Many of the hackers from all over the globe just tuned in for the very first major of the year. I don’t know about you, but I find myself completely glued to the television the first weekend in April. Instead of fishing or drywalling — I usually lock myself in the basement with a loaf of bread and a two-liter of soda. It’s “a tradition unlike any other.”
Do you want to hit some balls? NO. NOT REALLY. I will pay you? HOW MUCH? $20. OK.
I have never been to Augusta National, and many of my friends say the HD television cameras don’t do her any justice. What? The rolling hills and magnificent Magnolias are pretty sharp on this new 65-inch Panasonic. The layout is superb, and the course itself is absolutely flawless. Every blade of grass is just perfect, and the bunkers will never need an upgrade funded by the local taxpayers. Look it up, Johnny.
Yes. The views are just splendid, and the golf is just as brilliant. The Masters brings out the very best in the world’s top players. This year’s tournament has an added twist with the return of LIV golfers. They are back in the field after a long battle. West side story. Long story short. Several of the best left the PGA tour to join the new Saudi-based tour. They were on the fence. Not allowed. It got ugly. Many defected to earn more money. Appearance-based. Fewer commitments. The Americans got mad. And tried to ban them.
WHERE IS YOUR FATHER? I think he is in the basement. PAINTING? No. I think he is watching The Masters. WHY IS THE DOOR LOCKED? I don’t know. He isn’t responding to any phone calls either. JAMIE?
There is no doubt that Tiger will be the fan favorite as his impact on the game and crowds is unrivaled. Many thought he was prime rib. He is older but still is trending. Just look at the ratings. Scottie Scheffler is currently the top dawg. He is playing great, and he will be a major contender. We all have our picks, and my lovely bride’s money is on John Rahm. His game is perfect for Augusta, and if he can figure out that streaky putter — checkmate. I can totally picture the strong Spaniard in Butler’s Cabin.
OK. Here is the scoop. The 2023 Masters will have already been played by the time you are all reading this. My editor needs her stuff by Friday morning. I usually make my deadline and pipe one 285 yards down the fairway. Then there are times I completely whiff and shank a wedge into the hedges. I have been rolling lately.
That being said, it would be literally impossible to predict the 2023 champion. But I can almost guarantee it will be one of the eighty-seven golfers. It will not be Kevin Na. He just quit.
I’m here to pick up the van keys. Lycoming Golf. I DIDN’T KNOW WE HAD A GOLF TEAM. We do. We have uniforms and everything.
I love Rory McIlroy too. The long-hitting foreigner has been so close so many times, and he only needs a green jacket to complete the career slam. Rory is focused and is battle tested. Then there’s the scrappy Viktor Hovland. He never gets into trouble and is one of the most consistent young players. I could probably name another twenty-five or so players who have a legitimate chance of winning. Ready? DJ, Kuch, Ian, Max, Brooks, Patrick, Hideki, Prowant, Paul, Adam, Charl, Marc, Gary, Collin, Scottie, Tony, Jason, Radspinner, Xander, Haotong, Henrik, Zach, Bubba, Freddie, Sandy, Rose, Jason, and Rickie might contend for a green jacket.
The Masters really inspires me to start playing, and I know that I am not alone either. There is something very special about this legendary tournament that moves the average golf fan. Anyone else lock themselves in the basement for an entire weekend? Who went outside to hit a few backyard pitch shots during a commercial break? Did you watch all of the action while stroking a few putts on the living room carpet? It’s completely normal, folks — a tradition unlike any other. Cheers.
