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DEL.ICIO.USSo much for a Grand Slam
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Augusta — So we say farewell and take our leave of the Grand Slam for another year — not to disregard the eminence of Trevor Immelman of South Africa. But until this moment, no one had raised his name in that regard until the sun went down on Tiger Woods at the Masters Sunday.
First, the Grand Slam is a fabrication. It’s a creation of four parts which began as “The Impregnable Quadrilateral,” a phrase created by a New York sports writer named George Trevor (honest). It was later simplified by O.B. Keeler, an Atlanta Journal sportswriter who rode side-saddle with Bobby Jones on his ascension to glory. I’m sure that O.B. didn’t do it all by himself, but he was at the head of the class. He was at Jones’ side as the gentleman amateur from Atlanta won the British Open and Amateur and the U.S. Open and Amateur tournaments in 1929, then went into retirement. He remains forever revered as “president in perpetuity” of Augusta National Golf Club.
Much too much had been written and spoken of the fixation on Woods, and his self-declared pursuit of this holy grail of golf. His declaration was not made as such, but became an assumption that he never debunked, nor aw-pshawed. This Masters, the 72nd, was to be the launching point, but as it evolved on Sunday afternoon, it was one convoluted round of golf, highlighted — or low-lighted — by some of the less memorable play recorded in this hallowed refuge of the Green Jacket.
Immelman managed to bring it off Sunday with a round of 75, and from start to finish, the South African called on every nerve in his 5-foot, 9-inch frame. He was, it appeared, as tightly wound as one of the golf balls he struck, but held together through a daunting afternoon. Treacherous weather had been projected, and treacherous it was. The wind blew furiously most of the round, tugging at players’ trouser legs and causing flags to dance wildly in the cups.
Through all this, the low round of 68 was posted by the Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez, he of the hair bun. Jimenez checked in early with a round of 68, good for a tie-8th score of 287. Only three others were under par, Heath Slocum at 69 and Stuart Appleby and Nick Watney at 71. So after four years of home-grown champions, the Green Jacket takes another trip across foreign borders. Mike Weir of Canada was the champion in 2003.
Immelman is not a winner without a championship portfolio. He won the Western Open in 2006, his first PGA Tour success, but he had won previously on U.S. soil. He and Rory Sabbatini won the World Cup for South Africa, played at Kiawah Island in 2003. Five times he had won other international tournaments. His father, Johan, is commissioner of the Sunshine Tour in South Africa, and an older brother is a golf professional who triggered his interest in the game.
What’s amazing is that Immelman has moved along below the radar among those foreign players who frequent the American tour. He does maintain a residence near Orlando and another in a London suburb. It was a kind of day that wore heavily on all 45 of the players who survived the cut, and not until the average score is posted will we know just how much was real golf and how much was merely survival. Not one player on the leaderboard, save Jimenez, improved his score.
Comments
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By chris deighan
April 13, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
Immelman won and congrats to him. But the good folks at Augusta need to take another look at the changes they made to the course prior to last year’s tournament. No one makes a charge on Sunday anymore. It looks like the notion of “winning” a Green Jacket has been replaced by a live version of “Survivor Augusta.”
By Vision
April 13, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
Thanks Furman, it is about time we saw a fair and honest article on the Masters. The course was indeed brutal today but unlike so many “team” sports each player had to prove themselves one shot at a time this week.
Immelman’s amazing rounds the first 3 days secured a position to be able to play cautiously today while names like Woods and Sink leaked oil all over Augusta National.
A brilliantly played 4th round and a tip of the hat to the South African.
By Marks
April 13, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
One Major wonder, there is a few of them. Immelman joins those ranks which include Zach Johnson, until he wins another Major.
It’s funny he’s won the Masters before Ernie Els and Retief Goosen more accomplished South Africans. Both played poorly.
Tiger’s grit got him second. I feel even he knows when it’s unlikely to win a tournament from behind.
