Final thoughts from the Masters ...

By: Joe Mcadory | Opelika Auburn News
Published: April 13, 2009 | 0 Comments | Post a Comment

* Though Seve Ballesteros, teeing off above on No. 1 during 2007 Masters practice, didn't compete at Augusta this year, it's good to see the Spaniard recovering from recent surgery to remove a brain tumor.
* I can't believe Angel Cabrera can hit two trees on a playoff hole and still win the biggest tournament of them all. His approach shot on the first playoff hole (No. 18) saved the day for the Argentinian.
* DirecTV offered excellent coverage with three channels, one from CBS' network coverage, one exclusively of Amen Corner, and another exclusively of the 15th and 16th holes. Good stuff.
* How fitting, a person named Angel wins on Easter.
* After watching Arnold Palmer's performance in Wednesday's Par 3 Contest, I'm beginning to think the King might want to consider retiring from competition completely. Yes, this tournament is just for fun and it's great to see him out there with Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, but Arnie was really bad.
* Too bad Kenny Perry didn't pull this thing off. I was pulling for the 48-year-old.
* Tiger and Phil made quite a show with their Sunday charge. Mickelson surprised me by out-driving Woods, but he also surprised me by missing what were very makeable putts on Nos. 15 and 17.
* Masters playoff holes should not be Nos. 18 and 10. When I think of Augusta National, I think of Nos. 12 and 13. They are the holes that define the joint. Make the players settle the issue between the azaleas and dogwoods, and perhaps Rae's Creek can factor into the outcome.