to be, but a near 70 year old veteran leaving the youth of the PGA Tour in his dust with tactical prowess and wisdom adds a magical element to the tapestry of golf.
Pinehurst Playoff Repeat
10 months on from one of the most dramatic moments in recent golf history, the McIlroy Dechambeau dual returned to centre stage, with a very different result. The golfing world slots itself into one of the two camps, but only as a double act do they make the most compelling TV.
Made Cut Max
One of golf’s most beloved characters showed glimmers of a return to form this week with a T-12 finish. Homa had made just 2 cuts in his last 7 events and had clearly been struggling with his game. Has Augusta sparked a resurgence for Max?
Mud Ball Drama
During a press conference Jordan Spieth discussed the mud balls that ‘affect this tournament significantly’ adding that ‘we’re not supposed to talk about them here’. It unearths an interesting point. In a bid to uphold the delicate and magical Masters brand, what else is kept under wraps?
Resilient Rose
At 44 years old, the question lingering in the pub was ‘does he have the legs to win this?’. 10 birdies on Sunday at Augusta answered that emphatically. But even the epitome of the consummate professional isn’t immune to heartbreak. Twice he has lost in a playoff at Augusta, how many more bites at the Georgian peach does Justin have left?
The Grandest of Slams
Rory’s superhuman capabilities make him in some ways, one of golf’s underachievers, but clinching the Green Jacket marks a long overdue and indisputable milestone for him and the game of golf. For a long time it has felt like he should be considered alongside the greats with no room for debate. Now, finally, he is.