I stopped playing golf when I was 19 years old.  I enjoyed the game, although it was the most frustrating sport I had ever attempted, but the time factor and other things in my life forced me to cease playing.

When Tiger Woods joined the tour in 1996, I began watching golf on television.  I had watched occasionally when Arnold Palmer or Jack Nicholson were in a tournament, but I wasn't devoted to the game.

Tiger changed everything.  He approached the game with an athlete's attitude.  Almost immediately he became unbeatable.

Today's pros are more in the image of Tiger.  Many of them train with weights, they run, and they have physical trainers along with their golf instructors.  Young men such as Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Bubba Watson, and Matt Kuchar can do things with a golf ball never imagined thirty years ago.

With Tiger Woods playing fewer tournaments, television ratings have decreased.  Bubba Watson may bring them back.  His win at the Bel Air Country Club Valentine's Day weekend gave me a new hero to cheer for.

Bubba is entirely unconventional.  He is self-taught, and always says:  "I don't concern myself with where each shot goes.  All that matters is the number of strokes it takes me to get it in the hole."

His most recent win before last weekend was the 2012 Masters, probably the most prestigious tournament in golf.  He had to curve a ball over 30 feet to ensure a win.  This shot will be shown as a highlight for all time.

I enjoy many of the others.  I have learned more about them and enjoy each golfer's individual abilities.  Jason Day, Ricky Fowler, and Adam Scott are some young players who entertain the gallery.  And, if Rory McIlroy can regain his 2012 form, he may run away with the FedEx Cup by the end of the season.

The first of the "Majors' is being held on April 10 thru the 13^th.  This is the Masters, and the question is; will someone new win the green jacket, or will Tiger, Phil, Scott, or Watson add another to their closet?

James Turnage

 

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