I look forward each year to watching the Master’s at Augusta National. It is a beautiful golf venue that attracts the very best players in the world. I always find myself rooting for Jordan Spieth even though his game has been less than world class over the past few years. Part of the Tradition is that all previous winners are invited back to play. Former winners step aside when they can no longer be competitive. This year in the first round Fred Couples, who won the Green jacket in 1992, became the second oldest to break par in the event. Tom Watson did the same a few days younger than Couples at the age of 65. Freddy did make the cut at 63, we can hope he does it again. Bernard Langer is still very competitive at 67 years of age and shot two over, tied for 51st place after the first round.
Jack Nicklaus won the event 6 times and Tiger Woods is the youngest winner at 21. The event is played in the Spring and the course is in full bloom, over 30 varieties of azaleas in pink, purple and white. Add in the dogwood’s and magnolia and the players get a breath taking walk around a very difficult golf course. Trees, narrow fairways, abundant sand and water hazards coupled with severely undulating greens that are on the top levels measured by the Stimpmeter—13 plus. “Lightning fast, like putting on glass, speedy” are comments often heard. Great putters with steely nerves do well on the very smooth surfaces. It is not considered unfair as the course is the same for all the players.
I can’t help but report that someone thought that the current President should be asked to present the Green Jacket to the winner in the iconic Butler Cabin this year. That is such a terrible idea, in my mind it would worse than putting his face on Mount Rushmore. Golf is widely recognized as a game that heavily emphasizes integrity and honesty. Golf relies on players to self-regulate and accurately record their scores fostering a culture of personal accountability…”self governance demands that players adhere to the rules and make honest decisions about their play, even when no one is watching.” It is a widely held belief that the Orange Wanker cheats at golf. He wins his own tournament each year and we have to listen to the self adoration. POTUS is not welcome at the Master’s in my view.
I have attended two elementary school track meets this season. Lots of talented children participating, cheered on by their coaches, parents, and families. Not everyone wins a ribbon but everyone is encouraged to do their own personal best. It is heart warming to see kids cheering for each other while competing. Hank ran the 220, threw the softball, and ran on a co-ed relay team—those girls are fast!! So many activities for the kids to stay physically and mentally engaged. In a survey updated in February of 2025 Idaho ranks dead last in funding per pupil, in spite of that ridiculous fact, our kids thrive in our public education environment.
Reclaim Idaho is preparing for the next onslaught on our Public Education system. It was very disappointing to have our Governor sign the bill that planted the seed for an expanded Voucher program. It is $50 million next year with educated estimates that it could grow to $339 million per year. This expansion would put severe strain on the Public Education budget as well as the State of Idaho. The Petition to Idaho’s Lawmakers calls for “Not a Dollar More” for Vouchers in Idaho. If you want to get involved here is the link. You may recall Idaho has underfunded special education by $82 million and we have an estimated $8 billion shortfall in facility needs.
The United State’s has a tradition rooted in the Declaration of Independence. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal….” We are watching as our light of freedom beacon is dimmed/extinguished on the world stage. While you enjoy the Masters and the Tradition it embodies take a minute to push back against the current regime’s effort to take complete control of our future. Mike