The Master Plan

This Thursday the PGA will host the fourth and final major of the 2011 season at the Atlanta Athletic Club-Highlands Course.  The 93rd running of this annual event is full of excitement and intrigue.  All the buzz around this tournament comes from a few different angles, but they all seem to center around Tiger Woods.  I could write a short novel on Tiger's shortcomings but I will leave El Tigre alone for a moment.  Although, it is hard to ignore the impact Tiger has on golf whether he is playing golf/playing well or not.

Being a sports fan, it seems like it is difficult for people to consider Tiger human (on the course) so I think we are confused as to what to think.  Will Tiger ever return to "Tiger" form?  Have the mistakes in his personal life derailed his intentions on winning the most majors in golf history?  Tiger is currently 35 and should be right in the middle of his prime.  He can ill afford to continually be in the process of changing things around him if he wants any shot at being the golfer that we all love to watch.  And lets face it folks, its not easy to love to watch golf on TV but Tiger gives us a reason to be in our seats anxiously awaiting the next amazing shot.

Despite the drama that has been developing in the golf world, there will still be 156 golfers focused and ready to take their swings on the first day of the 2011 PGA Championship.  It is hard to say who will end up winning the final major of the year, but one thing that is certain is the end of the PGA season.  The season will wind down after the PGA Championship and players can look back on the opportunities that were capitalized on and the ones that slipped away.

Something We Learned In 2011

We now know that Rory McIlroy is a very good young player and will win multiple majors during the remainder of his career, but people still look to Tiger to determine the future of golf.  We also learned that Tiger could not just come back to golf without missing a step.  It is clear his life away from the course has broken the foundation of his golf game (knee injury or not), and the recent loss of his caddy (Steve Williams) might only cause more instability.  The PGA Championship will set the tone for Tiger's 2012.  The forecast could be great, but it could also look ominous with a chance of early retirement.

Things To Look For In 2012

After this weekend you can flip your golf calendar to next year and start getting ready for the 2012 round of majors.  Any golf fan knows that the first major of any year is the Masters.  The tradition unlike any other will continue on in April of 2012.  Players like McIlroy will look to redeem his efforts after letting the lead slip away last year, and players like Tiger will just look to get grounded into the familiar ways of winning.  In 2012 Tiger will go for his fifth Green Jacket, which would put him only one behind the Golden Bear who holds the record.  And don't forget about Phil...  Wait I think everyone is forgetting about Lefty.  His relevance in the golf community seems to be dwindling and his window for another major might be slamming shut.

Paradise: Green Grasses, Sandy Bunkers, Peaceful Streams, & Green Jackets

Simply getting a chance to see a round at the Masters is an incredible experience.  The course brings new meaning to the words pristine and beautiful.  Being on the grounds at Augusta is an opportunity of a lifetime, and getting to walk the trails and paths of the property is like walking through a magnificent tour of golf history.  Not even the classy and soothing voice of Jim Nantz can justify how beautiful the course is the first time you get to see the spectacular landscape in person.

The view isn't the only thing that makes a Masters experience unlike any other.  Aside from getting a chance to see the best golfers in the world compete on the sports' biggest stage, there are also wonderful hospitality areas that feature top quality service and goods.

At Sports Traveler we offer several premium travel packages to the Masters that can include tickets, lodging, and access to exclusive hospitality areas.  Just need Masters tickets?  No problem.  Need a package for the opening rounds?  We got it.  Maybe you just want to visit during the practice rounds.  Don't worry.  Sports Traveler has you covered on Masters tickets and travel packages for any session during Masters week.  We even offer exclusive deals for private home rentals!  The Masters is the best tournament that golf has to offer so when its time to book your trip to Augusta, remember that Sports Traveler is your best resource for sports travel.

Written by: Craig Kibler

 

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