The start of spring is a great time in the sporting world. March Madness is in full swing, baseball fans are enjoying 85 degree days with a ballpark dog in one hand and a cold beverage in the other, while NBA and NHL teams are battling for final playoff spots.
For the major American sports, spring brings many amazing moments. But for thousands of people around the world, the thought of the new season comes down to one word: Augusta.
The Masters tournament is back in action and there are more story lines surrounding Augusta National than ever before. As if the greatest event in golf needs more stories to make it interesting, at the same time it can’t hurt.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Tiger Woods Masters win in his first major as a pro. The win propelled Woods to the top of the ranks and is still viewed as one of the greatest moments in PGA history. With that being said, Tiger will not be attending the tournament this season.
This year will mark the first Masters since the passing of golf legend Arnold Palmer. Palmer has been a staple at Augusta since the 1950’s and it will not be the same without the four-time green jacket winner. There will be a ceremony for Palmer before the initial tee-off.
On a less somber note, Dustin Johnson leads the field coming into the tournament as the world number one ranked player. Johnson has won six tournaments since last April, including his first major at the U.S. Open. He is undoubtedly the favorite this week. But with news recently coming in, Johnson supposedly slipped down a staircase where he is staying and may be out for the tournament. This will bring a new favorite into play.
However, don’t count out the man who let it slip through his fingers last year at Augusta. Jordan Spieth blew a late lead in 2016 by sinking two balls in the water on the 12th hole in the final round, giving Danny Willett the green jacket. He might not be the favorite, but revenge can be the best fuel. North Carolina won the national championship this past week, a year after losing at the buzzer. Look for Spieth to do the same.
Rory McIlroy is looking to complete the illusive career grand slam sought after by all golfers. The Masters is the one missing piece that can complete the quartet of major trophies in his living room, and the 27 year old is very aware. Few players on the PGA tour are as fiery and competitive as McIlroy come tournament time.
The dark horse this week is rookie Jon Rahm. The 26th ranked player in the world has already won this year, thanks to a 60 foot eagle putt at the Farmers Insurance Classic on the 18th hole of the final round to take home the trophy. Phil Mickelson, whose brother coached Rahm at Arizona State, said that, “Jon doesn’t have weaknesses. Every part of his game is a strength. I think he’s one of the best players in the world. I think he’s more than just a good young player, I think he’s one of the top players in the world.” Keep an eye out for the rookie this week.
The forecast for the 2017 Masters night be the biggest opponent for players this year. With down pouring rain from Monday to Wednesday that cut practice and the Par Three contest short, expect the first two rounds to be sloppy. With how soft Augusta National gets when it rains combined with how fast the green speed is there, it should be an interesting first couple days.
