Ewen Murray savours Paul Lawrie's win in Spain and reflects on some memorable Masters moments.
Lawrie's return to winner's circle thrills Ewen ahead of the Masters
If you are a Scotsman, last weekend was one to savour.
After a spell lasting nine years, Paul Lawrie won again in Spain and Glaswegian Martin Laird enjoyed success in Orlando.
Martin has proved he can cut it with the best on tough courses and that's what Bay Hill was on Sunday. When the wind blows at the course Arnold Palmer bought in 1976 the questions asked are quite severe and despite a shaky spell at the start of the round, Laird came up with the answers.
In Malaga, I was thrilled for Paul Lawrie. Like Laird, he also made a poor start to the final round dropping shots at the opening two holes, but his patience, temperament and experience edged him across the line.
Sunday was windy in Spain and the Parador course showed its teeth. Only good ball striking would do and there was much to admire throughout the back nine.
Top quality golf shots and fantastic control of distance caught the eye, but it was Lawrie's calmness that impressed more than anything. Many say the first win is the hardest in golf, I have always believed the hardest win is the next one.
Paul was our guest at last years' Ryder Cup and having known him as a playing partner, he was equally good company as a work colleague. That is a long week getting up at 4am and finishing late into the evening, yet Paul embraced every minute and fitted into the team effortlessly.
Admired
Some players have won majors and "chased the dollar".
After Paul won the 1999 Open at Carnoustie, he decided to continue to enjoy his golf and stay in the City he was brought up in where he would be close to friends and family.
Today he has his own foundation in Aberdeen and the monies raised through various activities goes to help the youngsters of the Granite City and encourage them to take up the game.
He and his charming wife, Marion, are hands on in that venture and Paul is also involved in other local activities. He could have at least doubled his earnings had he spread his wings, but quality of life has always been more important to him than money. That is to be admired.
He began his golfing career as assistant pro at Banchory before progressing to the Tartan Tour and onto the main European one. The early days then were quite tough, but now at the age of 42, he can look forward to more wins and if he needs any inspiration, look no further than, Vijay Singh and Miguel Angel Jimenez who have played superb golf since turning 40.
Memories
And so to, the Masters.
Our coverage begins on April 6 with the par-3 competition which will be televised for the first time in Great Britain.
The course is a miniature of Augusta National with the longest club used around an 8 iron. The tiny greens which are guarded by water are the main feature and the atmosphere is unique.
The following day
Sky Sports begins full coverage of all four days and just the printing of these words evoke memories of the magical moments this tournament has delivered since its inception back in 1934.
A year after that, a young reporter had ran all the way up the hill to the clubhouse to tell the press that, "Mr. Gene had holed his second at the par 5 15th". Non-plussed, the press sent him back to find out the real story.
Out of breathe he returned to say, "Yep, Mr. Gene holed his second at 15".
History
It was of course the beginning of Masters history and as each year has passed further chapters have been added to tell an amazing story.
Gary Player's caddie wanted his boss to win so he would buy him and his family a house. In 1978, Gary fired his second towards the flag at the 17th en route to a final round 64.
When the ball landed just a few inches from the pin, Gary said, "let's get you that house". Gary's prize was $45,000.
A year later, first timer, Fuzzy Zoeller took advantage of a final round 76 from Ed Sneed, who many believe was practicing his victory speech coming up the penultimate hole. That had never been done before and it hasn't since.
In 1980, the young swashbuckling Spaniard from Santander won the first of two Masters in three years. Seve's win was the start of European domination; Langer won in 1985 before Sandy Lyle hit one of the shots of the tournament at the last to take the title in '88. Who can forget that 'little highland fling' on the 18th green?
Nick Faldo would win three of the next eight Masters and from 1988 Europe would win seven out of nine, these wins heralded a new era for European golf.
Moments
There have been of course many great shots at all of the majors, but somehow great Masters moments stay fresh in the memory forever. Larry Mize's chip in against Greg Norman happened 24 years ago, yet the image of the all Augusta boy punching the air makes it feel like yesterday.
My favourite Masters has to be the year before when Jack Nicklaus at the age of 46 with his son carrying his bag played arguably the finest last nine holes of his career. Always known for making a final round charge, Jack set Augusta alight with a breathtaking display of driving, iron play and putting.
Nicklaus had changed to a putter with an oversized head and it rejuvenated him. Twenty three years after winning his first Masters, the Golden Bear eagled the 15th, birdied the 16th and 17th and limited himself to just 30 shots for the back nine.
I'll always remember the 16th during that week when the ball struck from 40 feet went an inch or two past the hole. Reading the balls mind it was as if it said, "hang on, I've gone too far".
It turned right and rolled backwards before dropping in for a two, pure theatre!
Rather like Tiger on the same hole with the pitch from the back of the green, the ball almost static by the hole side for a moment, pausing before revealing the "swoosh" and then dying of exhaustion. Steven Spielberg would have been proud of dreaming that one up.
Collapse
There are sad moments as well, none other than when my Australian pal, Greg Norman capitulated in 1996. I wrote to Greg the following day and it took me all day to write that letter.
Norman handled the collapse like the true sportsman he is and his reply arrived within the week. It must not be forgotten that Faldo's final round was exemplary and his 67 would deservedly earn him his third green jacket.
Then there is Tiger's victory the following year, 40 for the front nine on Thursday and a win by an astonishing 12 shots on Sunday.
The Sky team for Augusta includes Bruce Critchley who once described the gallery as "a human herbaceous border" such is the splash of colour created by the patrons.
Butch Harmon will be a little emotional as his father Claude won the Masters in 1948. He's been phoning every other day to tell me it's not long now! Our guest for the week will be Colin Montgomerie.
Colin has come up shy at Augusta as far as winning is concerned but his fine golf has often graced the immaculate fairways of this unique course. Howard Clark has played in the Masters and Mark Roe will join us in the studio anchored by David Livingstone. Tim Barter and Diana Dougherty will conduct the interviews.
So we are just about all set for our high definition coverage and for the first time, the Masters will be in 3D, a real treat for those of you with that capability, for you will see Augusta National exactly as it is, rolling Georgia hills, vibrant flora and fauna and a property that oozes outstanding beauty.
I must admit I'm not sleeping too well this week, but I'm sure you understand why. It will be our privilege and pleasure to bring you the finest golfing spectacle the game has to offer, so next Wednesday, get a bottle of you favourite tipple, pour some in a glass, put your feet up and enjoy the Masters.
Ps. My money is on Ricky Fowler, so given my record of tipping you may want to avoid the talented American!
Click here to find out how to watch the Masters in HD, 3D and behind the red button.
