The Tiger Show Turned Into The Masters
April 11, 2010 by Kevin Thistle
AUGUSTA, Ga. – What started out as the Tiger Woods show turned into the Masters on the weekend at Augusta National, where Phil Mickelson won his third green jacket yesterday.
In previous Masters, there was always the normal Tiger factor, but this week all the attention was on him from the beginning. He gave his press conference on Monday and then, Augusta chairman Billy Payne gave that speech before the tournament began that basically said, `Hey, Tiger is not above the game.’
Some people predicted Tiger would shoot 75, some people predicted him winning, but he wasn’t the outright favourite going into Thursday.
Outside the gates, there are usually tickets available for a set price, but by Wednesday afternoon, there were no tickets to be found and if you did find any, there were probably at least double the normal price. There was definitely a buzz.
Thursday was the Tiger show, with people wondering would he shoot 60 or would he shoot 80? He did better than I thought he would, although he struggled on Saturday and Sunday.
By Friday, it became the Masters again.
Lee Westwood, who I’ve always liked, was in good position to win the Masters. Ian Poulter looked strong at times. What about Tom Watson and Fred Couples?
Since Tiger gave his press conference on Monday, I think that every story that transpired after that was amazing. I loved the Couples, Westwood, Watson, Tiger and Mickelson stories. I loved the Ricky Barnes story.
It definitely was not just the Tiger story the entire week. It definitely turned around and the game has come through the return of the world’s No. 1 golfer in good shape.
(Be sure to click the Canadian PGA Radio icon on the GNN home page to listen to more from Kevin Thistle from Augusta National – Editor).
Kevin Thistle is the general manager of Coppinwood in Uxbridge, Ontario and an oft-quoted media source for the game, including his regular thoughts through his GNN blog.
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Yes, Kevin, it was a super week here at Augusta.
And as a Canadian was always hoping for a Canuck to win any tournament. But when that wasn’t a factor anymore I felt like you did; any of a number of golfers would look good in the green jacket on Sunday evening. Was pulling for Watson and Couples…..they’re closer to my advanced age. Westwood has always been a favourite because of his teaming with Darren Clark in many great Ryder Cup matches. Also thought I would be happy with Mickleson coming out ahead. Even K.J. Choi would be great.
In the end, was very happy with the outcome….the paradox was deafening ! After all us golf fans have been through since the American thanksgiving, we end up with a family guy; crying as he hugs his wife who is fighting cancer.
Yup, got up this morning heading for a golf game before the long drive home and thought that the outcome couldn’t have been better.
And hats off for the classy Westwood…who’s been through watching his friend Clarke lose his wife, also through breast cancer.
As a matter of fact….there wasn’t a dry eye in the house yesterday afternoon.
Was wonderful!
Walked past a car on the way back home yesterday, a few blocks from the course beside the E-Z-GO reception house and there was a small pile of hats on the dash. The were logoed Angus Glen and I thought of you but then remembered you weren’t there anymore……
Cheers
Doug