Sport Slices

Dustin Johnson

There is no doubt in my mind that Dustin Johnson was ready to win The Masters. He has been knocking around golf balls for many years, and is currently ranked as the best player in the world. He grew up in the shade of great southern pine trees, able to play the game year 'round.

He teed up for the final round on Sunday with a comfortable lead. He stumbled slightly, then got it together to win the tournament, setting a record for the lowest score, ever, in the Georgia sunset. Normally played in the spring, the tournament usually signals a start to the golf season in northern climes. 2020 has been anything but normal, and signs indicate that is not about to change quickly.

For the past seven years, he has been accompanied by his brother, toting the golf bag as his caddy. This is, of course, the same type of pairing that Brooke Henderson has with her sister. His brother's last duty of the day was to remove the flagstick from the 18^th hole. A fitting souvenir.

He was greeted as he finished the tournament by Paulina Gretzky, his partner. In a later interview, he said the the first call he made was to their two sons, Tatum and River. Wayne and Janet were at the course, as were several other family members. There was a small crowd surrounding the green at the 18^th: volunteers, patrons, media, and family.

He then headed to “The Cottage” to receive his green jacket, placed around his shoulders by Tiger Woods. Johnson remarked that it was special to have Tiger assist him, he added that it really didn't matter who it was, as long as he got the jacket!

Four Canadians started The Masters. Top finisher was Corey Connors, who picked up almost $ 300 000, and a berth at next year's Masters. Nick Taylor was six strokes back of Connors. Mike Weir shot a disappointng 76 on the final day, but finished ahead of some fine golfers: Phil Mickelson, Bubba Watson, Brandt Snedeker and Bernd Weisberger. Adam Hadwin did not make the cut.

Johnson carded four bogeys in his four rounds of golf. That eclipsed the previous record of five, held by by Jack Nicklaus. A young Australian, Cameron Smith, tied for second, picking up more than a million American for his efforts. He shot less than 70 in all his four rounds, a first for the Masters. Korean Sunglae Im also tied for second, yet another young golfer who will be heard from in the years to come.

Johnson has won 24 tournaments on the PGA circuit. He won the US Open in 2016. He indicated that he has set his sights on The Open, and the PGA Championship. He has won at least one tournament the past 13 years, a feat accomplished by Nicklaus and Woods. His victory also tied him with Gary Player on the all time list of championships.

There are rumours that the NHL and the NBA will start their seasons next month. There is grave concern in Toronto that the COVID 19 will prohibit the Raptors from playing in Toronto. That would be disastrous for the game in Canada. Then again, anything that can be done to shut down the virus should be welcome. Perhaps they will resort to “the bubbles” they use to complete their seasons.

And yes, I am a bit glum about the Bills' game. That really hurt.

James Hurst

November 16, 2020.

# posted by James Hurst @ 1:49 PM