Masters Weekend Begins

Rounds 1 and 2 are in the book. There are the usual surprises, such as Sandy Lyle sitting on 142, and disappointments, such as missed cuts by Couples and Norman. There is the sense that somehow the tournament is slipping away from Tiger. While Tiger is the most mentally tough and disciplined golfer since Nicklaus and is certainly more than capable of grinding out a victory on any course, he plays his best when there is some manner of joy in his game. That seems vacant this week.

However, for the viewer, or the patron, the joy is back. For the first time in years there is a feeling that anyone making the cut can still win the golf tournament. Thanks to a more judicious course setup, low scores have been allowed to return and with good conditions forecasted for the final two rounds, there should be plenty of excitement to come. It just might be that the final nine offer a charge against par rather than a charge to par. If the first two rounds are an indicator, 2009 just might be the year The Masters got its mojo back.

Stay tuned.