I never, ever, ever watch ESPN. Ever. For any reason. I find their coverage of sporting events and sports news to be nothing less than abhorrant. I don’t even know what channels ESPN occupies on my cable. For all of their crimes against sports and sports media, though, I must say I am currently being very pleasantly surprised by their coverage of the Masters par 3 tournament that I recorded yesterday and am watching at the moment.
For those of you who don’t know, the Masters is one of the 4 major PGA tournaments that takes place every year. Unlike the other 3 that take place at different courses every year, the Masters takes place at Augusta National Country Club in Augusta, Georgia, a country club known not only for it’s history and presitge but also it’s snobbery and elitism. The day before the tournament starts, a handful of golfers take part in a 9 hole tournament of the course’s par 3 holes. Unlike the “big tournament,” the par 3 is a laid back, fun event that most of the golfers don’t take seriously. Most of them actually don’t want to win, as in the history of the event (which started in 1960, IIRC), nobody who has won the par 3 tourney has gone on to win the Masters that same year. So in addition to sometimes purposely missing putts, putting balls in the water and just in general goofing off, most of the golfers bring their little kids along for round.
As a parent and as a fan of the game of golf, I really truly enjoy watching 5 and 6 year old kids running around the course in the traditional all white Masters caddie bibs with their Dad’s names on their backs. One of the most storied courses in all of golf and the intensely serious atmosphere that is to-come in the days following is completely juxtapositioned by professional golfer’s who are letting their Kindergarteners attempt putts for them…putts that count. What a memory that would be for a child as he grows up. “I sunk a 3 footer for my Dad at Augusta National.” The crowd always erupts when the kids get in on the action, whether they’re putting for Dad or racing from the tee box to the green or running around in circles with the caddie’s towels on their heads. You’re seeing golfers with the guards down. Golfers in “dad mode.” They’re playing golf with their kids, and you can tell that they love it, and I love to watch it.
So kudos to ESPN for bringing us good coverage of this event. For not blowing it way out of porportion and making it super serious and important like they do with every other thing they cover. Thank you ESPN for showing us a brief cross-section of professional athletes who can merge their jobs as competitors and fathers in what is always an enjoyable event for fans.
One of the youngins having fun at the Masters par 3 tournament
