Before the chant of “Tiger, Tiger, Tiger” had even died down Sunday afternoon at Augusta National the debating had begun.
Is Tiger’s win bigger than Jack’s in ’86?
Is Tiger’s comeback more incredible than Hogan’s?
My reaction is to those questions is this…. Who knows? Who cares? Can’t each just be enjoyed on its own merits?
We seem to have a need to quantify everything, rank accomplishments, to compare this apple against that orange. It’s all very subjective and that’s OK, I guess.
The thing about golf, though, one of the things that makes it so great, is that it’s not subjective at all. There are no votes and there aren’t any judges. Very rarely does a rules official even have to make a judgement call. It’s all black and white, played on a field of green.
Golf is the ultimate test of one man, his equipment, and his battle against the golf course and the elements. Sure, professional golfers have caddies, but you’ve never seen one hit a shot in competition.
There is no subjectivity. Opinions don’t matter. The best competitor on that day, or that week, wins.
Simple. Pure.
The lack of subjectivity is one of the things that makes golf the greatest of them all.
Each competitor is judged on his own merits. The one with the best skill and will walks away as the champion. A club and a ball. Fewest in wins. That’s golf.
Which Master’s win was better – Jack’s in ’86 or Tiger’s in ’19?
Which comeback was better – Hogan’s recovery from a near fatal and totally debilitating car wreck or Tiger’s return from his physical, personal, and emotional beatings?
You have your opinion, and yes, I have mine. I won’t bore you with it here.
They were all amazing, inspiring accomplishments, and they’ll all stand the test of time.
Each is a part of the history of golf. The greatest game there is. I’m not going to debate you about that.
Joey Johnson is the publisher of Southern Fairways Magazine. He can be contacted at joey@southernfairwaysgolf.com.
