Masters In the Know
4/11-ESPN: The Daily Quickie
"Two Words For You: TRUE. MASTERY.
Take that, doubters!
This was Tiger's finest Major title. Some marvel when he has made it look easy; appreciate this one even more because it wasn't.
During Tiger's Major drought, some might have forgotten what a uniquely must-see event he transforms golf into on a Sunday.
No other sport has an athlete who is single-handedly as much of a spectacle as Tiger is for golf.
But where I once thought that all golf needed was Tiger alone to succeed with mainstream fans; now I realize that he needs a foil.
But it doesn't have to be Phil or Vijay or Ernie. Just someone who won't fold in his presence -- someone to force him to make his biggest shots.
Like that birdie chip on 16, which was the most dramatic golf shot I've ever seen, given who shot it, when it happened...
...And HOW: Pausing on the lip for what felt like an hour, then dropping in.
Which reaction shot was best: Tiger's? DiMarco's?
How about those two fans on the left side of the wide TV shot, who jumped each other in celebration like two teens in a backseat?
Another big lesson: In case you'd forgotten (and so many had), it's Tiger's world, and we're only in the gallery."
The average winning score for the Masters is 8-under par. 11 Masters champions first played in the Tournament as amateurs. Amen Corner is comprised of hole Nos. 11, 12 and 13. Since 1942, the par 3, 12th hole is the second hardest hole averaging 3.3 strokes. There have been 12 playoffs in Masters history, six sudden death, five 18-hole and one 36-hole. Arnold Palmer, Sandy Lyle, Mark O'Meara and Phil Mickelson birdied their final hole to win the Masters. Players from 35 countries have been represented at the Masters. In 1959, Art Wall birdied five of his last six holes the final round to earn the Green Jacket. There were 37 eagles recorded during the 1991 Tournament. Byron Nelson made up six strokes on Ralph Guldahl over two holes the final day to win the 1937 Masters by two strokes. The first Tournament sold out prior to its start was in 1966. The first and second nines were reversed after the inaugural Tournament. Greg Norman and Nick Price share the course record of 63. There are over 30 varieties of azaleas on the grounds. Mark O'Meara led outright only the 72nd hole of the 1998 Masters. Fred Couples has the longest active cut streak at the Masters with 20 straight. The top 16 Masters finishers from this year return in 2006. Each hole at Augusta National is named after a plant or tree. Ben Hogan began the Masters Club dinner (Champions dinner) during the 1952 Tournament. The Masters was first held in 1934, and suspended during the war years 1943-45. Typically, a multiple winner of the Masters will receive only one Green Jacket unless his size drastically changes. Six players have won two Par 3 Contests. The date of next year's Tournament is April 3-9, 2006. In 1996, Nick Faldo started the final round six strokes behind leader Greg Norman, but won the Tournament by five. In 1942, Byron Nelson shot five under par the final 13 holes to defeat Ben Hogan 69-70 in a playoff. Due to W.W.II, the Tournament was not played again until 1946. The state with most Masters titles is Texas with 12. No amateur has won the Masters, but three have finished second. Only three players, Jack Nicklaus (1965-66), Nick Faldo (1989-90) and Tiger Woods (2001-02) have successfully defended their Masters crown. Jack Nicklaus has finished in the top 3 at the Masters 12 times. The best final round score by a winner was 64 by Gary Player in 1978. Nick Price had 10 birdies in one round in 1986. 14 percent of first round leaders win the Masters. Jack Burke rallied from eight strokes back the final day to win the 1956 Masters. The first Par 3 Contest was held in 1960 and won by Sam Snead. No. 14 is the only hole on the course without a bunker. From 1958-1966, golf's "Big Three," Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, won eight of nine Masters. The lowest winning score at the par 27 Par 3 course is 20. The record is shared by Art Wall (1965) and Gay Brewer (1973). Steve Pate holds the Masters record for consecutive birdies with seven. The Tournament's first sudden death playoff was held in 1979. Since 1942, the par 3, 12th hole is the second hardest hole averaging 3.3 strokes. The highest score to win the Masters was 289 (Sam Snead, 1954 and Jack Burke, 1956). The yardage on the Par 3 course is 1,060. The longest hole is No. 6 at 140 yards. The Tournament's original name was the Augusta National Invitation Tournament. The name changed for the 1939 Masters. There have been five Chairmen at Augusta National: Cliff Roberts, Bill Lane, Hord Hardin, Jack Stephens and Hootie Johnson. It was 23 years between Jack Nicklaus's first victory in 1963 to his sixth in 1986. There are 61 Magnolia trees lining Magnolia Lane. There have been three double eagles at the Masters. Hole No. 13 is called the Azalea hole. 38 times the 54-hole leader has won. Bob Jones and Alister MacKenzie designed Augusta National Golf Club. Augusta National was the former site of the Fruitland Nurseries. The Clubhouse was constructed in 1854 by the owner of the then indigo plantation, Dennis Redmond.
"Two Words For You: TRUE. MASTERY.
Take that, doubters!
This was Tiger's finest Major title. Some marvel when he has made it look easy; appreciate this one even more because it wasn't.
During Tiger's Major drought, some might have forgotten what a uniquely must-see event he transforms golf into on a Sunday.
No other sport has an athlete who is single-handedly as much of a spectacle as Tiger is for golf.
But where I once thought that all golf needed was Tiger alone to succeed with mainstream fans; now I realize that he needs a foil.
But it doesn't have to be Phil or Vijay or Ernie. Just someone who won't fold in his presence -- someone to force him to make his biggest shots.
Like that birdie chip on 16, which was the most dramatic golf shot I've ever seen, given who shot it, when it happened...
...And HOW: Pausing on the lip for what felt like an hour, then dropping in.
Which reaction shot was best: Tiger's? DiMarco's?
How about those two fans on the left side of the wide TV shot, who jumped each other in celebration like two teens in a backseat?
Another big lesson: In case you'd forgotten (and so many had), it's Tiger's world, and we're only in the gallery."
posted by hechess at 6.4.05
