The Masters - a fitting finish

Is it just me or did it seem fitting that The Masters ended with Phil Mickelson getting his third green jacket and a heartfelt, prolonged hug and kiss(es) from his wife, Amy, after the 18th hole? And, Tiger Woods, the week-long story of the tournament--until late in the day today--was left to think about his three-putt from six feet on 14 and ponder his next appearance on a PGA Tour golf course.

This week gave us tantalizing theater--the return of Woods, the occasional glimpses of his non-mortal shot-making (e.g., Wood's shot from the rough on nine on Thursday), a first round 67 by 60-year old Tom Watson, and a four-day run at the championship by fan favorite Fred Couples. But, ultimately, it was Mickelson--golf's poster boy for family living and fatherhood--who won the day...and the week. We were treated to the emotional embrace of the winner with his wife and were treated to thoughts of "how fitting"--how fitting that Mickelson beat nemesis Woods and, in the meantime, was rewarded after a difficult year given his wife, Amy's, struggles with breast cancer as well as her mother's combatting the same disease.

Given Woods' return, and Mickelson's victory, we can now look forward to the next chapter in this rivalry book--the U.S. Open in June at Pebble Beach.