If Tiger would have got to -6 on Saturday, maybe his concentration over puts on Sunday would have been better. Some parts on the Master’s course are made to challenge Tiger’s talents specifically!
He has to sense victory in himself to play spectacularly. Statistics prove it. When he shares or has the lead on Sunday, Tiger is exceptional! Best winning percentage in golf history then.
Immelman can’t think he’s chasing Tiger, he has Mickelson to catch. Break away from the other one Major winners group.
Tiger getting second is historical too. Jack Nicklaus got second a bunch of times!
By Rabun Dawg
April 13, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this
Mr. Bisher, thanks for the unbiased report on the Masters.Immelman survived under trying comditions, and Bravos to him for the grit to do it.Unlike one of the others at the AJC,you gave us a fair assesment of the tournament.Here’s hoping for more success for the classy winner of this years Masters.
By GT71
April 14, 2008 7:42 AM | Link to this
Thanks, Mr. Bisher. my comments have been co-opted by many of those before me in this forum, but I have to add that your professionalism should be the subject matter of many - if not all - journalism classes everywhere. You are the standard against whom all others must stand and be judged (that other guy on the AJC payroll flunks the course). Ok, I’ll say it - you are the Bobby Jones of your profession. Better than that can’t be said.
By sfa
April 14, 2008 8:01 AM | Link to this
When tiger has the lead and other players miss putts/shots down the stretch they are choking according to tiger fans. When the roles are reversed he just didn’t have his A game or he hit better than anyone else but just didn’t get the putts to fall. Congratulate the champion and pull for your guy next time.
By sfa
April 14, 2008 8:04 AM | Link to this
On another note, I admire tiger’s golfing ability and believe he is likely the best ever due to his drive and work ethic but his complete lack of class on the course is disturbing. His fans and the media are so in love with him they are blinded by his horrific behavior. Screaming expletives, especially GD and F, is extremely offensive to decent people and certainly no way for a role model to behave in public under any circumstances. I can’t imagine Jack behaving the same-it’s really the difference between class and trash. To give him the benefit of the doubt maybe he doesn’t realize how poorly it reflects on everything he represents. I’m sure terence thinks it is okay….
By GT71
April 14, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this
On a slightly different subject, I noticed that Arnold Palmer had his cell phone ring after his drive to start the Masters. Billy Paine was standing close by. Question: was Mr. Palmer escorted from the premises and his priviledge of a return visit revoked like mine were several years ago when a turned-off phone was confiscated and my badges revoked forever? How about it, Mr. Paine? Is there a double standard here and is the Club hypicritical? I’ll find out when you get a substitute for Mr Palmer next year. If he returns, you may be hearing from several lawyers.
By reebok
April 14, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
When I read a charming, well-thought out, respectful and dignified column like this, I am reminded even more that many sportwriters (the estimable Mr. Moore among them) simply have no talent.
By t
April 14, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
While Tiger was choking Immelman was fluking?
By GT76
April 14, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
Great article Furman. I really enjoyed the Bobby Jones movie (2004) with Malcolm McDowell playing O.B. Keeler.
One thing I love about going to Augusta is taking in the history of the place. You can feel it and see it. You can tell all the players continue to maintain an incredible respect and awe for the place.
GT71, With all due respect, I would guess you made some sort of fuss about your cell phone and/or pi##ed off the wrong person. If you think Arnold Palmer will/should be treated the same as you, then someone needs to slap you back into the real world. It’s private property, Billy can do about what he wants in this regard. You should have left your phone in the car, plain and simple.
By Texas Duffer
April 14, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
Wow…I guess Sen.Obama was right about some ‘bitter’ folks being out there, but it appears that they have migrated from Pennsylvania to Atlanta! Great to see Trevor Immelman win, since he seems like a real nice guy, but for Brother Woods to finish 2nd while not sinking a birdie putt while I was watching is also amazing…the real winner was that course, which brought the world’s best to their knees!! Please stop the hate..you folks sound like Lou Dobbs, Limbaugh, and/or Stephen A. Smith on crack…That is all//
By GT76
April 14, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
Regarding the grand slam..Trevor is the only one who can win all four this year! However I respect a great deal the fact that Tiger was the defending champion of all 4 majors at one time. Don’t care if it was the same calendar year. That was a tremendous feat.
