“Sports serve society by providing vivid examples of excellence.”– George F. Will
As we turn the calendar over to April, sports fans moving on from the basketball madness of March, to finding themselves enthralled in golf as the professionals take the stage at majestic Augusta National. Where the grass seems greener and the suspense of the back nine on Sunday, always gives us a film like ending. As we look forward to the historic “Amen Corner” and the players challenged by the traditional Sunday pin locations, we look to the traditional favorites to put on the historic green jacket following the last round in Butler Cabin.
In sports, dominance fuels how we root for and against specific players and teams. In professional baseball, we have the New York Yankees that control the television coverage and salary cap. In professional basketball, we have had the historic teams like the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers that hold the most records and championship titles. In professional football, we have the recent success of the New England Patriots that has controlled the face of the National Football League.
As for individual sports like tennis, we have had the privilege of watching players like Serena Williams, Roger Federer, and Rafa Nadal dominate the scene for the past decade. Then in golf, we have had the names of Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods, and Rory McIlory as familiar faces atop leader boards. As fans, we have found ourselves picking one side when faced particular rivalries. Not having the option to be on both sides of intense battle royals.
As the younger names like Justin Thomas, Rickie Folwer, and Jordan Spieth are seen on the current cover of magazines, we still find ourselves tuning into Sports Center for The Masters updates by the man in red as well as the lefty from past. We tune in to see if the once dominate Tiger, can take down the records of the majestic Golden Bear. To see if the Sunday red outfit can include the Muhammad Ali like uppercut birdie finish. Now as the leading Vegas favorite Woods, and recent PGA tour winner Mickelson this upcoming Master will surely bring a storybook ending.
