Who Stole My Masters Enthusiasm?

Posted Apr 14 2011, 09:55 AM by Cathy Erickson
Another Masters is in the books and while there was certainly a lot of excitement come Sunday afternoon, for some reason this year just fell short for me...isn't that strange?  It's my favorite week of the year for heavens sake!
 
I'm happy for Charl Schwarzel and I think I'd like to be a fan!  But, honestly, I didn't know a whole lot about him.  Tiger's front 9 charge on Sunday caught my interest and I found myself actually hoping he'd be in the mix, for golf's sake of course.  But when he missed the putt on #12 his momentum changed and he seemed to stall out.  I kept hoping for a little more magic, but it just wasn't his time this week.

I'm fans of both Luke Donald and Adam Scott, but strangely, I couldn't garner any enthusiasm as they were both hovering at the top of the leader board.  I did find myself rooting for Jason Day, but my gut just said he's probably not going to win.  Angel Cabrera drove me nuts, just when I thought he might be ready to make a charge he fell back.
 
At one time I think there were at least 5 people tied for the lead at -10.  And maybe another 5 or 6 within 2 shots...it went from the "Rory Show" to a whole ensemble cast of golf stars in a matter of a few holes.  I wanted to be excited about that...I really did - but it just didn't happen.
 
When we put Rory McIlroy on our fantasy golf squad for Sunday I was ready to jump on his bandwagon!  He hung in there on the front nine, but then, as if we were seeing a page out of Greg Norman's playbook, the wheels came off.  It's never any fun to observe anyone's misfortune, and I kept hoping that he could shake it off...but he just couldn't.  I wondered if Rory's struggles impacted Cabrera - they both sort of disappeared from coverage as others were trying to capture the lead.
 
I can't tell you how many times I heard or read "I felt so sorry for Rory" as he tumbled down the leader board.   (I think my Mom said she almost cried!)  Of course being only 21, most of those sentiments were followed up by the confidence that he will have many more chances to take home a green jacket.  And I'm sure he will.
 
Lots of media folks said this Masters was one of the best, but for me it lacked something.
 
As I replay Sunday in my head...camped out on the couch with my laptop going and the TV on, my mind goes to what wasn't there instead of what was.  What I missed was Phil being in the hunt, Matt Kuchar and Steve Stricker making a move on the weekend, and Alvaro Quiros hanging in there after a great first round.  I had such high hopes after the first 2 rounds but none of "my guys" could make a move.
 
Fantasy golf is also impacting my joy of watching golf - guys that might not be my "favorites" all of sudden might mean getting a few points so I'm torn between rooting for favorites and rooting for my fantasy squad...but this week, none of them did well.  I go through the "what was I thinking" as I see guys not make the cut (AK and Mahan come to mind!)...or wondering why in the world I didn't pick Luke Donald or Adam Scott - they look like such no brainers now!
 
I did root for Dustin Johnson, because Sam wanted him to win, but it just wasn't in the cards I guess.
 
I think back to 2009 and I was an emotional basket case as Kenny Perry was setting himself up for a possible green jacket and Phil and Tiger made charges as well.  I was talking to the TV screen and giving standing ovations all afternoon long.  Last year, I cried when Phil won.  This year, I had nothin'.  And I still can't quite figure out why.
 
But I still love the Masters...I saw photos from a friend who was there on the Monday practice round and a few others from another friend who was there at the Par-3 contest...the beauty just astounds me.  I loved watching a little live streaming coverage when I could - hearing the birds singing and chirping was like music to my ears.  I love the announcers, and the theme music plays in my head even when it's not on.  It truly is my favorite tournament of the year even if my enthusiasm seemed to be missing.
 
I'm in the lottery for tickets for 2012 and I can only hope my dream comes true.  I'm pretty sure Steve Stricker will want me there when he wins it next year!

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Filed under: Masters, Augusta, Phil Mickelson, Sam Johnson, Steve Stricker, TIger Woods, Cathy Erickson, Adam Scott, Alvaro Quiros, Rory McIlroy, Angel Cabrera, enthusiasm, Luke Donald