By Joey
April 14, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
I read a Tom Weiskof comment about Jack Nicklaus being as gracious when he lost a hard fought match as he was when he won. He also said he had never seen Jack display gamemanship nor rudeness in any round of golf. Compare that behavior to Tiger’s when he wins or loses, as well as the cussing, fist pumps, cussing at his caddie, etc.
He is the best golfer since Jack, but he can’t carry Jack’s jockstrap when it comes to class and dignity
By Keeping It Real
April 14, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
Hey Joey,
Class is a percerception of one’s perspective. Jack is Jack and Tiger is Tiger. They are both great golfers. Personally, I like in your face compeition with fist pumping and high fives. Judging from what I see, the other golfers like that also.I have never seen Tiger display any disrepect to his compeition or the game despite attempts of the press to provoke him to do otherwise. His individuality is his own and is not for us to condemn or change. Bubba Watson has his individuality also thus his rant at Steve Ellington. I thought that was fun to watch and good for the game as it displayed the intensity involved in the game today. We are fortunate to have been graced with the opportunity of having seen the two best golfers ever.
By David
April 14, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
Congratualations to Immelman for playing a great round under difficult conditions. He would not back up for most of the day, which appeared to take the heart out of some pursuers until it was too late, or caused them to take chances that backfired.
It is clear (at least to me) that when Tiger putts like the rest of the field, he is great but not invincible. A fair press would question whether Tiger showed some nerves in missing some of those short putts. However, I am not holding my breath. The press, especially the networks and The Golf Channel, fear losing access to Tiger, whose treatment of Peter Kostis shows that he holds a grudge against anyone who anything negative about him, even if the criticism is milder than that leveled at the rest of the players.
By Joey
April 14, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
Hey Real,
Saying the F word when you know your face is being shown on TV everywhere demonstrates a lack of class from most everyone’s perspective, don’t you think?
By gt71
April 14, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Well, GT76, the cell phone was simply transferred from a jacket pocket to trousers as day was warming and jackets came off (was a ‘guest’ of mine who’d been warned but ‘forgot’, nit me). Guard saw the ‘move’, came running across about 100 feet, accosted the patron, lead him from premises, confiscated the badge and was told to never return. A follow-up letter said ‘no more bagdes for you - ever’. Didn’t p*ss anyone else off, didn’t make a fuss. That’s the penaly for breaking their rule. I accepted it. It was only when someone else (yes, a priviledged and deserving fellow - this isn’t about Palmer) was treated VERY differently that it made a difference. They make the rules, yes. And they can change them at will it seems. Just tells you the knd of good old boys we’re dealing with here. Get it now?
By GT76
April 14, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
GT71, yep I think I got it. I was there this past week and was told a thousand times “don’t bring your cell phone in”. I did not see anyone get involved with the security goon squad.
REGARDING TIGERS SPORTSMANSHIP, I was there for two days and saw on several occasions where people “following” Tiger got up and kept moving after Tiger would hit his tee shot, and had no regard for standing still while Tiger’s fellow competitor hit his. I realize that is not directly Tiger’s fault but it speaks to the difference between many “Tiger fans” and “golf fans”. Bob Jones would not be happy with that or the fist pumping, or the cussing. Tiger is so intense. I think he has lost control somewhat with his desire to win at all costs. I believe he is a very good person and will realize that he needs to tone it down a little. I’m sure he has not endeared himself to most of the rest of the PGAtour members. His intimidation is by design. That’s OK, but he won’t go down in history as one of the more likeable, sportsmanship guys. You may not be able to have it both ways these days. His goals are so lofty that they don’t match up with going out of the way to be nice and quiet.
By BUSHWACKER
April 14, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
Golf is about more than winning and losing, its what makes it different from all other sports, how you lose says as much about what kind of golfer you are as how you win does.
