March 2021 Ohio Golf Journal

all want to add more major titles to their resume, as well as, add a Green Jacket to their wardrobe. Jordan Spieth already has won at Augusta National and the recent resurrection of his golf game makes him a fan favorite. One more name that should be prominent on the big leaderboard on Sunday is Rory McIlroy, who is still looking to complete his first career Grand Slam and earn an invitation to the annual Champions Dinner. The Masters is steeped in tradition, but we will see a slight twist to an old one this year. Ceremonial starters, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player will be joined by the first African-American to play in the Masters, Lee Elder, for those first tee shots signaling the start of the tournament. Amen Corner, Rae’s Creek, the Hogan Bridge, and Pimento Cheese sandwiches amid the backdrop of color from the millions of Azaleas, Dogwoods and Magnolias all play their part in this annual spectacle. History tells us that the tournament doesn’t start until the back nine on Sunday. The two par fives on the back side, Nos. 13 and 15 offer birdie and eagle opportunities, but if a player gets too greedy Rae’s Creek has drowned many a player’s dreams of glory. The tournament annually identifies the greatest golfers of their era, Gene Sarazen, Byron Nelson, Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, all won multiple Masters’ titles and all are in the World Golf Hall of Fame. From 1949-1954 Sam Snead and Ben Hogan won five of the six Green Jackets, and from 1960-1966, either, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus or Gary Player won every Masters. The Masters is always my favorite tournament of the year. It is one of the greatest events in sports and 2021 should be yet another memorable Masters. I eagerly anticipate watching the players striding down the verdant green fairways and grinding to avoid 3-putts on the severely undulating greens. Live streaming of this year’s Masters is available at Masters.org a nd will be broadcast as always on CBS.