Golf

Tiger Woods ends a 5 year drought!

Well,  it finally happened!  Tiger Woods after 4 back and 4 knee surgeries, not to mention other personal struggles, won the Tour Championship today at the acclaimed East Lake Golf Course in Atlanta.  For Woods,  now 42,  this victory is almost considered a miracle considering his health and personal issues earlier this year.

However,  after battling it out and on the last day,  having at one point, a 5 stroke lead,  Tiger held on to win the tournament at 11 under, two ahead of Billy Horschel.   While I personally haven’t been a huge fan of Tiger in recent years for obvious reasons,  it seems clear he has changed a lot in terms of his personal life and focus and you can’t help but root for a great comeback.  He’s become more likable as a person (while obviously not perfect) and has learned to become more warm and engaging with the public and media.

It seems apparent that Tiger,  who has now drastically improved his ranking to #13, will be an asset to the upcoming Ryder Cup Team with his skill and experience.

Congrats Tiger!

 

McIlroy: Champion Once Again

After going winless for 18 months, Rory McIlory finally regained glory as he won the Arnold Palmer Invitational this past weekend by going eighteen under par over 64 holes. Tiger Woods was not to far behind by finishing tied for fifth place. Rory ended the tournament with a stunning eight under round four and went the whole tournament without a bogey. Will Rory be able to keep up this play and get his first Master’s win in April, or will Tiger be able to retake the throne?

Image result for rory's arnold palmer win

Augusta National: Amen Corner Available for purchase

Which was bigger?

So who watched the super bowl this year?  Seems like pretty much everyone does but did you notice the attendance records at the Phoenix open during super bowl weekend?  Saturday’s round broke the single day attendance record for a golf event…200,000!!!  And although the viewing audience is way bigger for the super bowl, I’ve heard ratings were down compared to previous years. So is golf on the rise and football on the decline?  I guess we shall see.  For me being a huge golf fan who tries to watch every weekend, it’s no surprise to see golf on the rise.   Call me crazy but for me nothing is more exciting in sports than watching a final round where the leaders are all within a couple strokes with 3-4 holes to play.

Golf’s off season?

 

Winter in Cincinnati is always a bit rough but does the golf season have to end?  Many places stay open but the idea of skirting around in a cart at 40 degrees is not my idea of fun! However my son, who indecently made his High School golf team, has discovered how to keep in good golf shape during the off season.  Besides the obvious trips to the gym to work on his core, he practices once a week at an indoor facility where he also receives coaching.  If you live in a winter climate, I highly recommend keeping that swing sharp by visiting an indoor facility throughout the winter.

The Countdown to the Kentucky Derby!

Less than a week from now,  we will experience the 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby.  On Saturday, May 6th, at 6:34,   a full field of 3 year old thoroughbreds will be taking out of the gates to the opening bell of this historic,  landmark horse race.

Given that,  Amy’s limited edition “Derby” print is the perfect acquisition to your sports art collection.  Taken from the Kentucky Derby historic race in 1986, where Ferdinand won at the final finish after coming from behind,  this print has won awards and the original considered one of Amy’s most acclaimed pieces.

Priced at only $120 a print,  “Derby” is a great buy and will go in any decor!

derby_1770x943

 

The Masters: Sergio Garcia finally wins his first Major over Justin Rose in Sudden Death!

Wow,  what a week of ups and downs in this tournament!  In other words, no clue who was a guaranteed win….or even close.  Not to mention, the weather ranging from cold and rainy early in the week to a beautiful, final weekend.  Loved Matt Kuchar’s hole in one today on #16 where he generously donated his ball to a young boy on the sidelines.  Lots of fun and excitement!

Speaking of which,  check out my Augusta National,  Amen Corner limited edition print, available for sale. This piece depicts the historic p_augusta_croppedHoles #11 and #12.  Buy now while still in stock!