Golf's Greatest Traditions

Golf, while steeped in history is not unique in leaning on tradition.  Early April, at Augusta National, comes some of the greatest traditions of this game.  It is amazing really how one venue, one event, can hold so many iconic traditions.  As I scan the professional game there are many of note.  But I would be remiss if I didn't share another Augusta National tradition, relatively new, but highly impactful - the Drive, Chip and Putt championship.  It's must watch viewing for me.  Co-hosted by the USGA, PGA of America and Augusta National, it may be the best.  But as we look into the professional game, here are my favourites, in order just to spice up a conversation:

9. PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament (RIP) - this no longer exists, and it is a shame, but it may be the one professional event I can relate to.  The drawn out agony of 6 rounds of golf with so much on the line.  Of course, the analogy for me is starting out so well and having 12 holes to bring home a career score.  It's an eternity.  The ebbs and flows of 6 rounds, and the intense pressure, well, that can't be manufactured.  Truth is, I could have 5 holes left and a career round can carom off the rails. 

8 - Sentry Tournament of Champions - what a perk.  A week in Hawaii, weather most often perfect.  No cut means everyone gets paid.  Fairways so wide you could land a plane on them.  A nice way to ease into the calendar year.  Of course, as a viewer it is special too.  Especially in this era of HD 4K TV.  The colours are so crisp.  And the dulcet tones of Mark Rolfing updating me on Hawaiian wind patterns, well, sign me up every January for that!

7 - Master Par 3 Tournament - The calm before the emotional storm.  Friends, family, little kids abound.  Aces galore and a place where past champions look like they can compete on Sunday afternoon.  It is just so nice to see.  Warms my heart.

6 - TPC Scottsdale 16th Hole - I have strong polarizing views on this.  In principle, I wish more events had policies and a patron respect level the likes of Augusta National.  But the realist in me can't help but smile when players get insanely cheered for success and mercilessly booed if they can't hold the green.  Bring back the caddie races, can't go halfway on an event and theatre like the 16th.  On a personal note, I was chuffed to see someone wearing a 36 A Day hat in the front row of that hole a couple years back.

5 - Fathers Day finish at the US Open - Underrated good.  I am confident generations of golf interest was sparked on the third Sunday of June, where fathers and sons (and/or daughters) spark a lifetime love for the game and celebrate the best that play conquer one of the greatest tests in professional golf.  Payne Stewart's win over Phil Mickelson will forever be etched in my memory.  I love that day in golf.

4 - The Claret Jug - arguably too low in my ranking list, this is the only trophy I can think of which would rival the Stanley Cup for the best in sport.  Having possession for a year too?  I mean, come on.  If that trophy could talk, or share the quality of spirits to which it has held.  And the ceremony, in its understated manner, with the announcement of the Champion Golfer.  Yeah, this should be higher!

3 - Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup Play - the format, the intensity, the passion.  Ian Poulter created his legacy there at Medinah against the US.  The fact it is USA versus Europe is cool but a broader global concept could work, in my opinion. But I would argue the pressure and the pleasure of success may not be higher for any player.  And to earn your way on, well that is amazing.  Another tradition I simply don't miss.

2 - The Green Jacket - And with the spoils comes the lifetime invitation to play.  To me, there is simply no larger pinnacle in the world of golf.  The Masters and Augusta National seemingly just does it all right.  I am not ignoring historical wrongdoings, but let's focus on the jacket and the significance of it all.  Rory would likely offer to live out of a van for 6 months if he was assured a 2 stroke lead with three holes to play on Masters Sunday.  The symbolism of the Green Jacket is sky high on my list.

1 - Masters Champion Dinner - and to complete the best traditions in professional golf, and to acknowledge Augusta's stranglehold on this list, is the most exclusive dinner invitation in golf.  Tuesday evening of Masters week.  The Chairman of the Club needs to be invited to join (he always gets that invite).  And the champion pays for dinner, a bill they all gladly pay.  The stories over time, I mean c'mon.  Wide eyed younger winners, mature over time to settle in to their lifetime place at the table.  Once a Masters champion, always a Masters Champion.  And an annual dinner date is set.  For life.

So there you have it.  Let me know your thoughts?  Anything I missed?  Disagree with some?