Monday, April 11, 2022

Michigan Monday: Masters Talk

I heard Jimmy was down in Augusta enjoying the Masters this weekend.   I love that he loves all sports and if I had his money and fame, I would be doing the same thing.  


A few times every year I go off the board to discuss golf.  Today is one of those days.    I watched a ton of the Masters Thursday - Sunday and have a few thoughts and observations to share. 

Scottie Scheffler life changed when he was named to the Ryder Cup team last fall.  It was a controversial choice because Captain Steve Stricker picked him over Patrick Reed who wins so much in Ryder Cup matches his nickname is "Captain America".   The issue with Reed is, he is not well liked on tour and has a reputation for always playing loose with the rules.    You don't want to be labeled a cheater on tour, so nobody goes that far.   Reed is a good player, has a green jacket and a great Ryder Cup record, but was passed over for the consistent Scottie Scheffler (other captain picks included: Daniel Berger, Harris English, Tony Finau, Xander Schauffele, and Jordan Spiethwho had zero PGA Tour wins at the time.  

Playing well in the Ryder Cup and being part of that team, welcomed Scottie into the elite golfers' club.   Which changed his life and golf mindset.   Since the new PGA season started, there hasn't been a better golfer on the planet and he has won 4 times and is ranked the #1 in the world.   He got his first win in Phoenix, followed that up with a win at Arnie's Bay Hill, then the World Golf Match Play event, and now a green jacket.  He played relaxed and steady, in the cold and windy Augusta conditions all week.  He really didn't make too many mistakes until the final green, when that ball just couldn't find the bottom of the cup. 

The guy is 25 but looks 35 and if he can keep that driver in the fairway and that short game sharp, he might win a few more majors.  

Now to the biggest story of the weekend, Tiger Woods.   It was just over a year ago, we didn't know if Tiger was dead or alive after his car crash.   Then we didn't know the status of his legs for what seemed months.   This weekend, he gutted through 4 rounds in some poor conditions.   He only managed to put one good round together on the scorecard, but playing and making the cut was an unbelievable feat.   He is nowhere near 100%, as he struggled walking up and down the fairways of maybe the hardest walk in golf.    His driver game was sharp, his irons were not accurate, and his short game was rusty.  Though none of those things matters, the winners this weekend were the game of golf and having a legend comeback and play through pain, to prove to us he could do it again.  Golf is much more exciting when Tiger tees it up and I'm excited to see him play in the British Open.  

Fun fact: Tiger might have lost the Masters on Sunday, but his clothing line won.  Scottie Scheffler was wearing the Nike Tiger Woods Collection clothing and golf shoes.  While Tiger was actually wearing FootJoy shoes which gives him a bit better support as he continues to recover from his leg injuries. 

  • RIP to Dwayne Haskins.  Rivalries is one thing; the loss of a young man is another.   Please keep a good thought for his family and friends. 
  • Congratulations to Michigan Hockey who had a great year. 

4 comments:

Goblu said...

One of the more enjoyable Masters for sure. Scottie seems like a really terrific guy, unflappable.
Rory and Colin were an amazing duo to watch yesterday. Competing eagles, and then competing bunker hole-outs! So much fun to watch.

I feel terrible for Haskins and his family. Wonder why in the world he was walking on the interstate. I don't want to speculate, but not normal behavior.

We lost Conerly, but think that was expected.

Brady2017 said...

I like Patrick Reed. Yes, he can be a little bit of a stickler, but his fist pumping and finger pointing at the European crowd was awesome! Great seeing Tiger back. He was tied for 20th after the cut Friday, no small feat considering there were 91 golfers competing. He looked ripped too. Lol

szanreno said...

Tiger did look chiseled but a little older in the face. That left leg is definitely a problem. It almost looks like it had a slight bow to it and you can tell he was wearing something on his leg under his pants. I think I watched more of the Masters this year than any of the past years. Very enjoyable...

ScottyDoggs said...

You have to bury the rivalry, and feel sorry for the Haskin's family.... but on a limited access highway without a broken down vehicle, and mostly cars at night... does not look good to be hit by dump truck...mental difficulties occur in about everyone's life... work through them, the dark night will turn into a bright sunny day in time!