On the TUNNEYSIDE of SPORTS April 25, 2016 #590 Up next…It’s called “Amen Corner”
After further review…Why are the 11th, 12th, and 13th holes at the Augusta National Golf Club known collectively as “Amen Corner?” For those not familiar with that designation, those three holes —the 11th, a par-4 playing 505 yards; the 12th, a par-3 at 155 yards; and the 13th, a 510-yard par-5 — are considered the most dangerous stretch on that course. And that is despite their poetic names of “White Dogwood,” “Golden Bell,” and “Azalea,” respectfully. Some say that any golfer who can achieve par (4-3-5) and successfully walk to the 14th tee box, probably will look skyward and shout, “Amen!” coupled with a sigh of relief.
History tells us that the word Amen came to English from Latin which borrowed it from Greek, which pilfered it from Aramic, which grabbed it from Hebrew” – huh? You can look it up. Webster defines Amen as a “solemn ratification or agreement,” or, put another way, “So be it.” Wonder what Jordan Speith calls that corner? Anyway, the final day of the 80th Masters will not soon be forgotten. Speith, ranked number-one in the world for much of the preceding year, was moved to say, “I don’t believe it.” Many of us watching were heard muttering “Ya gotta be kiddin’ me!” Speith was leading all golfers when he reached the turn in that final round. Disaster struck as he started the back nine with bogies at the 10th, and the 11th, then a quadruple bogey at the 12th. He made a little of it back with a birdie on 13, but his Amen meltdown by then had dropped him from first to third on the leaderboard! The Englishman Danny Willett, playing in his first Masters, took the lead and held it all the way to the finish.
The Masters tradition is that the previous year’s champion (in this case Speith) helps this year’s champion (Willett) put on the green Master’s champion jacket. It had to be one of the most difficult assignments that Speith has ever had to perform. Yet he did it with the utmost class, that’s what makes his character so special. There was no grumbling or excuse-making from Speith. In fact, did you know that he had to use a substitute driver? No, you didn’t, because, as is his manner, Spieth never made an issue of it. If you were wondering why you saw so many blocked tee shots from Speith during that round, it might have been because on the practice tee during his warmups, his assistants were changing driver heads to make necessary adjustments. Speith didn’t blame his errant shots on equipment, he blamed himself. Another example of class personified.
Will you deal with your unexpected changes with the class displayed by Speith?
Watch Jim Tunney and Coach Don Shula Discuss new book
About the Author
To contact Jim visit his website at JimTunney.com or email jim@jimtunney.com.
Be sure to order a copy of Jim’s new book – “Another 101 Best of TunneySide of Sports” now available @ $20. Includes tax, shipping, and an autograph, if requested. Click on store link, email him (above) or send to P.O. Box 1440 Pebble Beach, CA. 93953. This book takes current issues from the sports world and transforms them into positive messages for everyday living. Thank You!
Thank You!
