THE OPEN VS THE MASTERS

I went to Friday's US Open Golf Tournament at Torrey Pines in San Diego. I went because it was our birthday present to our daughter. And because I kinda like golf. And because I had never seen Tiger Woods play.

You see The Tige is kinda the best player ever to tee up a golf ball. He has another little tourney in Dubai that guarantees him 6 mil or so to play in, rather than to play in the FBR or Phoenix Open. So guess where he goes. Thus knocking me out of a chance to see the best.

But I saw him on Friday. Then I watched from a big screen on late Sunday afternoon and noon on Monday to capture the championship over some street fighter named Rocco. (I know two other Roccos). But that's not what this blog is about.

Because you see I also got to see a practice round at The Master's this year. It's been a great golf year so far. And since my wife and I kept comparing our experiences at both tourneys, I thought a summary would be in order.

As my wife said, "The course at Augusta is so much nicer. Torrey looks like a cow pasture in comparison." She's right. But what a beautiful pasture complete with stunning ocean views.

The food: hands down to The Masters. Sandwiches for $1.50 there. I paid a ten spot for a mahi mahi that was maybe a three dollar three dollar at best.

Merchandise. A toss up. It was much easier to view and circumvent the merchandise tent at Torrey, but the sweaters, hats, et. al. were pretty much a wash.

Crowds: Another toss up. Most were cordial, seemed to understand and appreciate the game. Only a few "One time"(s) were yelled. That's the gallery call of 2008 rather than "You da man". Not much to cheer at a practice round, though some did reward an excellent shot with applause at The Masters.

Shuttle/arrival/security--The Open without a doubt. Very smooth sailing and not a lot of walking and waiting in line to enter. The Masters--a train wreck all the way.

But with all the fun, all the hype of both tournaments, the determining factor had to have been our daughter. She was with us at The Open, so even though we were with great old friends at The Masters, Torrey Pines wins overall.

But it was as close as the final scores. The Masters was that good. Even in a practice round.