Thoughts from the Masters

I never thought I would ever say the phrase, "Zach Johnson, Masters Champion." However, he played the best down the stretch and was victorious. Congratulations.

Saturday was a tough day to watch.
They have changed the course so much in the last ten years it has made the course unplayable at times. When the winds came up and the course became even faster and firmer, scores went up, way up. Why do tournament officials set the course up so difficult? It didn't look like fun and it sure wasn't fun to watch.

My favorite memories of the Masters are the ones where Jack shot 30 on the back nine to win in 1986, and Palmer birdies the last two to win in 1960. Sandy Lyle making birdie from the fairway bunker on #18 to win. Larry Mize's chip in, Tiger's chip in on #16. Mickleson birdies #18 to win. All these were great shots to win.

They did set the course up much fairer for Sunday's round and it did produce some fine golf. Johnson made four birdies on the back nine, Tiger had his chances, Retief had a chance, Justin Rose had a chance.

What can you learn from this years' Masters? Set a game plan which fits your game and your strengths. Johnson never went for a Par Five in two. On the surface you would think this plan had no chance for success at Augusta National. His plan results in 11 under on the Par Fives and a Green Jacket.

What are your strengths? Once you identify them, are you using them to your advantage? Take some time to consider your game and make some honest assessments.

Mike