The Masters: Day 1

Good stuff, eh? It’s why this major is the best. Jordan’s in the lead, sure. Kind of expected–at least my brother got it right. But Haotong Li is in 4th. Remember, the Chinese Communist Party banned golf a couple years ago as a bourgeois activity. He taught himself English off his smart phone. And this is his first Masters. Tony Finau dislocated his ankle yesterday after a hole-in-one at the par 3 tournament when he ran backwards in celebration. He instinctively yanked his ankle back into position, feeling a level 10 pain at the time. He had an MRI this morning and wasn’t sure if he could start. The long hitting Finau did start and placed second, two behind Jordan. The ankle? Beware the injured golfer. He’ll ice and elevate it tonight, and will hopefully get a better night’s sleep for round 2. Who says pro golfers aren’t athletes?

Phil the Thrill: up and down round of 2 under, so the 48 year old three time Masters winner is still in it.

Remember: You can’t win the Masters on Day 1, but you can lose it.

Like Sergio Garcia. The Spaniard was cruising until the 15th when he went for the green in two, which takes courage. He didn’t make it, and proceeded to hit his next, what, five wedges into the drink, totaling 13 on the par 5 hole. Sergio says he didn’t miss-hit any of those shots. It’s just the ball rolled off into the water each time. It ties an infamous record. Although he’ll play Day 2, last year’s winner is essentially done for this particular Major. He granted the press interviews which I thought was very gracious.

Also, of note, the Masters, being the Masters, will always have its Oldies but Goodies. Like Freddy Couples, at 58, a T-21 at even par; Henrik Stenson, at 42, a T-4 at -3; Vijay Singh, at 55, a T-16 at -1; Bernard Langer, at 60, a T-42 at +2; Larry Mize, at 59, a T-62 at +4; Mike Weir, at 47, a T-62 at +4; and Mark O’Meara, at 61, a T-70 at +6. Who says golf is a younger man’s sport? Oh, one more: Tiger, at 42, a T-not sure, at -1. Pretty damn good!

Rory. My pick. He did well. I think he over-thought a few putts, but Augusta National greens perhaps need more thinking than the average tour green. Tee to green looked solid, and he recovered well, very well near the end of his round. He’s at -3, and in good position. But Jordan is hot, and Rory is not, at least not as much as Jordan. He’s hungry for that first Masters, and the completion of the career Grand Slam. Watch out for the hungry pro golfer. Money is not the issue. It’s trophies, particularly Major trophies, among the elite of the game. Rory would be among only five other golfers in history to win the career Slam. It’s a big thing for him.

The course. It performed well. A showcase for how a course should be prepared. Fast.  Hard, but fair pin placements. Immaculate conditions. Looking pretty, like a mature, young woman in a fresh spring dress. Lovely. But, as was the premise in my book, The Mindful Golfer, in golf, as in life, things can change “as quick as the swish of a horse’s tail,” as the Buddha is reportedly to have said. Rain and wind are expected Sunday. Stay tuned.

The patrons. No bababooees. No mashed potatoes. As far as I know, nobody got tossed out on their ear. Long live traditional golf values.

Now, Day 2, as the drama unfolds.