Masters Preview

My friend and co-blogger has been all up in my grill, trying to get me to post something.  Well he has succeeded, which is more than I can say for his fantasy team this year.  And yet I digress. 

 

Here are some quick thoughts on the Masters:

1) My God, I hope they let the players play this year.  Move some tees up, make some pins accessible, and try to restore some excitement to the tournament.  At least give us something better than Johnson d. Sabbatini/Goosen or Immelman d. Snedeker. 

 

I always will remember the day I got to play Oakmont.  One of the first things our host showed us inside the clubhouse was the winners of the major championships the club hosted.  I remember how he expressed relief that Ernie Els won a second US Open, and how he was dismayed at John Mahaffey's name being on display.  Point is that the membership takes pride in their champions, and the Green Jackets cannot be too thrilled with how the past two years have played out. 

 

2) Much like ESPN "loans out" Bilas to CBS for the NCAA Tournament, and how McEnroe can be found at every Grand Slam tennis event, I just hope that someday Johnny Miller can sit in the tower at 18 and commentate about the Masters.

 

3) Odds that my kids scream to watch Phineas and Ferb on Sunday afternoon...well, Vegas has taken them off the board.  Two words: Sure.  Thing. 

 

4) Lastly, some thoughts on some players headed into the week.

* Paddy Harrington.  If this was Tiger, every network would be on GRAND SLAM WATCH 2009.  Alas, it's just wee Paddy and nobody really gives a shit.  One interesting tidbit I came across - Paddy is in the midst of breaking in a new driver.  It says here you want to have your equipment nailed down and finely tuned headed into a major.  Paddy makes the cut but never really threatens. 

 

* Phil Mickelson.  I just cannot understand how one player can be so damned erratic.  Miss cut badly in Phoenix...win at Doral...miss cut horribly in Bay Hill.  Lefty is about as likely to win this as he is to shoot 76-76-MC.  I'm predicting a MC for the left-hander.

 

* Sergio Garcia.  Let's see.  Golfsmith and Taylor Made will refund the purchase price of your driver if the Bitch gets a green jacket.  That's a pretty good marketing ploy.  The bitch will win a major some day, but at least the first one will not be at the major that places the biggest emphasis on putting.  Maybe a Top 10, but not a serious contender. 

 

* Jim Furyk.  I'm so damned frustrated with him from a fantasy standpoint.  I'll be happy with a Top 25.  He's a grinder, better suited for a US Open (again) or a PGA. 

 

* Ernie Els.  The Big Easy has been a little frisky this year and could get it together for a strong run at the title.  He's been close recently - I believe in the Lefty years.  Would love to see him win it, but I'm not holding my breath. 

 

* Retief Goosen.  The vision is back, the putting stroke is back, as seen at Innisbrook.  This guy, to me, is the perfect candidate to win a Masters.  Plenty long enough.  Can work the flat stick.  Never seems to be phased by the situation.  Good bet for a Top 10.

 

* Chucky Three Sticks and Three Sticks Turd.  Unlikely to win given that they're not qualified to compete.  Sad, really. 

 

* Tiger Woods.  The perennial favorite here, with or without an ACL and with or without broken bones.  It all comes down to that Scotty Cameron.  If it's working - like it was at Bay Hill - he will not be beaten.  If it's not working, he still could easily win this, but it would get interesting.  Clearly the favorite. 

 

So let's hope for decent weather (the forecast looks that way), some interesting storylines and a competitive finish.