The Masters

I was up early last Monday morning to watch the final round of the Masters like many other fans of Tiger Woods and plain golf nuts, who enjoy watching the game on TV.

I tuned in with high hopes for a miracle and was really optimistic that I’d see one when Tiger took solo second and was five strokes behind Trevor Immelman.

While Immelman may seem to have been in control of the tournament at that point, his eyes seemed to have shown otherwise.  The analysts were correct when they explained why Tiger still had the chance to win the title – the leaders were not used to being there.

Trevor looked scared.  I’d probably feel the same if I were in his position (in my dreams of course) knowing too well that the man trailing him, although two flights ahead, was capable of turning things around.

Luckily for Trevor, he played great on the first three rounds.  He was way ahead of Tiger and did not need to do anything spectacular to maintain his position.

When his tee shot hit the water on the 16th hole, I thought I would see another Van de Velde (remember that French guy, who lost his British Open lead on the final hole?).

Unfortunately for the Tiger diehards, Immelman proved so much tougher despite ending with a double-bogey on that hole that dropped him to eight-under-par, but still three ahead of Tiger.

On the 17th he hit the sand, but a great blast allowed him to make par and then coasted home to earn his first green jacket.

Immelman is only the second South African, the other being three-time champion Gary Player, to win the Masters.

Tiger will be missing the next four weeks of action in the PGA Tour as he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.

He’s had the same surgery before and is hopeful for a speedy recovery.

Tiger is actually considered by many as on of the toughest athletes in the world.  It is not a list of those athletes who you want to be on the same side with in a brawl, but those who show both physical and mental strength.

The way the fans demand a championship from him each time Tiger plays is already a very tough spot to be in.

I admire his ability to overcome pressure and deliver the goods, but I also know that nobody can win it all most especially in a game like golf.