THE MASTERS

Last week I watched all the live coverage on TV of the Masters Golf Tournament. I enjoyed watching all the players, from the 16 year old Italian to the 60 year old Tom Watson.

Yes, it was interesting to observe Tiger Woods return to golf. It was disappointing to hear his expletives after poor shots. To hear him as a Buddhist shout “Jesus Christ” when he was mad was puzzling to me.

My favorite golfer was Phil Mickelson. I saw his incredible round on Saturday with 2 eagles on 2 successive holes, and almost another one on the next hole, plus the amazing and daring shots on Sunday. Definitely, I was pulling for him to win. 

No doubt many people were cheering for him because of the battles of his wife and mother with breast cancer over the last year. His cap with the pink ribbon for breast-cancer awareness certainly endeared him to women. 

I noted with great interest that his wife and mother have been treated at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Since I have made over a dozen trips to M.D. Anderson with my wife for her treatment of a malignant brain tumor, I could relate to the thoughts and feelings to go with that struggle.

The week prior to the Masters at the Shell Open in Houston, Mickelson pulled oncologist Dr. Tom Buchholz out of the crowd and used him as a caddy for a few holes. He birdied three consecutive holes.

“He’s been a huge part of helping us get through, and our surgeon, Dr. Kelly Hunt — this lady was incredible,” Mickelson said. “These two have helped us in the toughest time of our life.”

With his grin, great ability, and positive personality, how could anyone not root for Phil Mickelson? Though his wife Amy is weak from her chemo treatments, she made her only appearance at the Masters as Phil walked off the 18th green after winning the title. What an emotional sight as they embraced!

"It was a very special and emotional moment for us because we've been through a lot this last year," said Phil. He continued, "I was so excited to see her, I wasn't sure if she was going to make it out. To see her and the kids and be able to share that moment with them is something that we'll look back on years from now and cherish."

After he donned his green champion’s jacket, I plopped on a cap I bought at the Masters some years ago, and took a good jeep ride. I will cherish the moment also.