2017 Masters: Why final round could be instant classic and emotional for fans

The 2017 Masters has a cramped leaderboard. Things can go multiple ways, which is fun.

The 2017 Masters is following a long tradition of incredible finishes. However, with one of the most stacked leaderboards in recent memory, Sunday at Augusta will be a classic.

What makes this so exciting is that anything can happen. It could be a duel at the top, or everything could go haywire, and a new leader approaches.

Many golf fans want to see domination. I’m in the group that loves to see some tense action coming down the stretch, and that’s what we have in store for the 2017 Masters final round.

What’s also eye-opening is the fact that three major winners are in the top seven. Not only that, five of those players are within the top 15 of the World Golf Rankings.

One of those players (Jordan Spieth) was 10 shots back after the first round. Now, he’s only two shots back of the co-leaders, Sergio Garcia and Justin Rose.

If Spieth were to win it, it would be the biggest 72 hole comeback in Masters history. Tiger Woods (2005) and Nick Faldo (1996) currently hold the record, coming back from seven shots down.

Charley Hoffman put one of the best performances you’ll see through three rounds even though he lost the lead. Nonethless, Hoffman, cool as ice, is still only a couple of shots back behind Garcia and Rose.

The four-time PGA Tour champion carries a swagger unlike any other (see what I did there?), and it could do him well in the final round. Either way, he has made a name for himself this week.

Rickie Fowler, who was a co-leader at the start of the round, is now in sole possession of second place, as he looks to break the major barrier. He has been a top player, and a major will only legitimize that in the biggest way possible.

Rose and Garcia are the two big veterans tied for the lead. Garcia is famously known as one the best players never to win a major.

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He has started in 70 straight majors without winning one. Winning the Green Jacket would all but lock him into the Hall of Fame. With 30 professional wins and a major, it would be hard not to get him in with a major win on Sunday.

Rose on the other hand, has less pressure. With a U.S. Open, an Olympic gold medal, and 12 Ryder Cup points to his credit, Rose has accomplished a lot.

On on top of that, his 20 professional wins is 10 behind Garcia, so statistically, they’re close. Only difference is, Rose’s U.S. Open title from 2013 at Merion.

The feelings of fans, during, and after are going to be like a tidal wave, as this thing has to be won

The wave of emotions must be like a roller coaster for these players. Some feeling more pressure than others, some are young, while some are vets.

Even when I was watching the third round, there were times where I felt a little dizzy. With so many changes on the leaderboard, and so many close putts, it made my head spin.

This is what the Masters is all about. This is what sports is all about.

When we watch or listen to a major, we want to feel the emotions of the titans on the course. We want to relate to those feelings. We want to know what’s going through the mind of the players on Sundays.

This is why we start to feel nervous when things start to heat up down the stretch. Although we aren’t playing, we picture ourselves in those situations.

We may see ourselves in the caddie position, trying to strategize for the next shot, as we look at our yardage book. Then, as the arm of the champion slides his arm through the sleeves of the Green Jacket, we soak it all in.

The adrenaline stops and we feel relieved that the tournament has been won. Then the story focuses on the winner and what his legacy will be. Or, in the worst case scenario, we may be talking about something controversial.

All will be calm when the sun rises before the thundering sound of fans consumes chirping of birds. But, once the champ is crowned, the Masters will come to another exciting conclusion until next year.

As the sun will set, the legend, Arnold Palmer will look down. As he knows, Augusta National, will continue to shine bright.

It’s going to be a fun finish at the Masters. Let’s take it all in, once again.

Next: 2017 Masters: Five Who Disappointed

Who do you like to win the Masters on Sunday? What are your favorite final round memories? Let us know in the comments section and you can chat with me on Twitter @ChiGolfRadio. PGN will have all of your Sunday coverage, so keep it locked here.

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