The greatest so-called reality show that television has to offer is sports. We love to watch the thrilling finishes between the superior players and the dreadful. We love to cheer for those who have conquered obstacles as well as those who have fallen miserably. Sports offer the viewer the opportunity to witness the highs and lows of a person's life.
The Masters Tournament proved once more that sports can be mesmerizing at times. The tournament is played on a course that is often measured as the standard in golf architecture. The beauty and elegance of Augusta National is overwhelming.
Sunday at the Masters was one of the finest days in the history of the event. In the world of golf this is the Super Bowl. Every golfer on tour dreams of one day being able to sport the coveted Green Jacket. For the victor, a lifetime invitation to the Masters is something that is cherished forever. To place one's name among golf's greatest players is a feat that speaks volumes.
The day started with the leaders Phil Mickelson and Chris DiMarco slowly stumbling on the front nine. The question was apparent from the outset: Would Mickelson finally step forward and claim his first major? The question was answered shortly as Mickelson clawed his way back into contention. This was not going to be another letdown for Lefty.
He had been considered the greatest player to never win a major and his share of criticism reached a boiling point last year. While the leaders faltered, prominent players such as Ernie Els and Bernhard Langer made a charge on the back nine. Sergio Garcia played a marvelous final round, firing a 67.
K.J. Choi played well and made a striking eagle that shook the ground at Augusta. Els made two implausible eagles and earned the lead at one point by three strokes. Veteran Fred Couples made a nice run towards the end but came up short.
Mickelson played in the last group and had to tolerate the thunderous ovations around the course while he pondered whether he could do it. Then it became louder and louder. Padraig Harrington made an ace on the par-three 16th hole. Kirk Triplett did the same in groups that followed. The excitement filled the course like a scalper anticipating the release of Cubs tickets.
Mickelson played the back nine as well as he could have imagined. He posted a 31 and made one solid shot after another. It seemed as though the entire gallery found itself cheering for Mickelson, and who can blame them. No one deserved to win more than Lefty and hopefully this is the start of something special.