Oh man, where do I start with this whirlwind week in Augusta? It all began with that looming Bernie Langer billboard, kinda following me around like some omen while I shoveled far too many of those green-wrapped sandwiches down my throat – 20, maybe 25 of ’em, and don’t even ask about the cookies. Sleep? What even is that? And then there’s Rory McIlroy, finally snagging that elusive Masters win. I couldn’t help but get lost in all the possibilities — what if he’d sealed a victory back in 2011 or even bagged the Open in 2022 or the U.S. Open in 2024? He was always so tantalizingly close, you know?
Anywho, Sunday’s theater was a spectacle. I walked with the winner—ahem, McIlroy, if you missed it—but I wasn’t alone. The fans were buzzing, the energy electric. Not sure what was more intriguing, the golf itself or the reactions all around me. A few folks even asked me what I thought amid his comeback narrative.
And let’s face it, sports aren’t just about the triumphs. It’s the ups and downs, the twinge of defeat that makes the eventual win taste even sweeter. So to the McIlroy faithful, y’all deserve this victory lap. And I? I need a bath, seriously.
It all happened during a bustling week at Top Dawg Tavern, with its ’70s and ’80s rock soundtrack and massive menu. (Quick shoutout to their Tropicalia from Creature Comforts Brewing Co., ’cause yum.)
Anyway, Rory’s press conference after his win was something else. You wouldn’t believe how he and Harry Diamond, his caddie and childhood buddy from way back, shared the moment. Emotional stuff, man. Rory was tearing up, speaking of shared dreams and the perseverance through it all. Their journey from playing for fun as kids to completing grand slams together—just wow.
And then the chatter — what’s next for Rory? A PGA Championship finesse at Quail Hollow? Truth be told, I have faith in the guy. And who’s to count him out at the U.S. Open at Oakmont, with his muscle? But okay, sidebar—I’ve got a soft spot for an enticing underdog vibe with Justin Rose too, who teamed up or, rather, squared off with Rory at different times.
Now let’s talk about this beer list at Top Dawg. After Tropicalia, I went for something else—Chance from Wild Leap, another leg of our juicy yet bitter culinary journey.
And did you feel the absence of chatter between Bryson DeChambeau and McIlroy, as the latter charged forward? Man, Bryson’s attempts to spark any kinda banter were stonewalled. Very much focused vibes from Rory — you’d think the guy was in another zone entirely.
Also, let’s not overlook the sideline drama where we had some Gary Player wisdom dropped like a bomb. “Want to hit 100? Stay away from the fast food,” he says, and as subtle as a sledgehammer, drops a nugget on life, love, and pushing forward, no matter what age.
Wrapping up this week, I’m reminded of quirky things: the ride to a potential season grand slam, the myriad snacks (please more of that tomato pie!), friendly faces, celeb sightings, and the underrated glory of being comfy on the greens with quirky gear. Oh, and those shop lines at Augusta National? A masterclass in efficiency — I’m telling you!
What’s left is for me to saunter over to watch the Green Jackets in action—yup, the baseball team. Gotta appreciate the simple pleasures, right? Here’s looking at you, minor league Americana.
