2011 Masters: His Story

To live and grow up here in Augusta, Georgia one cannot help but feel a bit of sadness to see Masters week come to an end. But what a week we had! Once again another great story unfolded at The Masters as we see another “new” face on golf’s stage end up with the green jacket.

This was easily one of the most exciting Sunday’s in recent years, so much young talent on display today. Personal favorites Cabrera, Donald, Choi and K.T. Kim made their moves but could not keep up with the winner. I really expected K.J. to win but he seemed to lack the fire today, hopefully we will see him win a Masters over the next few years. The sweet swing of Luke Donald was almost good enough, just one miscue at the 12th hole possibly cost the title. In fact I don’t recall seeing so many bogey’s on the 12th in recent years. Angel had the swagger today but the feel on the greens was just not there, come on El Pato!

What a tough day for Rory McIlroy, shooting 80 in the final round. Rory played great golf for 54 holes but I believe the pressure got to him, the expectations of so many resting upon his young shoulders was perhaps a burden too heavy to carry. But Rory will be back and learn from this experience as he must do. Golf teaches us all about ourselves in so many ways if we will only listen.

Tiger Woods. What a day! I don’t think Tiger ever needed a swing change after Haney. Tiger needed to find his motivation again. He needed some down time, time to refocus his goals. On Sunday at Augusta Tiger’s swing looked like his always has, the difference was that his fire was back. Tiger knows he can still win majors and it was great to see him make the charge. Unfortunately his putter let him down and I am not sure why he ever changed that putting stroke because just a few years ago he was one of the best putters of all time. When he figures out that part and if he can keep the fire we will have more Tiger majors over the next few years.

What a great day for Charl Schwartzel. Who?! Before this week he was not your household golf name. He had a personal escort around the course from Jack Nicklaus and putting tips from Nick Price along with mentoring from Gary Player. In the final story Charl made the crucial putts and made the exact swings that were needed under the pressure of golf’s greatest stage with four birdies over the last four holes. Golf’s new talent is on the rise in 2011. Is this year the changing of the guard in golf? Time will tell.

Congrats to 2011 Masters Champion Charles Schwartzel!

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