Tiger Gets The Spotlight Phil Wins Green Jacket

There was a five year period in my life that I played gold five days a week. I was a member at Beechwood Country Club in Ahoskie which had a handicap rating 69.something. My handicap was 17 so I could shoot 85-90 regularly. Every now and then whenever I got into one of those moods when I didn't play well and decide I was never going to play again when ever I came back that first day I always played great. It didn't take long and old habits took over.

I think Tiger Woods had that problem this weekend. He has not played competitive golf for five months and his first two rounds were like he never left. Saturday things started coming back. Shots started flying all over the place and when the ball was all over so was the new and improved Tiger. No longer was he cool and collected but that fiery Tiger who threw clubs and even on Saturday had a cursing outburst.

I have never been a believer that if you have a problem a severe problem whether its drugs, alcohol or you know Tiger's problem that you can be cured in thirty days at any institution. Tiger's score was much better than his playing Saturday and Sunday.

His interview after he finished his round today I actually felt sorry for him. He never once gave any other player credit for their efforts only I did this , I did that. Never did he say he was glad to be back Tiger went home alone and after his Sunday round I don't see anything new about Tiger.

Today was almost good against evil. Phil who's wife continues fighting cancer was there at the finished to show the world what happens when there is more than just golf. He celebrated with his family and Tiger went home mad. He has a long way to go.

The Master no doubt is like no other. Several years ago Jack Nicklaus the man who owns the most green jackets said he never wanted to become the honorary starter. Thursday at age 70 he joined Arnold Palmer at 80 to hit the first shots at the Masters. The second biggest crowd of the week was there to watch it.

Tiger and Phil are as close to being Jack and Arnold as modern golf can get. If I am around then I would love to be there when it is there turn to be the honorary starters.

I have good news to report on Cousin Lauren Doughtie. She finished 28th in Daytona on Sunday an picked up a check of $750 dollars. Her first loot this season. She shot 2 under for the weekend. It is her best score since turning pro in June of last summer.