Yes Sir!!

Judging by the name alone some might figure Fore Left to be a golf blog. Although I do 'spoil a good walk' at times, the title was meant for political purposes, which is what goes on round here most often. But today I'll take a brief ride down the cart path.

The Masters has begun, and it's by far my favorite golf tournament. Like other fans, it probably has a lot to do with the Augusta National course itself, that beautiful little patch of green tucked into the east Georgia hills. Truth be told it's a smug cathedral reserved for the elite--the only way common riff raff like myself have a chance to see it in person is to come across a practice round ticket. But from afar it has a certain magic.

And magic did happen there 20 years ago when the legendary Jack Nicklaus, then 46, became the unlikely winner of the event. Fans will not forget the infamous calls by CBS announcers Ben Wright and Vern Lundquist as the Golden Bear dropped putts on 15 and 17 down the stretch. Their straightforward words make up the title of this post.

About 35 years ago something else occurred, a bit more personal. On a family vacation to Myrtle Beach South Carolina my then 40-something father drove his perplexed family miles out of the way to travel through Augusta, seemingly just to drive down some unknown tree-lined street. As a kid I wondered what would compel him to do such a thing. Now looking back I understand.

Correction..

Masters afficionados should know that Vern Lundquist is the stalwart announcer for the par 3 sixteenth hole, not 17. I do as well, but transposed the holes when typing. Mea culpa. Lundquist was on hand last year when Tiger Woods made one of the most improbable chip-ins in the tournament's history. His words, “have you ever seen anything like that in your life?” still echo.

SENTIMENTAL FAVORITES 4/7

Ben Crenshaw at -1 and Fred Couples at -3. Nice to see these stars from the 80s can still play. Question is, where will these two men be on Sunday afternoon (or depending on the storms, Monday)? Should be fun to watch.


SUNDAY BUNCH 4/9

What a final round this should be. There are twenty one players within five shots of the lead, with messers Mickelson, Woods, Couples, Singh, and Goosen in the top ten. With everyone focusing on the big guys, it wouldn't be surprising to see a 'little guy' sneak up and win. However, it would be surprising if this thing doesn't end up in a playoff.

Here's my pick for the winner and final five, in order IF there's no playoff: 1- Mickelson, 2- Woods, 3- Ames, 4- Singh, 5- Campbell. As much as I love Freddie and Rocco, they are 40-somethings and the long day will probably take it's toll. Woods has never come from behind to win in the final round, yet. Campbell is hanging around, but is still basically a rookie to the pressure. Nodody is watching Ames, and he could be a dark horse. But Phil is playing well and has a lot of confidence right now.

If there is a playoff, and Tiger is in it, well....

EPILOGUE 4/9

Predictions came close--got number one correct. Tiger has still not come from behind to win a major, and Freddie still has trouble getting it done under pressure. And Rocco with a 10 on the 12th hole, ouch! I don't feel so bad now.