Hallowed Grounds

The 2019 Masters Tournament is finally upon us. A tournament that is the most unique from any other in the world. Where the best golfers in the world all come to compete for the elusive Green Jacket and for a spot in golf’s stoic history. The Masters starts Thursday, April 11 and concludes Sunday, April 14. At Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia.

The way the players and fans hold this event in such high regard is what makes this event special for golf enthusiasts around the world. It is held with such praise because of the shear beauty and detail that’s put into every aspect on the grounds of Augusta National. Detail that one can only appreciate for the mystique and allure of the tournament. The freshly manicured landscape and vibrant colors of the azaleas is just some of what makes the tournament feel phenomenally different.

A Tradition Unlike any Other

Past champions and all the top ranked golfers in the world will hope to come out on top. It is almost sac-religious not to mention Tiger Woods and the Masters Tournament together. Entering his 22nd Masters appearance, Tiger will look to win his 5th green jacket and 15th major of his career. Trying to tie or pass the record of the great Jack Nicklaus, who has 18 career majors. The Masters is the first of this year’s four majors. Even though it is the youngest of the three other majors, it is arguably the most popular and coveted to win in all of golf.

What to Expect

Tiger Woods is considered one of the best golfers in history, if not the best. Certainly the most talented to ever play, but this Masters Tournament is particularly unique to Tiger and most of the field. It has been a long time since we’ve seen Tiger dominate the professional circuit like he once did. With most of his problems being out in the public to criticize, he comes into this year’s tournament in a different light. People love a comeback story and if he were to win this tournament, it could be the greatest comeback story in all of sports. 18 Months ago Tiger said he wasn’t sure he can get back to elite golf. Especially from all the surgeries and doubt of his play after those injuries. Fast forward to September of last year, he wins the final event of the Professional Golfer’s Association Tour season and is said to be pain free. Once he knew he can do it on that level once again, along with the fans seeing him do it, expectations creep in.

Expectations and wanting to see the ‘old Tiger’ will be just one factor in him winning this tournament. In the way are all the young guns who’ve came up and have blossomed in Tiger’s absence. Most of whom have made names for themselves. Tiger comes into the tournament at 14-1 odds. Rory McIlroy, the favorite and no. 3 ranked golfer in the world, comes in with the best odds of 7-1. Dustin Johnson, no. 2 in the world, has 10-1 odds. While the no. 1 golfer in the world, Justin Rose, has 12-1 odds to win the whole thing. Maybe reigning champion Patrick Reed will be able to defend his title. Whoever manages to win will have their life changed forever. It will be certainly be a magical sight for television viewers and on-goers at the tournament who can come out on top and become the etched in golf’s history permanently.