|
Augusta National, home of the Masters, is arguably the one constant on the professional golf scene but last year, even the most traditional golf fan had to feel a sense of relief after all was said and done. Phil Mickelson had put himself in position to win his first major once again but was trailing the leader by three shots with seven holes to play at the Masters. Mickelson birdied five of the last seven, including a 20-footer on the 18 th green, to beat Ernie Els by one shot and win the first major of his stellar career. The roar of the crowd was absolutely deafening and Els, who was on the practice green preparing for a possible playoff, immediately knew the result. Mickelson’s hard luck in the majors was common knowledge and he had earned the title “best player to never break through” many years prior to this fantastic finish. Mickelson actually finished well in all four majors last season (second, third, and sixth in the others) but he’s anxious to get back to the course that has provided him with the best memory possible.
Mickelson will have to play some of his best golf to fight off the challenges of his fellow competitors this season at Augusta National. 2003 winner Mike Weir will look to regain the form he lost last season at the location of his sole major victory while players like Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, and Ernie Els will also likely find themselves among the leaders when all is said and done. European players like Padraig Harrington and Sergio Garcia are also looking to win their first major. Garcia finished last year’s Masters with a 66, including a hole-out on the 18 th, but will need to be more consistent if he looks to win a major this season. Harrington finished tied for 13 th at even par and knows that the extra year of experience can only be beneficial at a place like Augusta National.
Get your Masters Tickets from GetTicketsHere.com |
