Master’s Sunday
The trees have shed many branches over the winter. So I need to spend an hour or two picking up the sticks before I can begin to mow the lush green grass in the yard. The dead ornamental grass needs to be cut and composted, in order for the spring daffodils to flourish. There are any number of work-related things I could/should be doing today. I will do none of them. Instead, the sport of golf will get most of my energy today.
Today in Augusta, Georgia, Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau will play in the final group of the final round of The Masters tournament, each vying for their first green jacket. If McIlroy wins, he will complete the “career Grand Slam,” winning each of golf’s four major tournaments at least one time. He would be just the sixth person to ever accomplish this feat. Bryson has won just one major tournament thus far in his career - last year’s U.S. Open, but he did so by overtaking McIlroy on the final hole of the 72-hole tournament, accomplishing a miraculous up-and-down from a sand bunker 80 yards from the pin.
I am often ambivalent about being a spectator of high-level athletic competitions, preferring to be active in my own chosen arena(s) rather than passively sitting on the sidelines, rooting for others. But this year the stars have lined up and I’m all-in on seeing how the tournament plays out today.
The key aspect of competitive golf is the zen-like mental challenge it poses. The amount of present-moment awareness one needs in order to perfectly execute a given golf shot is enormous. And then there is the paradox of maintaining a sense of non-attachment to the outcome of any given shot. Converting the strong desire for the ball to go into the hole into a focus on executing exactly the intended stroke, regardless of outcome, is the essential challenge of the game.
Effortless effort, trying not to try…just letting events unfold while contributing to them with your highest and best intention. Balancing this with one’s competitive urges, with one’s desires for recognition - this is what golf fans everywhere will be tuning in to watch today. How do these guys perform with so much at stake?
I have a 1:40pm tee time today to play a round with friends. This should wrap up in time for us to see the final groups play the last few holes of the tournament. A perfect balance between my fascination with today’s drama in Augusta, and my desire to actually be in the arena. My friends in North Carolina and Texas have been playing plenty of golf already this year. But in Ohio, today is Opening Day.
Sunday Supper
I’m popping a big roaster full of this Barbacoa recipe in the oven before heading to the golf course this afternoon. This Asparagus Quiche is a perfect Spring dish. These Cheesy Cuban Chicken Taquitos look fun. For a sweet finish, how about these Lemon Sugar Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches?
Sunday Music
This Sunday Morning Playlist from Seiju is a nice way to start this day. This performance by Nubya Garcia at the NPR Tiny Desk is also fantastic. Enjoy!
If you know anyone who might like this essay, please share it with them.
Have a great week ahead! Offer support to others. Make good use of this day. And let me know how I can help.
Peace & Love,