No disrespect to present day NBA enthusiasts, but I lost most of my interest in professional basketball after Michael Jordan retired.  Big fella’ was a man among boys on the court.

Top 10 All Time Michael Jordan Dunks

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Over the years, The Masters has provided a sure sign of Spring, almost as significant as the increasing warmth of the weather.  The annual PGA Major Tournament, always hosted by the Augusta National Golf Club, provides golf fans (myself included) with one of professional golf’s most beautiful spectacles with many of the game’s most recognizable holes.  As of late, however, The Masters has had an air of predictability about it.

Of course, I am referring to Tiger Woods, and the likelihood that he will win his fifth Green Jacket in 12 Masters Tournaments.  Tiger’s Masters Record is formidable; and at present, his peers seldom display that their skills can, with any consistency, challenge the man.  This sad reality is reflected in the wagering odds for the 2008 Masters:  Tiger at even money with Phil Mickelson, 10/1, a distant second in the betting line.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining.  First of all, I enjoy watching Woods do his thing.  I can only dream of duplicating what he is capable of doing with a golf ball.  In addition, I find it extremely exciting to watch Tiger compete against another living legend at Augusta:  Jack Nicklaus.  Yes, I am aware he won’t be playing, but he, and his Masters Record of six victories, represents final hurdle for Woods to attain undisputed status as the Master’s best ever.

For now the Golden Bear stands alone atop the Augusta National mountain.  If Tiger’s Masters performances have been formidable, Nicklaus’ record is simply stunning; if for no other reason than the length of its time span.  Jack Nicklaus played his first Masters in 1959 (missed cut); got his first Green Jacket in 1963, and 23 years later he won his sixth.

Nicklaus’ final win in 1986 was magnificent.  If you have about ten minutes to spare, I recommend that you view this:  highlights of Nicklaus’ dramatic come from behind final back 9 (albeit, in some of the worst pants I’ve ever seen).  If you don’t have that kind of time to spare, this clip is of Jack Nicklaus’ tee shot on Augusta’s Par 3, 16^th, will give you a taste of the excitement at that final round in 1986. 

Will Tiger catch the Golden Bear?  Of course he will.  It is really just a question of when.  Perhaps, if we’re lucky, Tiger will set the stage to capture the record at Augusta in the near future.  Jack went 11 years between his 5^th and 6^th Green Jackets, but it is doubtful that it will take Woods that long.  But, when he does, wouldn’t it be a sight if Tiger sported Jack’s plaid pants from 1986?  I won’t hold my breath.  For now, we should all enjoy the warming weather, indoors watching The Masters on TV.