2011 Masters

The 2011 Masters was decided by some phenomenal golf in the last 9 holes.  Charl Schwartzel shot a final round 66 to win the green jacket doing something that no one else has ever done.  He birdied the final 4 holes to take the championship by 2 shots over a very game Adam Scott and Jason Day.  He executed shot after shot with great precision and concentration and deserved to win.

Tiger Woods began to look like the Tiger of old by shooting 5 under on the front 9 sending the crowd into a frenzy.  It is good for the game when he plays well and is in contention.  He couldn't capitalize on some opportunities down the stretch and eventually finished tied for 3rd.

Rory McIlroy began the day with a 4 shot lead and actually held the lead after the front 9.  Then it all unraveled with a bad tee shot on 10 leading to a triple bogey and he went on the finish Amen Corner (10, 11, 12) 6 over par.  Several short missed putts had everyone in the gallery wanting to console him.  It was difficult to watch and everyone was trying to will him to birdie on 18 just to see him smile.  Alas, he missed again and finished with a final round 80 leaving him 4 under par.  The good news for him is that he finished tied for 10th and he handled himself with class and dignity.  He gave a great interview and smiled all the way through it.  Others (who will remain nameless) would have stormed off the green, signed their scorecard and hopped in a car headed directly to the airport, speaking with no one.  He is an excellent golfer with a bright future but is an even better person.  The next few days will be tough for him but will build character and he will be back on that stage again.

If all the major tournaments shape up like this one, it will be a very good year for golf.