You would never hear Jack, Arnie, Gary Player, Byron Nelson, Sam Snead, or Bobby Jones cussing on the golf course or slamming clubs.
Of course, todays younger fans have no idea what I’m talking about.
But that’s why it does not matter if Tiger wins 150 tournaments and 50 majors, he will still never be the greatest golfer of all time.
And PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, no more talk about winning the SLAM unitl at least the first tournament has been one.
By BUSHWACKER
April 14, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
to marks: your statement : Some parts on the Master’s course are made to challenge Tiger’s talents specifically!
What does that mean?? They are making the course harder for Tiger to win on?
That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. If it now more difficult for Tiger,would that not make it EVEN HARDER for the rest of the field who do not have his “talents”.
By BUSHWACKER
April 14, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
keep it real, obviously you have not watched many tournaments, Tiger has no class and everyone but you knows it!
But when you are worth $200 millions I guess you give damn what people think of you.
I bet you one thing, if Tiger’s father was still around you would see a different attitude on the course.
By Keeping It Real
April 14, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
Bushwhacker/Joey,
I believe that Tiger’s father was in the special services. The last I heard, they take no prisoners. Tiger gets his demeanor from his father who trained him under special services techniques. As for not watching many tournaments,that is not true. I have watched golf for many years. Do you remember Tommy Bolt? His temper tantrums were ledgend. The only reason you never heard the “f” word from Bolt was that there were no microphones tracking his every move. Tiger is the real deal. He has raised the game to astronomical heights. Too bad you guys dislike him so much. Maybe one day you will appreciate his talents and join the rest of us in Tiger’s legion.
By Marjorie Taylor
April 14, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
It is now obvious that Tiger will not win the so-called calendar slam this year, but he will keep trying. The news is, neither will Immelman and I do not have to wait until the US Open to say this. Since most of the writers claim to be gentlemen and Tiger - well otherwise, then act and write like you are, instead of spouting old boy elitism and racism. Tiger is not greater than golf, but if you all continue bashing and attacking him more openly instead of behind the faceless internet, golf will suffer for it. Don’t bring back racism into golf - or more likely keep it in the closet where it belongs.
By sfa
April 14, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
Most of the posts have nothing to do with race or old boy elitism, but instead with behavior, completely independent of race. There will always be posts that are racially motivated, both ways, but I don’t care the least about what race the golfers are. I love the game of golf and would appreciate some objectivity from the media since I follow pro golf closely. Tiger fans seem to interpret any and all criticism as racism which is simply not true in most cases. If you want to read material from someone who injects race into the discussion try terence’s column, he’s the unmatched expert at being a racist, with full support from his employer. I suppose it is in his job description since it seems like his only qualification.
By sloan
April 15, 2008 7:32 AM | Link to this
Thank you, Mr. Bisher, for a well written column. Congratulations to Trevor Immelman for his win. I cannot say that I was riveted by the final round action, and I do believe that the Tiger-proofing of Augusta National has made the Maters more like the U.S. Open which is regrettable. Nevertheless, I must say that I was most disappointed in Tiger’s performance. Yes, he’s won 13 majors and is the dominant player of his time, BUT all of those wins are from the position of being the 54 hole leader. He has never come from behind on Sunday to win a major, and Sunday’s leader board was one that was ripe for the taking. Tiger didn’t have to overtake an Arnold Palmer, a Gary Player, a Lee Trevino, or a Tom Watson. Tiger may break Jack’s records, but I will never drink the Kool-Aid that he is the best ever. You cannot really compare eras but you can compare the level of competition that exists in this era versus the past. I named Jack’s peers. Hogan had several good ones too as did Bobby Jones. When you can’t put pressure on Trevor Immelman, Brandt Snedeker, Steve Flesch and Paul Casey on the biggest stage in golf in the final round of a major, please spare me the grand slam talk. And don’t get me started on Phil Mickelson either, who is this era’s second best player!