Every year here in the Deep South’s version of paradise, the world’s best golfers gather in Augusta to compete for the coveted Green Jacket. This Saturday night at the end of 54, Angel Cabrera and Kenny Perry are enjoying the lead at 11 under, but notice I didn’t say comfortable. Chad Campbell and Jim Furyk are hot on their tails, and let’s not forget about Tiger. At 4 under, he is officially in 10th place, but there are nine golfers tied with him, including Phil Mickelson.
Everyone is looking forward to the pairing that we as the media have hyped to be the equivalent of Superman vs. Batman, but I can guarantee that sharing each other’s presence is the last thing on Tiger’s or Phil’s mind. With a comeback still possible for approximately 20 players, their focus is undoubtedly on plowing through the infamous back 9 with the help of a few Heaven-sent miracles courtesy of the Amen Corner.
If Perry can pull off one more day playing the way he’s been playing so far, he will be the oldest player to ever win the Masters (48). Now some of you may have heard his name a few times in the past year, as he took Tiger’s place as Grand Poobah of golf on his way to four wins in the PGA Tournament. (Disclaimer: Tiger just happened to be injured for most of this time.) One player to watch out for Sunday will be Furyk, who is this year’s favorite to be Guy-Who’s-Really-Good-But-We-Sure Didn’t-Expect-To-See-Him-Leave-Augusta-With-A-New-Sports-Coat.
Will we see Tiger or Phil with the miraculous comeback? Will Perry become the oldest player to win at Augusta? Will Campbell retake his status as leader at the end of the day? Will Furyk play his underdog role to a tee (pun intended)? This is why we watch. It could be one of the greatest days in sports or just another year at the Masters.
And by the way, Tiger’s comeback status was officially upgraded from possible to likely. It’s reported to have nothing to do with his play on Saturday. It seems to stem solely from the fact that he will likely be wearing red on Sunday.
Collier is attending The Masters and will be bringing you another blog from Augusta on Sunday. He can be reached at ccollier@scoreatl.com.
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