Jordan Spieth strides for second Green Jacket
The 80th edition of the US Masters, the first Major of the year on the golfing calendar, tees-off today at Augusta National, Georgia, USA (7-10 April). It’s the moment that we’ve all been waiting for. That magical moment when the fragrance of Augusta’s impeccably-mown fairways wafts deliciously into your home through your television screen. It’s the moment that the best golfers in the world gather once more to stride for The Masters title and the Green Jacket. Among them players like Rory McIlroy, Jason Day, Adam Scott, Zach Johnson and, naturally, the defending Masters Champion and super talent, 22-year old Jordan Spieth from Texas.
In just two appearances in The Masters, the young, fresh-faced Spieth has ignited and inspired a whole new generation of golfers around the globe. First in 2014 when he was joint runner-up to fellow American Bubba Watson and then with his convincing victory last year. Spieth stormed to a record-equalling low tally of 18-under-par 270 leaving England’s Justin Rose and American Phil Mickelson trailing four behind. The Texan shares this all-time low record with Tiger Woods. In 1997, at the age of 21, Woods shot to fame with his record-breaking 270 and became the tournament’s youngest champion. Last year Spieth, aged 21, equalled this record too. In fact, he broke just about every record in the book, most notably an incredible tally of 28 birdies!
“A human herbaceous border” is how BBC commentator Bruce Critchley once described the colourful scene of golf fans scattered around Augusta National. Indeed, the images which are broadcast around the world are so perfect you would be forgiven for thinking that they are computer generated. Perfection is the key here. The beautifully manicured course is spread over 400 acres. Even the colourful azaleas are seemingly timed to perfection so that they are in full bloom this week providing a gorgeous backdrop to the famous par three 12th hole. The bird song. The silent crowds. The anticipation. The elegant flutter of applause on the breeze. The roar as another birdie finds the cup. The super slick greens. Amen Corner. We could go on and on …
If you’re not one of the lucky few to be there in person this week in Georgia, then just sit back in the comfort of your own armchair and watch the drama at Augusta unfold on the box. Millions of golf fans from more than 200 countries will be glued to the television for The Masters. It promises to be another gem of a tournament. Never a dull moment – intense, intriguing and truly inspiring. The Augusta National Golf Club certainly knows how to host and organise one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world. And the BBC’s golf commentary team really know how to inform and entertain you. The wizardry of the golfers will keep you on the edge of your chair the whole weekend. By the way, this could be your last chance to enjoy the dulcet tones of Peter Alliss and Ken Brown at The Masters, or at least in action for the beeb.
Let the magic of The Masters begin!
Wendy Hoad
Scheduled television coverage of The Masters on BBC 2:
Friday, 8th April 18.30-19.30 hrs GMT (19.30-20.30 AMS) – Highlights of the first day’s play.
Saturday, 9th April 19.30-24.00 hrs GMT (20.30-1.00 AMS) – Live coverage of The Masters.
Sunday, 10th April 18.30-24.00 hrs GMT (19.30-1.00AMS) – Live coverage of the final day.