By now I'm sure you've heard that the brutal winter took it's toll on Augusta National. Ike's tree, famously known for being one of former President Dwight D. Eisenhower's biggest pet peeves, is now gone. But, with a legacy that also includes Ike's Pond, the 34th President of the United States will continue to be a staple at the Masters for a long time.
If you want to learn more about Eisenhower's history at Augusta, including his "relationship" with the infamous loblolly pine, check out Ike, Golf, and Augusta written by David Sowell. It's a fantastic read and a great source of knowledge for golf history buffs.
Here's a passage from the introduction:
The route to golf's Hall of Fame has taken its members down many different paths. But none has been more unique than that of 2009 inductee Dwight D. Eisenhower...When Ike first set foot on the grounds of the Club as a guest, he was 57 years old and at best a casual golffer. He departed 10 days later as a memer and on a rapid path to ecoming a full-fledged golfoholic.
There are so many great stories that come from Masters week; both from inside the ropes and out. Traditions that include events like the Champions' Dinner and the Par 3 Contest are just a couple of other reasons why this week of golf is so special. Enjoy the fireworks this year, and remember that anything can happen on the back nine come Sunday.
My final prediction is that there will be an exact replica of the Eisenhower tree planted in the same spot. It may not be visible this year, but my guess is that you'll see it again someday.
Keep it vertical!
The Surge
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Comments
Eisenhower tree
Well the Eisenhower tree might never be replaced but the Masters is intriguing as usual. Cool to see Bubba playing well. On the second day the one man that is taking me by surprise (and really shouldn't be) is an Aussie I didn't pick to do as well, Mark Leishman. Tearing up his front none and looking great. I'm watching on line again. Those that control coverage of the Masters must in a large part be the Augusta national folks and masters.com because it is otherwise shocking and really disappointing that there is no real TV coverage until 3pm (noon pacific) and half way into the day of golf. I have chosen to keep the TV and the talking heads at golf channel and ESPN on mute until real coverage starts. Fortunately the coverage on line is pretty good.
Leishaman just bogied so now tied at the top. Jason Day will need a special round to make the cut along with others like Phil.
http://www.masters.com/en_US/live/index.html
You are correct. They
You are correct. They control 100% of what gets out of those walls. You will notice there is no PGA logos anywhere...
Jinxed
You put the jinx on Leishman. Missed the cut. :-0
Jinxed indeed
Didn't do Jason Day any favors either though it looks like he'll play the week end. Was fun watching those guys today. How about Freddie the ever youngster?
Inspired me. Cindy and I slipped out for a late 9 holes at muni and I had alot of good things happen including an opening birdie at the par 4 first. My reoccurring challenge with putting is going too far by the hole. Actually chips and putts. Not today. On #1 I had a 25 foot down hill putt that was going to move from left to right. Judged it perfect and it would have been maybe 12 inches by had it missed. Hit several chips and long putts inside the leather for tap ins. Was only 2 over coming into the par 5 ninth and after a good drive got a little greedy with my second shot from the middle of the fairway and yanked my 5 wood off the heal so far left I nearly had the same 200+ shot only by the fence and over trees. I hit my 4 iron so pure it landed just in the front of the green and rolled off the back took 3 to get down though and that bogey gave me a 39. Feels like some lower rounds are on the way. You been playing?
Playing
Yeah it's fun to watch Freddy still playing well.
Haven't played much golf at all. Between the weather (for a long time) and now some kind of elbow injury (that keeps flaring up every time I think it's well) I've only played 9 holes a few times this year.
I'm going to try tomorrow and see how it does, but I'm not going to hit anything very hard so it won't fully extend after impact.
Probably worn out from throwing too many fastballs in my life. ;-)
Like they say "Getting old ain't for sissies".
Feel ya
Steve, I feel ya on the pains and getting old thing. You've likely read some of my adventures the last year or two. Shoulders, back etc. Just dealing with it best I can. I'm sure your trying all the usual stuff like rubs, ice, heat and wraps when you play. Compression wraps seem to help me when a knee and or an elbow aches.
