Masters Week
It’s time for the first annual major of the year, the Masters at Augusta National and things are already getting exciting. Billy Payne is the new sheriff in town and he’s given the impression that he might run a “kinder, gentler” Masters. Rumors are rampant that Augusta National will invite a woman to join the elite club at some point during his watch. I think it’s way overdue, but I also feel that Martha Burke hurt her cause more than she helped it.
Payne has also made the course slightly easier this year as well. He’s removed some trees from landing areas that were planted as recently as last year, and players are already liking the new changes. My feeling is that if it’s a major championship, then par should be the ultimate goal, and if the course plays harder than the weekly standard fare, then so be it.
And who’s the favorite this year? It’s hard to say for sure, but I think Phil Mickelson will be there on Sunday right in the mix. And while you can’t count Tiger out, I do think his wayward driver will hurt him in the end. Darkhorse pick? Geoff Ogilvy. He’s improved since his U.S. Open win last year and appears to be playing with lots of confidence. Henrik Stenson is another possible darkhorse.