Bryson vs. Rory
Amen to that!
Is Masters Sunday the best and worst day of the year? It’s the best day of the year because it is Masters Sunday! But it is the worst day of the year because by the end of it we have to say goodbye to Augusta until next year.
I’ve been lucky enough to attend the Masters three times.
In 2017, I spent a few hours on the course on Wednesday before rain wiped out the day. It was my first time at Augusta. I was overwhelmed trying to take it all in, and then came the disappointment of watching the weather shut things down. That year’s Masters felt different when I watched it on TV—I had been there, but hadn’t really processed the magic of the place.
In 2024, I attended the final round on Sunday. We watched Aberg and Morikawa dunk their tee shots into the water on 11. We saw Scottie walk up 18 and putt out for the win. But, that too was different since it was the only day we were there, watching earlier rounds on TV was all about the anticipation of getting there.
This year, having spent Monday and Tuesday on the grounds, the experience watching the tournament unfold on TV feels more layered. I had time to absorb the setting. To feel the scale. To take in the rhythm of the place. Watching from home now reinforces it. I remember the walk from Amen Corner. I remember the color of the grass. I remember the awe. It’s something I wish every golf fan could experience.
Let’s check our lies heading into today’s final round:
Fairway Lie #1
Bryson vs. Rory - this is as good as it gets for a final round! Sure, we are blessed with many amazing talents, would Scottie vs. Rory be almost as sweet? Of course it would be, but this match up is special.
LIV vs. PGA Tour, 2024 Pinehurst revisited (but this time in the same and final group!), Career Grand Slam vs. maybe the most popular golfer in the world not named Tiger. Two incredible talents fighting for different places in history, with a pack of talented golfers behind them waiting for a chance if the pressure of Augusta on Sunday is too much. Sundays like this are rare. Enjoy it. Savor it!
Fairway Lie #2
I woke up this morning and realized that one of the beautiful things of golf is that most days we all win. This isn’t Celtics vs. Lakers, Ohio State vs. Michigan, or Yankees vs. Red Sox. In those matchups if you passionate about one of the teams you either are euphoric after the game or crushed. Bryson vs. Rory? Very few of us are so invested in a single golfer that we’ll be crushed, in the same way we are in other sports, if our guy loses.
Even the most passionate Rory fans probably have some respect for Bryson. And vice versa. Sure, we root. But few of us wake up gutted if “our guy” doesn’t win. And that makes it easier to enjoy. You can feel joy for the winner and empathy for the runner-up. There’s something wholesome in that—and this morning, I’m grateful for it.
The 19th Hole
Since it’s Masters Sunday, there are only fairway lies from this golf fan. I hope the drama delivers. And I hope today gives us enough to carry through the next 51 weeks… until we return to Magnolia Lane again.
The Next Loop
I’ll be back in the next day or two with my closing thoughts on the 2025 Masters and a look ahead to Hilton Head for the RBC Heritage.