Charlie’s Corner: Putting the Masters Into Perspective

Welcome to Charlie’s Corner, the blog home for Golf Channel analyst Charlie Rymer. A lifelong Myrtle Beach golfer, Rymer, with his characteristic wit and unique perspective, will be weighing in on all things golf for Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday.

Now that I’ve had a week to let this year’s Masters breath I can appreciate it even more.  For me personally, it was my second favorite all time.

In 1986 I was a senior in high school and had the chance to be at the Masters on Sunday.  I picked up Jack Nicklaus in the 11th fairway and saw every shot he hit the rest of the way.  It was his 18th major and he won it at the age of 46.  And that, by the way, used to seem old to me.  Not so much anymore.
This year the Masters was really two big events.  The first, of course, was the continuation of the Tiger Woods saga.  As the week began, no one really knew what to expect.  Tiger handled the press conference on Monday beautifully and left no unanswered questions.

Masters Monday was the beginning of the 2nd half of Tiger Woods’ career.  I’m hopeful he will follow the path he has laid out for himself.  He will certainly face severe scrutiny and any missteps will be highly criticized.

And that’s gets me to his language on Saturday at the 6th hole when CBS first came on air.  Someone needs to explain to Tiger that the use of G and D in the same phrase is highly offensive to a large portion of the population, myself included.  While we all have our issues and I am certainly not above letting the occasional foul word cross my lips, the G and D are words that I avoid, and whenever I do hear them it’s like taking an arrow to the heart.

I understand that the changes he has committed to will be great, and I give him credit for making serious progress at the Masters, but the language issue has to be addressed.  I look forward to watching him play golf on a more regular basis and wish him the best in trying to put his personal life back together.

In particular, I’m hopeful his wife and children can eventually find peace.

The actual golf portion of the Masters was extraordinary.  Phil Mickelson and his family have had a tough year in dealing with health issues and I’m sure this win is very special to all of them.  Phil was at his best and played without fear.

I think that dealing with adversity outside of the ropes puts the game into better perspective inside the ropes.  The 2nd at 13 on Sunday was one of the most daring and courageous shots I have ever seen played.  It was a well deserved victory.

Looking forward, we have Phil and Tiger committed to play the Quail Hollow Championship in Charlotte, N.C. the week of April 26.  These guys have the potential to put on great battles and I have a feeling we are gonna witness some epic contests.

Let’s all hope so.