By Chris Park, El Diamante High School, Grade 12
April 11, 2011
It is that time of the year when the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) hosts the annual Masters Golf tournament. Professional golfers all over the world, who have performed more than satisfying performances and achieved numerous amounts of success throughout the season, have received an invitation to compete in the 2011 Masters. This year’s top golfers include the new number one golfer, Phil Mickelson, and lots more such as K.J Choi, Lee Westwood, Stuart Appleby and the unforgettable, Tiger Woods. The “buzz” about who will become the reigning champion has been stirring the media as well as the golfing world. So who will be the next Masters champion?
In the past, there was only one player that the majority would assume to win the Masters, Tiger Woods. Being well known as the former number one ranked golfer and highest paid athlete, Woods was dominant on the course. Beginning his professional golfing career early, he grabbed his first Masters championship in 1997. However, today, even having four career Masters championships under his belt, he is not one of the favorites to win the tournament this year. Following his scandal in 2010, Woods has fallen to the lowest point of his professional career.
“I feel he’ll do decent. He always does, but I don’t think he’s on top of his game enough to win the Masters,” said Brett Cocagne, a senior varsity golfer for El Diamante High School.
This year, Phil Mickelson is seen to be the favorite to win the Masters. From moving up the world golf rankings into the number one slot, to being in control of his game, he’s been “wowing” the crowd. Mickelson’s Masters victory in 2010 was followed up with a major win at the Shell Houston Open on April 3, 2011, just three days prior to the opening day of the Masters. Mickelson has been victorious in the past and is really showing his colors this season, as he looks to attain his fourth Masters championship, tying him up with Woods.
