The Masters

Since the media will be full of Rory’s Masters and joining the elite group of 4 Major winners, I feel free to give an independent view point on what was a magnificent sporting contest.

By backing Xander Schauffe as one of my four “picks” it was not a betting disaster but – even if it had been – I would have enjoyed and appreciated the tourney.

The final day was billed as a contest between McIlroy and De Chambeau  but the ’Mad Scientist’, who has reinvented himself, hit problems with his second shot placements and descended down the leaderboard.

It was another Briton that emerged from the pack – the likeable Justin Rose – whose self effacement contrasts with the bombastic De Chambeau.

I don’t consider that Rory rightly belongs to that elite group of Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods of Grand Slam victors. Tiger, on a final day resplendent in his red polo shirt, would never have missed a four-foot tiddler.

As for the coverage, Sky used the telegenic but superficial Nick Dougray as main presenter with Sir Nick Faldo and Butch Harman making up the cast.

Sir Nick was dressed in his Green jacket and either spoke about himself or the “bleedin’ obvious”.

He does not have a lot of personality, but what he has is not very nice as he’s so critical.

Out on the course we had to endure the brash and unfunny Wayne ‘Radar’ Riley.

A great sporting occasion requires a great commentator but  on hand there was no Henry Longhurst or Peter Alliss (“Oh gosh, there is dear Neville Postlewaite, for many years the green keeper at Moor Allerston. I enjoyed a Kummel or three at the spike bar with dear Neville …” he might have said), but sadly he and his like are long gone.