A golfer, now into his
golden years, had a lifelong ambition to play the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass in
Ponte Verde, Fla., exactly the way the pros do it.
The pros drive the ball out over the water onto the small green that is on a small spit of land.
It was something the golfer had tried hundreds of times without success.
His ball had always fallen short, into the water.
Because of this, he never used a new ball on this particular hole. He always picked out one that had a cut or a nick, as did many other “average” golfers when negotiating very challenging holes.
Recently he went to Sawgrass to try again.
When he came to the fateful hole, he teed up an old, cut ball as usual, and said a silent prayer.
However, before he could hit the ball, a powerful voice from above seemed to be booming out from the clouds, saying:
“Wait! Replace that old ball with a brand new one.”
The golfer complied, with some slight misgivings, despite the fact that this same force seemed to be implying that he was going to finally achieve his lifelong ambition.
As he stepped up to the tee once more, the voice came down again:
“Wait. Step back. Take a practice swing.”
So he stepped back and took a practice swing, certain now that this heavenly force was going to make his dream come true.
The voice boomed out again:
“Take another practice swing.”
Dutifully, he did. He stopped expectantly and waited ... A long silence
followed ...Then the voice again:
“OK, use the old ball.”
He's had a lot of setbacks which can literally destroy your golf mind and I hope he's overcome them.......
A much different Tiger Woods in this interview.... In the past he’s been yes or no and very reserved. Now’s he’s open and smiling and thoughtful. I hope he finishes in the top 10 on Sunday!
No way tiger wins...he is done....physically finished
I think he does well enough in the first two rounds and makes the cut. However I also believe the back issues reemerge somewhere near or after the 54 hole mark.
Bubba Watson, Rory McIlroy, and Phil Mickelson are my top three picks. For a first time winner, I’ll take Jordan Speith or Patrick Reed or Jason Day. And for my out-of-nowhere pick, Ernie Els finally gets a Master’s.
If he wins it would be a spectacular feat.
There are so many elements that are going to make this one of the most interesting and most watched Masters. A lot of money is going up in smoke from people who think they can predict the winner, that's for sure.
Also for sure; if Tiger makes the cut and especially if he is on the leaderboard on Saturday ratings will go through the roof!
I think the big three are Rory, Bubba and Jordan with Phil right on their heels. For sentimental reasons I'd like to see Sergio get the big one to put a crown on his already superlative career. Stenson has the game, but the greens could be his downfall and don't discount Patrick Reed, or Brooks Koepka if his back is healthy.
I don't expect Amateur Champ Gunn Yang who wasn't even ranked in the top 500 to make the cut. IMO, his win was a bit of a fluke and playing along side Bubba and Justin Rose could turn his first day into a potential disaster.
Sidenote: I'm disappointed that the Golf Channel hasn't given better or repeat coverage to the Drive-Chip and Putt championship. I love watching the kids.
I hope Tiger make a creditable showing, but this Masters belongs to the up-and-comers; Rory, Jordan, and maybe even last month’s surprise winners, James Hahn and Matt Every if they can stay on a roll.
I plan to watch from an exercise bike in front of a huge TV at the gym on Sunday. I’ll probably get as much exercise as the players. Do I get a trophy too?
Jordan Spieth, 8-under through fourteen. He’s flirting with the course record.
And Ernie Els. 6-under!