A month away, the first real best of the best tournament of 2025. Immediate thoughts of Rory are hard to quell…
The Masters at Augusta National
Todays message from Tiger
What are the adults having?
If you are not fit enough to play 72 holes then don’t turn up.
He made the cut at the Masters last year… I think that's pretty competitive by any measurement. Check out some of the names that missed it - hint: it includes current Ryder Cup team members and major winners. He might not be challenging for titles anymore but that was an incredible feat of perseverance. Yes, he withdrew or had MC in the other events but it doesn't take anything away.
If you are one of the most decorated players of all time and the benchmark for modern golfers, it's a pretty high standard to live up to. Almost larger than the game itself. Should your broken body leave you limping and wincing in pain while barely dragging yourself through 18 holes, I doubt you'd be smiling too much.
TGL is a fancy golf sim where you're hanging around with your mates and getting handy money. A new spin on the game that he's been involved in setting up and it's exciting from a novelty perspective. There are no 18 holes to walk or hills to deal with. The PNC with Charlie he gets a golf cart for 2 rounds and there is a lot less on the line. It's a dream come through for any father to play competitive golf with their son. Both of those can't be any further from the requirement of 72 holes walking on the undulating slopes of Augusta while you try to keep up with the new guard.
The last line I agree with, it's incredibly hard to know when it's the right time. Off the course I don't know what the guy does that replaces his golf career which was surely all-consuming. He can't exactly walk down the street unnoticed.
If you've played any football/GAA you know there's a point where you can't keep up with the 21-year-olds. If your identity and social life were framed through the lens of the sport you played. It is scary for many to walk away from what's essentially a family unit. They don't know who they are outside of that sanctuary or how to replace that empty space left behind. Many guys I've seen finish up found it hard. The pub in particular has done a number on them not to mention mental health. For me, golf was a brilliant outlet to discover.
Anyway enough rambling. Lowry's approach game is in great order. If he finds a reliable driver setup and gets a warm putter, he should feature. I'm not going to mention Rory's chances because it's pointless and the hype train will start soon enough. Even though he is the form golfer. It's probably going to be a new green jacket recipient. Could even be another Danny Willett situation.
The inclusion of the ravioli is pretty funny. Really looking forward to this edition of the Masters. Rory in form, lots of lurking threats from the field, the unknown of LIV players back in a real environment.
But would you say any of those rounds have been truly 'competitive' though? Please don't get me wrong, I am huge fan of Tiger and nothing will change that but seeing him struggle in tournements is tough.
My wife pointed out that he looks deeply unhappy whenever she has seen him play and it's something that I hadn't picked up on but she is actually right. If you contrast that to when he plays with Charlie or even in TGL and he looks far more relaxed and like he is actually enjoying what he is doing.
He was and still is a born-winner but his body doesn't match his mind anymore and you have to know when to bow out.
There is absolutely zero damage done to his legacy based on anything he's done on the course. Even just being able to play golf is almost a miracle given the injuries sustained in the car accident. It's an impressive feat to be able to put in any competitive rounds. More so given his lack of playing time.
He should have bowed out a long time ago. Everytime he plays competitively he is tarnishing his legacy. Seeing him limp around courses shooting massive scores is actually a bit upsetting for me considering Tiger is essentially how I got into golf.
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There is a very real chance that this is the end of his golf career given the complications after the car crash.
100% I can see 1 of 2 things happening. He wins a major this year and comes back next year to win at Augusta.
Or
Doesn’t win a Major this year and never wins at Augusta.
He will free wheel it around Sawagrass this week and come Augusta back door another Top10 at least.
yeah just read he’s had surgery on a ruptured achilles. Won’t be a short recovery from that if it’s fully ruptured, for football players etc it’s about 6-9 months recovery.
Eldrick more than likely out with an Achilles injury. Time to hang up the clubs
Its the one sporting even I often put a bet on. Last year I picked Homa for a top 5 finish and he played well but has been pants ever since. I'm doubtful if Rory ever wins one of these . On paper from when he burst onto the scene everyone had him penciled in for this major in particular with a long draw being the perfect shot shape for a lot of the holes but if he gets into contention the pressure on him will be incredible.
I think its hard to look past Sheffler again, he was nearly dead last in putting last weekend and still finished in the top 10.
One best weeks of year. I dont think Rory will win this major before he wins one of the other 3 first.
