On the eve of the 75th Masters Tournament from Augusta Georgia the going conversation between golf enthusiasts and the pundits is who has the best shot at winning.
Some say Phil Mickelson has the best shot by virtue of his victory last week and his recent history at Augusta National. Others point to one of the young guns like Rory McIlroy or Ryo Ishikawa, who has also honorably vowed to donate all of his 2011 winnings to relief efforts in Japan (and if his over $2million in earnings last year is any indication he will be able to write a much-needed, hefty check at the end of the year). And of course there's always stories of a lurking Tiger.
Personally I feel like the field is wide open and any one of a number of guys has a good chance at winning. That may be a bit of a cop-out but as the title says, the winner doesn't really matter.
So why doesn't the winner matter? Because this tournament is so much more than any one winner. The mere fact that after a brutal winter we in the Northeast can sit back and get a glimpse of the Spring that is quickly approaching, that we so desperately need, is immeasurable in its value. Having the opportunity to see, and for those lucky enough to be there, stroll through the dogwoods, pines, blooming azaleas and lush green grass that Augusta is famous for is so heartwarming in its reminder that no matter how bleak winter gets there will always be the rebirth and renewal.
The Masters is timeless, even just watching it there is a sense of somehow existing outside of reality in your own personal utopia. It's that reason why people, even those without any real knowledge of the game, know of Augusta in April and the Masters.
It's for that reason why the mere mention of the Masters elicits glowing smiles from golfers, fans and patrons alike. I know that's the way it is for me. And I also know that it is for that reason that the winner doesn't matter. The Masters isn't about an individual golfer, it's an ideal, a representation of the beauty of renewal, and I can't wait for it to start. See you at 7:45 tomorrow.
That was a very cool article. Captured the meaning perfectly of the Masters.
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