Masters Week: Parting shots

How about that Masters?

What a thrilling conclusion, even if a long putt or chip wasn't made to clinch the green jacket.

So here's some final thoughts on the Masters:

• There's no longer a question about who the best American men's golfer is. Sorry Tiger fans, right now it's Bubba Time. The lefty Bubba Watson put four solid holes together on the back nine, before hitting THE shot of the tournament on the second sudden death playoff hole. He uses a pink driver, but mashes it farther than most players on the PGA Tour. He doesn't use a coach, is a devoted family man and pulls off miraculous shots after hitting it wayward. Yeah, Watson is the top player in America right now. He reminds you a little of Phil Mickelson (also in the hunt on Sunday) and a little of Tiger Woods with his bombing style. But Bubba isn't a combination of anyone. He's unique and that's what makes him so darn appealing to golf fans.
• Watson's victory jumped him 12 places to No. 4 in the Official World Golf Rankings, his highest ranking ever.
• He became the 14th different winner of the past 14 major championships, and it was the eighth straight time that the champion claimed his first major title. The dominance era ushered in by Tiger Woods has given way to the parity era. And golf isn't in trouble because of it. Sure, fans like watching one player outclass everyone and chase down records. However, everybody likes the players bunched closer together, since it provides for more exciting action down the stretch on Sundays rather than the routs (see Rory McIlroy 2011 U.S. Open and Woods' 2000 U.S. Open).
• Augusta National needs to check into 2012 and just admit a female member. I mean, if you're going to allow women on the grounds during the Masters then you should allow women as members. Private clubs all over the country, especially on the Suncoast, have lessened its exclusivity stance due to the hard-hitting economy over the past few years. So, it's time for Augusta to do the same.

Another Masters has come and gone.

But don't worry, here's that shot yours truly referenced earlier from Bubba Watson: