Tag Archives: The Masters

Coronavirus Choices

Prior to March 12th, 2020, most Americans were carrying on with their normal routines. Yet, when breaking news reported Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz had contracted the Coronavirus, sports lovers were in for a rude awakening. The National Basketball Association immediately suspended their season. This initial decision inspired the National Hockey League, Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer to suspend their seasons as well. By the end of this week, more dominoes fell as the NCAA’s March Madness Basketball Tournament, the Player’s Championship and two Nascar Races were cancelled.

Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise, Jeremiah 17:14.

With most sporting events put on hold for a minimum of 2 weeks, possibly a month, the Coronavirus has altered the lives of sports enthusiasts. Instead of lounging around at home to watch a game, going to a sports bar with friends to enjoy college basketball or catching highlights on ESPN, new habits will have to be formed. Whether you are stuck at home watching your children, under a self imposed quarantine or forced to find something else to do when your initial plans were cancelled, perhaps the Coronavirus pandemic is a blessing in disguise.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand, Isaiah 41:10.

After binge watching a series on Amazon Prime with my wife early this weekend, I felt compelled to go outside and do something. Bored out of my mind, I took my kids golfing Saturday morning. Despite a beautiful day, the COVID-19 scare kept most golfers off this course, Their loss was my gain, playing 18 holes in less than 3 hours and 30 minutes. Although Americans have been infected, placed under quarantine or lost their lives, the Coronavirus is changing the way people live their lives. What I call Coronavirus Choices is forcing individuals to re-think their diet, sleep habits and sanitary rituals. While only God knows how long this pandemic will last, may you use your new free time at home to make better choices daily.

by Jay Mankus

The Masters Without Tiger

For the first time in his professional golf career, Tiger Woods will be missing the first major of the season, ending a 19 year streak which began in 1995.  Forced to choose back surgery rather than rehab an ailing back, Tiger’s absence will likely cause the casual fan to find something else to do this weekend.  Despite this diminished interested, the Master’s without Tiger opens the door for a new star to be born.

Beside defending champion Adam Scott, story lines abound.  How will the kid, the 20 year old Jordan Spieth do in his Masters?  Will the brash Augusta State boy, Patrick Reed win on a course he practiced on in college?  Can Freddie Couples pull a Jack Nicklaus, becoming the oldest major champion ever on the PGA tour?  Or will the Stadler father and son duo each make the cut?  What will Phil do next?  When the final round reaches Amen Corner on Sunday afternoon, history will become much clearer.

Unless you play golf, its hard to illustrate how much different golf is compared to other sports.  Practice, dedication and time well spent doesn’t always equate into success.  The game of golf is one of the greatest mental challenges in sports, keeping the most talented of golfers out of the winner’s circle.  In his prime, Tiger’s mind was supreme, years ahead of his competitors.  However, as father time has caught up with Tiger, Master’s Sunday 2014 will be a life changing day for one golfer who will be crowned with a green jacket on Sunday evening.  Although he will be missed, the Masters without Tiger you do just fine as millions will tune in for the final 9 on Sunday.

by Jay Mankus