Out of everything I do have to say ice is my best pal for inflammation and pains. I ice every day after work or play. Perhaps having an off season would help me but my golf addiction and great weather makes breaks rare. Not complaining:)
Being a former base ball player I'm sure you are more than familiar with ice and other therapies.
Hope you feel better and I'm sure you'll tough your way threw it any way. What other choice do we have? "Ain't for sissies" for sure.
Feel ya
Robert,
You forgot 'Tiger Balm' for Steves' elbow inflammation and pain ; - )
It is excellent for pain relief and attacking inflammation. Had a shoulder/neck problem about a week or ten days ago. Quick rub into the affected area and back to [what passes for]normal and able to play that same day : - )
When I remember to I rub a small amount of virgin coconut oil into the areas which give me grief before playing. When I do it is unusual that there is any post play aches and pains : - ) For a couple of thousand years the folk in India have called it 'Miracle Oil'. After a hot shower I repeat the process-just a small bit rubbed into the affected areas.
Oh! Just off for a swing session before??? arrives, now they have just downgraded a 7.6 earthquake Tsunami warning which struck just off the Solomon Islands for here in New Zealand. Just another day in paradise hahaha ; - )
Ice is OK for swelling Robert but it does little for my joints hahaha!
Enjoy the final round tomorrow and May the Best Golfer Win on The Day!
Have a great week hitting them more consistently and longer in Las Vegas.
DH
Paradise
DH,
A number of great solutions and ideas for aches and pains for a certainty. Didn't mention tiger balm or coconut oil along with others (as we had mentioned in the past) but just said "rubs" as all inclusive:) Figured Steve having that old elbow flare up from his base ball days has tried most ideas as we have. All worthy of trial:)
You have motivated me to use the coconut oil as a rub. Will give that one a go soon. Been eating it orally in my morning smoothies along with olive oil and flax seed oil and of course multiple greens and fresh fruit, et. Big believer in healthy diet.
The conclusion of the Masters should very interesting. Still 6 or so players within striking distance. Looks like it will be won on the greens as is often the case. Billy Horshel is number one in gir's but can't make a putt. Bubba is doing the well with the driver but will need to position his second shots better and make more putts today. Be a big story if the 20 year old can pull it off.
BTW, as soon as you pin pointed the cattle story I remembered the news on that one. Was thinking you were making a connection to something in NZ. Should have known that you with the world wide awareness was talking about my zone out here. Yes it is another story of government greed and intrusion. "Dirty Harry Reid" ha ha. He is an idiot and hopefully will go out of business with his buddy Obama after the next elections. Don't get me started on politics as it is not pretty or fit for this blog.
Have you watched the movie "Thrive" yet? While a pinch of salt and an open mind are needed it is quite interesting to say the least.
Like they say "Getting old
Like they say "Getting old ain't for sissies" Amen brother.
Jerry - Warren, MI
DJ
Well Surgites, in case you have not found out, DJ shot an 81 yesterday an then withdrew from the tournament . I have not spoken to Don yet, so I do not know what DJ's problem was. We will find out in a few days.
Hal
DJ
Hal:
I have been watching his results too - he has been having too many blow ups. Doubles and triples all over the card yesterday. Last tournament had good round going doubled the last hole. Ended up missing the cut by one.
Hope he keeps working hard - its nice to have someone to root for.
Surgites:
Played my first round last Sunday - shot 88, pretty good for just getting the clubs out of the basement. Solid first 9 - only two doubles, several pars. Started second nine with two triples, but played next five holes at even, got first birdie of the year. No three putts all day. Hope to play this weekend.
Good luck to all.
Jerry - Warren, MI
Playing again
Jerry,
Glad to hear the frozen tundra has finally thawed for you and many others back east. Sounds like your off to a good start for your golf season:)
Hit 'em well!
Bubba
Congrats to Bubba!!! Of all of the players on Tour I most relate to the way he plays. Always working the ball one way or the other, and often times for no apparent reason other than that he wants to and it keeps his focus.
A real feel player that doesn't give a hoot about mechanics.