MICHAEL KIRAL / L’Observateur / April 5, 2000

With Michigan State’s 89-76 victory over Florida in the NCAA Championship game Monday, March Madness officially came to an end.

Now, the sports world turns to the serenity of Augusta.

In the world of sports, there are few things like the Masters. With thepossible exception of the British Open, no golf tournament is centered around tradition more than Bobby Jones’ creation.

Jones got it all started in the early 1930s. He would prove to be as astute ajudge of golf courses as he was a golfer. Gene Sarazen would put thetournament on the sporting map a few years later with his “shot heard around the world,” a double eagle on the 15th hole that led to a victory in sudden death in 1935. This year’s tournament will be the first withoutSarazen who passed away last year. But his presence will long be felt alongMagnolia Drive.

Sarazen’s shot was the first of many memories created at Augusta. If Jonesand Sarazen are not the names most associated with the Masters, then Jack Nicklaus certainly is. The winner of six green jackets, including the last at theage of 46 when he finished with six birdies and an eagle over the last 10 holes to pull out the victory. Two years ago, he made another magical chargeon the final day to finish sixth.

You want magic? How about Larry Mize’s chip in to defeat Greg Norman, getting a victory on the course he grew up across the street from.

It would not be the last time that Norman who would be victimized at the Masters. In 1996, he saw a six-stroke lead disappear on the final day, givingthe green jacket to Nick Faldo.

A year earlier, there was Ben Crenshaw crying on the 18th green, capturing the tournament a week after the passing of his mentor, Harvey Pennick.

The 1997 tournament was the coronation of Tiger Woods who won the tournament by an unbelievable 12 strokes.

The Men of the Masters have made changes to their course since Woods’ dominance in 1997, some even so controversial as to raise Nicklaus’ ire. Butthey also knew to leave most of the course as it has been for years. This ishome to Amen Corner, three of the most famous holes in all of golf. And ifyou think the saga of Rae’s Creek is overrated, just ask Fred Couples.

Woods, of course, is the prohibitive favorite to capture his second green jacket given his recent play. Phil Mickelson, who has already captured twotournaments this year, could also be in the hunt. Jose Maria Olazabal won lastyear and has a history of playing well in Augusta. So does Davis Love III, whohas four top 10 finishes since 1995.

David Duval has yet to break through at a major. After a sixth-place finishlast year, this could be his turn. Colin Montgomery has to win some time inthe United States, doesn’t he? Hal Sutton and Scott Hoch have been hot this year.

And who knows, could this be Norman’s year to finally slay his snakes at Augusta? And maybe, just maybe, the Golden Bear can have one more golden moment.

It’s not out of the realm of possibility. After all, crazier things havehappened among the azaleas of Augusta. March Madness may be over. Butdon’t think the goings on at the Masters this week will be any more predictable.

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