MASTERS EXCITEMENT
April 30 2009 | Comments off
It has been over a week since the excitement of the Masters. Both Fuzzy Zoeller and Gary Player announced their retirement from Masters competition. As Gary approached the green on 18, there wasn’t a dry eye. Explosions of applause welcomed him to the final hole. A legend in his own right, 73 year old and three time Masters champion, knelt before the crowd and gave thanks for 52 years of tradition at the Masters. It truly was something special for me to watch from my tower positioned at 11 and 12 and knowing Mr. Player well, I know he was extremely emotional during his entire final competitive round on the hallowed grounds of Augusta National. A truly memorable moment in the history of the event. He will join his old friend Mr Arnold Palmer as the honorary starter for next year’s tournament.
The Masters Sunday was as exciting as any Masters I have watched or been a part of as a player or television announcer. The grouping of Phil and Tiger provided oodles of excitement and compelling viewing early Sunday with Phil on track to set a Masters record. Both players started the day 7 behind and through 11 holes had us all enthralled with their magnificent play. A few poor shots and a missed putt or two and their challenge faded. Kenny Perry, Chad Campbell and Angel Cabrera took over the stage with some brilliant play and some near misses and provided a dramatic finale. Who could have scripted such playoff drama?
It was a special moment on Sunday when Angel Cabrera donned his first Green Jacket. Cabrera is the first Argentine to win the Masters and fully deserves the honor. An interesting side note - Gary Player Design is building its first golf course in Argentina. Mendoza, Argentina, a fair distance from Angel’s home in Cordoba, is one of the wine capitals of the world. To learn more about it visit http://www.garyplayer.com.
Finally, what a fantastic performance by Brian Gay this past weekend. He played against a strong field, on one of the Tour’s most famous and loved courses, but was able to keep his composure and confidence. Ending with a 10 stroke lead, his 2nd PGA Tour title, will certainly not be his last. I am certain he will once again waltz into the winner’s circle with grace. Keep your eye out for the next CBS events and PGA Tour coverage at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans followed by the Wachovia Championship in Charlotte.
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