It’s taken me a few days to fully process what we watched out I-20 East last weekend. While The Masters is as much a cultural start to Spring for all of us here in the South, it’s widely regarded as the most important golf tournament of the year – by both players and patrons. The Green Jacket is symbolic of the pinnacle of the sport, and the first accomplishment listed on any winner’s LinkedIn.
I have a lot of thoughts about this year’s week. First and foremost (and it’s taken me a few days to come to this realization), the 2025 Masters is exactly what the sport of golf needed. With all the LIV/state of the PGA/Jay Monahan/competition drama clouding every professional golf conversation/podcast/booth, watching the Sunday coverage made all that go away.
Shakespeare couldn’t have written it better: There was HIGH drama on the course. There were more plot twists than an episode of 90210. The physical setting was a version of Heaven that we can all appreciate. There were characters, heroes, villains, and gimps. Rory was on a pure vision quest to close out the round, and had to fight unimaginable conditions, a dozen players doing everything possible to catch him, and the immense pressure of NOT winning the green jacket. Ultimately, he came away victorious and earned every stitch of that green jacket.
It was wonderful. It was what golf needed, and I think will have lasting effects on professional golf for years to come.
Now, some more specific thoughts:
- Rory’s outpouring of emotion on the 18th green and walking to the clubhouse was otherworldly. The only time I’ve seen someone that deep was during Drums/Space at the Sphere. It was like the elephant finally climbed off his chest. I’m excited to see the next iteration of Rory, as a Grand Slam winner, vs. a chaser.
- Justin Rose. I’ve always been a fan, but his performance all week – specifically Sunday’s back nine – was so admirable. I loved seeing a 44-year-old guy hang with (and beat) every other player out there. And the way he handled the ENTIRE situation IMMEDIATELY after Rory sunk the putt to win…pure class. I think this propels him for the rest of the year and reinvigorates his career for years. I hope he wins the Green Jacket next year. Honestly, who deserves it more?
- Rory’s wife. Wow. Ice cold. No emotions. There’s obviously something going on there, and I hope it gets remedied, if only for the sake of their daughter. If (when) I ever win the Green Jacket, Mrs. RCS would be doing cartwheels, hooting and hollaring with two six packs of tall boys. Mrs. Rory was absolutely the opposite – she looked like she was late to Mah Jongg.
- The Masters coverage is the best of any sport. Period. To the point where I would consider turning down tournament round badges. The TV and app experience is second to none. We were in Boca Raton for Spring Break, and I had no issue keeping up to speed on the practices, the Par 3 tournament, and even tournament play on Thursday and Friday via my iPhone. Didn’t miss a beat.
- A lot has been made of the no phone policy, and I thought was a great reminder to be present in the moment. Watching the crowd react to the updated scoring on the large boards was great. Seeing everyone watching the golfers…locked in…was inspiring. Not sure that’ll stick anywhere else, as most events/etc love the free marketing on Instagram…
- The Masters’ merchandise situation is a thing. My typical play is to watch Ebay on Sunday/Monday and see what’s being offered this year, and have someone going on Tuesday-Sunday grab me a few things. This year I looked, and never asked for anything. It’s a shame.
- I got an interesting AMA question, and finally have an answer: The question: in 20 years, who will be the three honorary starters. My hope are these three, as they would be great ambassadors of the game:
- Tiger Woods
- Freddy Couples
- Rory McIlroy
I know this is a lot, but I wanted to get it all down. What do you think? Agree? Disagree? Let’s hear it…
Flawless assessment
Excellent assessment. Best golf tournament I’ve watched on TV in years. Frankly, I think the Heritage this week could be a bellwether event- players using range finders to speed pace of play. PGA isn’t out of the woods just yet.
Future Honorary Starter List:
Phil Mickelson
Nick Faldo
Fred Couples
Rors filed for divorce a year ago. Was linked to Balionis – even though they denied being linked why would it be speculated – stuff happened. Stay together for sake of kid, Wife wears a $110k+ watch instead of supporting one of his biggest sponsors and rarely shows emotion or travels. He needs to just give her half his money and split.
I think 20 years is too soon for Tiger and Rory to be honorary starters. Also, Tiger may not be able to move by then.
I think the more likely scenario is that you will see Crenshaw, Langer, and probably Faldo doing it sooner than later, and they could still feasibly be doing it 20 years from now.
I have a feeling Phil will not get asked.
1000% agree on the cell phones. Would love to see all the majors adopt the rule. They don’t need the free marketing social media provides.
It was great to see Rory overcome his errors to finally win. I agree – plenty of drama the entire final round. But can we stop making such a big deal of what menu is served each year? Scheffler’s menu this year was fine. The chefs will probably whip up a shepherd’s pie or fish and chips for Rory next year…or some similar Euro slop, Honestly, I’m tired of hearing about the supposed excellence of Matsuyama’s menu. Sure, I’d eat a wagyu steak. But that’s the only thing edible on his entire menu. Anyone who says they know what Sansho Daikon Ponzu is, is definitely lying.
Excellent analysis. Best Masters since Tiger’s chip in on 16. I knew not of Rory’s and the Mrs.’s troubles but now that I read this post, her stoicism is explained. Very sad for their child. I pray they make it work. Hope Restored marriage intensive centers could help.
As for honorary starters, for those old enough to remember Sarazen, Snead and Nelson, even today’s three are surreal to see in that elder statesmen role. It seems that Tiger and Phil are no brainers. Faldo too. The first tournament with no Jack Nicklaus will be truly sad for the golf world. I dread that day.