Telecast of Masters par-3 contest not to be missed
At least two new things will be part of this year’s Masters. I heartily approve of one. The other I’m not so sure about.
I’d advise all of you to make every effort to tune in ESPN from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday of Masters week. Then you can see, for the first time on the tube, the lovely par-3 course that adorns Augusta National Golf Club.
I’m a big fan of par-3 courses just because they’re a lot of fun to play. That’s one of the reasons I bought the home I live in. There’s a most-decent par-3 layout off my patio. It’s nothing like the one at Augusta National, however, but a spur-of-the-moment quick stroll around it is always enjoyable.
In my 10 years covering the Masters on-site, I always made an effort to get to the annual par-3 tournament. At least I tried to see it. The crowds are so packed in, it was extremely difficult. The general estimate is that 30,000 fans stand shoulder to shoulder around the 1,060-yard course trying to catch a glimpse of a shot here and there.
I’m not sure what compelled the powers that be at Augusta National to put the par-3 tournament on television. It’s basically a fun event, and not all the players in the Masters field participate. Jack Nicklaus, for instance, preferred to practice most of the time rather than stroll through the par-3. No longer a competitor, Nicklaus is scheduled to play in the par-3 this year. He’ll be one of quite a few celebrity types – officially they’re called “honorary invitees’’ – who will help fill out the field. One of those types, Jerry Pate, actually won it once. A former U.S. Open champion turned broadcaster, Pate hasn’t played in the Masters since 1982.
Two factoids that you should know about the Masters par-3 tournament:
For one, the course used has to be one of the first – if not the very first – par-3 at a major private club. This year marks its 50th anniversary, and the par-3 contest itself dates to 1960 when long-time tournament organizer Clifford Roberts came up with the idea. It is almost as rich in tradition as the Masters itself and very much helps create the flavor that will carry over for the next four days, when the tournament proper is played.
You should also know that the winner of the par-3 tournament has never gone on to win the Masters that same week. To win the par-3, in fact, is believed to be a curse.
Quite a few private clubs have followed Augusta National in adding a par-3 course to their facilities. The best par-3 I’ve seen, however, is at a public venue – Threetops, located at Michigan’s Treetops Resort. Augusta doesn’t have the challenging elevation changes that the Rick Smith-designed Threetops course has, but I digress.
The other change for this year’s Masters is one of policy. Children 8-16 will get in free during the tournament rounds if they’re accompanied by an “accredited patron.’’ In other words, the name on the badge must match the identification of the accompanying adult.
It’s pretty difficult to oppose free admission for kids at a big golf tournament. I can’t see how this will work, however. The crowds at the Masters are always huge. A Masters ticket is the toughest ticket in sports. Giving away additional tickets would seem to create viewing and possibly security issues.
On the historical side, this year’s Masters will be the 51st for 72-year-old Gary Player. When Player hits his first shot, he’ll break Arnold Palmer’s record for most Masters appearances. I admire Player’s longevity.
Expecting him to be competitive is another matter.
The tournament itself, of course, figures to be another Tiger Woods showcase. Let’s get it out of the way first: I predict – shocking as it may seem – that Woods will win the Green Jacket for the fifth time and talk about his winning the Grand Slam will begin in earnest.
There should be some suspense, though.
Here’s how I see the rest of this year’s Masters unfolding: FIRST ROUND LEADER – Vijay Singh always starts well, and he’s a former champion. Singh’s softening his image and playing well again. He’ll be in contention throughout.
FOREIGN FLAVOR – Non-Americans are making bigger and bigger impacts on golf every year, and this year Woods will have his hands full with K.J. Choi. I don’t expect Choi to win this year’s Masters but I do predict he’ll be the first Asian golfer to win a major – and it won’t be that far down the road.
SENTIMENTAL CHOICE: C’mon Steve Stricker! The former University of Illinois golfer made a big comeback two years ago and followed with an even bigger one last year. The comeback will be complete when he wins his first major.
OFFBEAT CONTENDER: Bubba Watson would be good. Woody Austin would be even better.
REALISTIC LONGSHOT: How about Henrik Stenson?
UNREALISTIC LONGSHOTS: Michael Thompson and Drew Weaver. Not only are they Masters rookies, they’re also amateurs.
IN HIS (TITLE) DEFENSE: Zach Johnson might make the cut – and I said might.
BIGGEST FLOP: It’ll be between Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson. They won’t be Tiger’s main challengers this time. They may not even be close.
AND THE RUNNER-UP IS: David Toms.
ROUNDING OUT THE TOP 10: Retief Goosen, Luke Donald, Geoff Ogilvy, Justin Rose, , Choi, Singh, Stenson and Rory Sabbatini. And not necessarily in that order.
FINALLY, THE SLAM: Yep, I think this is the year he’ll do it. Woods has proved himself over and over at Augusta National and the other sites for the majors – Torrey Pines (U.S. Open), Royal Birkdale (British Open) and Oakland Hills (PGA Championship) will be Tiger-friendly, too. It’s going to be a fun ride – for all of us.