What Does a Major Mean?

All sports have 'majors.' The World Series, The World Cup, etc., etc., etc. In golf they are called the majors. There are four of these every year. Yes, my family has to endure through sixteen days per year of endless TV golf. But on the upside they are refreshed from all the naps. I of course would rather be playing them then watching them. I can't imagine a golfer of any age, professional or amateur not desiring to play in the majors. We create the scenes in our practice rounds when we are in our youth and as we gain on life we find our selves cheering on the past for that last shot of glory. This week, a past champion, who is 52, is leading The Masters Golf Tournament. Freddie Couples leads after the first two days.

Byron (trumpet) at Shattuck Prep
Fairbault, MN
1973

The Masters is the first major tournament of the year and is readily considered the most prestigious. The reasons for the this are far to many to put in a short blog that desires to focus on another point. But suffice to say, The Masters is beautiful. How do I know? I've never been there. I've never walked the grounds. But I have seen it on TV! And it is beautiful. You would definitely want to take your family for a picnic there. It ain't gonna happen, but you could always buy a ticket and pack a lunch.

Would I like to be there. YES! Would I like to be able to play in The Masters? That's like asking a wide receiver if he'd like to break the all time scoring record in the Super Bowl or make a hat trick in the World Cup. Yes is my answer. But what does a major mean?

It solidifies your career as a true champion. The number 1 player in the world rankings at the moment is Luke Donald. You might have never heard of Luke Donald. He's not much on media so the hype around him is limited. But even as the #1 player in the world he is missing that...that...well, major win. Oh, he'll get one, maybe 2 or three. But, until that happens the golfing world sees him as Luke Donald #1 in the world, la la la la.

What does a major mean? Besides that special place in history reserved for major champions? Besides a bunch of years of exemption on the PGA TOUR? Besides millions in endorsements? Besides fulfilling the dreams of childhood (childhood, what am i saying)? The majors mean a lot. Today many players will travel home having missed this years opportunity to slip on The Masters green jacket and be called a major champion. But they will go home, to families and friends who will console and support them. But it's family and friends. What does a major mean? Not much in the light of this. I don't mean to pontificate and tell you what you already know but I am reminded once again of how blessed I am to have family and friends that support, encourage and console me after major losses and major victories. The blog family is part of this as well. The comments I receive from you are wonderful. Thank you! I look forward to the day we can all celebrate that first win on tour.
Byron (HB)

PS. Note the added 'gadget' in the upper right hand column. You can follow what tournament is coming soon and where it is located.