As I reflect on the state of the golf world on this Sunday before the Masters, it would be folly of me not to recall 12 short months ago when golf was squarely in the cross hairs of popular commentators and blamed by some as a key element in the demise of the world economy. To paraphrase, golf was the breeding ground for many of the problems of the day as rich white men from Wall Street mixed with Washington politicians on junkets to play golf and devise plans to undermine our economy and enrich themselves. Additionally, the idea for golf to be used as a marketing tool for Northern Trust or Wachovia or Morgan Stanley was completely inappropriate in the minds of the press and in turn politicians. It was a public lynching of an honorable sport.
Fast forward twelve months and the upcoming Masters. The economy is on the mend. We still have a long way to go however but unemployment appears to be have reached it’s peak and there are various indications of an improving economy. Golf is still being played, although many country clubs are in deep financial trouble for various reasons. If Tiger Woods is in contention this coming weekend at the Masters, potentially it may be the most viewed sports broadcast in history…and golf will be center stage. At first when I heard the idea of Tiger’s return at Augusta I was surprised, but as everything has played out it has been a stroke of brilliance by Chairman Billy Payne of the Augusta National Golf Club. It would also appear Augusta National are taking advantage of this opportunity to be in the eyes of so many “new golfers” by introducing new technologies, such as 3D golf and even more in depth internet coverage of the tournament. While some of these “new golfers” may be more in tune with Entertainment Tonight and TMZ, I believe the Masters will show the world this week another compelling sports spectacle. Twelve months ago, no one could ever have predicted Tiger’s fall from grace nor any of the twists and turns to the story. It is strange world that we live in, and as you often hear, “….you just could not make this stuff up!”.
Seven days from now we shall all be enthralled by the back nine on Sunday at Augusta…enjoy, for doubtless many more sub plots will emerge as the week progresses.
About the Author: Gordon Dalgleish is the Co-Founding Director of PerryGolf, the leading provider of international golf vacations. You can find him on Google+
