Golf's Lighter Side

I really wanted to come up with something unique to write about this week. I didn't want to write about the NCAA title game because, quite frankly, I hardly watched any of it. I didn't want to write about The Masters golf tournament that will be going on for the next four days because we're all tired of Tiger Woods. But I found something interesting. It's the PGA's version of the home run derby or the slam dunk contest. It's the Par 3 Contest that takes place the Wednesday before The Masters starts. So my post this week will be my thoughts on the contest as I watch this afternoon on ESPN.

Apparently this contest has been going on since 1960. Groups play nine par three holes and the lowest score wins, pretty simple. The lighter mood of the event shines through early as Arnold Palmer rips his first shot into the rough and Jack Nicklaus puts his into the crowd but they both get do-overs. Smiles all around for the old guys. Gary Player goes into the crowd on his first shot and all three members of the "old guy" group get mulligans to start the broadcasted portion of the event.

If you don't like golf, I recommend checking this event out. Most people I talk to don't like golf because they feel it's too rich and stuffy. The Par 3 Contest will break down those stereotypes in a hurry. Golfers' children act as their caddies. Golfers from every generation come to Augusta to participate. Old pro Ben Crenshaw mentioned that they always give away great prizes for this tournament. I like events like this because it's a chance to see the people in their sport acting more natural. With the seriousness of competition taken away, you get a better idea of what these guys might be like away from the game. This light heartedness is exactly what golf needs after Tiger Woods tried his hardest to put a dark cloud over the game.