The Masters, Augusta, Nicklaus, and Bisher

Easter is near, the time in which we more-fervently mark the celebration of Jesus Christ being crucified, dying, and rising from the dead to atone for the sins of mankind. Still, on a far less important but nonetheless large scale, it is also time for the annual contesting of the Masters' Golf Tournament in Augusta, Georgia. It's a lovely scene.

The name "Masters" envokes images and memories of the past for decades upon decades - the pretty flowers, the magnolias, the green grass, the comaderie, fading sunsets, moonlight through the Georgia Pines, and even the family time spent watching in front of televisions or actually at the golf tournament in-person. 

For me, I think of "Jack." To non-golfers, that would be Jack Nicklaus, possibly the best golfer all-time - and a man that won 6 "Green Jackets," the symbolic award for winning the golf tournament. He did the unthinkable, winning the '86 Masters at age 46 - amazing.

Doubtless, many (if not all) golfers and golf fans are familiar with Jack's feats, and even in the 21st Century remember the duels of Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Jack, and other golfing legends on the fairways of Augusta National. 

Fans also recall clips and videos of Bobby Jones, and of Tiger Woods all but destroying the entire field. But, there is more to the stories - the many things few people ever do think about or understand.

How about the late Furman Bisher - an excellent sports writer, editor, and Georgia legend? Furman covered the Masters Golf Tournament for half a century without missing a beat. You could say that to the players and those "in the know," he was a part of the very fabric of the event and its image.

I had the pleasure, when I was writing/self-syndicating regular newspaper columns, of sometimes corresponding with Furman via e-mail - of all things. I would ask him questions; he would answer, and sometimes even share personal information that was quite touching. 

Inside that practical man was a sentimental heart hidden-away. I do not pretend to have "known him," but I "knew him" nonetheless. The Masters paid a token honor to Mr. Bisher when he was first not there, yet one piece of the puzzle is forever missing  except amid the hearts of those directly influenced by him.

And so, once again, the Masters is coming to Augusta National, and some of the relative nobodys of today will continue or begin a journey that will one day make them legends as well. I don't know about the rest of you, but I hope Tiger Woods plays and wins this major golf tourney again!!!

~ Jimmy Hall is the owner of Jimmy Hall Writing Services (404-580-1501), and prepares web content, business plans, resumes, blog content, letters, life obituaries, papers, and most other forms of writing.