Every year around this time of year thousands of people descend on Augusta Georgia to attend the Masters Tournament.

 

The 2025 Masters Tournament is the first of four annual majors on the PGA Tour at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia.

 

It’s all about being able to wear the iconic green jacket.

 

Today, I’m thinking about all the things that I have yet to master in my life.

 

I don’t need the iconic green jacket; however, self-improvement is always on top of my mind, what about you?

 

I do know having attended the Masters four times requires complete control of something whether it be your emotions, the pressures of the world, or your golf swing to name a few.

 

On one of those rare occasions while attending the Masters I was able to escort three Cub Scouts and have them right next to the Tee box when Tiger Woods was playing.

 

That was an experience I know I will always remember.  Although they were all in fifth grade at the time, it was by invitation only we were able to experience the Masters at that level.

 

Today, one of those Scouts is married and is an Eagle Scout who I spoke with last month at his aunt’s funeral.  The second Scout is my grandson who is working on his Masters degree.  The third Scout, whom I last saw during the Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony, I’m sure, is doing well, knowing that he was raised by his grandmother.

 

If I were to ask you, what are you in complete control of today, I’m sure the answers would vary.

 

Likewise, if I were to ask, what are those things you have yet to master the same results with varied responses?

 

MASTERY | English meaning – Cambridge Dictionary

 

I’m always amazed at the people who can speak five or more languages fluently or those called “Polyglot.”

 

What do you call a person who speaks 5 languages? – Geographic Pedia

 

Yes, If I have a choice to master something it would be speaking multiple languages correctly and fluently.

 

It’s a matter of being able to connect with different audiences and connect on their levels.

 

Too many times, I have witnessed that when we at least try and speak another person’s language it’s like another side of friendship that I can’t fully explain.

 

All I know is it works when you meet people where they are in life.

 

As one who has embraced the teachings of Scott H. Young, I’ve read several of his books including “Ultralearning: Master Hard Skills, Outsmart the Competition, and Accelerate Your Career.” I know from experience self-mastery is available to us all.

 

Although I’m not able to do the things described in his books, it’s been an amazing journey over the last year learning various hacks to improve as an Ultra Learner.

 

Language Mentors #9: Scott H. Young (Ultralearner & Bestselling Author; Speaks 7 Languages)

 

Just like the golfers who can gain entrance to the Masters this past week, they must practice and experiment on how to get better.

 

Today there are plenty of “Number 1’s” to choose from in the world such as top universities, artists, golfers, podcasts, countries, cities, and the list goes on forever.

 

We hear the analogy about looking out for number one, yet sometimes we don’t think about improving in areas where we need course corrections.

 

Look Out For Number One Idiom – Meaning and Example Usage in Sentences – English Lessons

 

Understanding “look for number one” Idiom: Meaning, Origins & Usage – CrossIdiomas.com

 

One thing I have mastered is writing my five things down to be grateful each day as I recently celebrated five years of journaling this past weekend.

 

Can you believe the Pandemic was five years ago?

 

As something to think about this morning, the winner of the 2025 Masters yesterday was Rory McIlroy as he held on to win the 89th Masters Tournament in a one-hole playoff against Justin Rose, earning his fifth major championship and first since 2014.

 

Here’s a little research that I found if either Rory McIlroy or Justin Rose ever won at the Masters and their track record of 2nd place finishes after a Major Championship.

 

The bottom line neither of them had ever donned the green jacket until yesterday. Rory McIlroy has accomplished just about everything in the golf world except win a Masters.

 

Rory McIlroy Masters history: Best finishes, 2011 collapse, major wins and more

 

Justin Rose will have to wait another year to don the green jacket. His second-place result in 2025 is the third time in his career. He first came second in 2013, then did so again in 2017. The 2017 tournament was also the last time the Masters ended in a playoff for the winner, with Sergio Garcia triumphing.

 

Justin Rose Masters wins: Has the English golfer won a major? – NBC Chicago

 

It goes to show you that preparation and skill are part of winning the Masters after 14 years Rory McIlroy can now sleep well.

 

You can be Scottie Scheffler, the No. 1-ranked golfer in the world and not always win the Masters.

 

Scottie Scheffler’s Masters repeat chances come up short Sunday

 

I decided to write about the Masters having the opportunity to watch it at Augusta National, a place that is only open to the public for certain events.

 

Because the Augusta National Golf Club is a private golf club, it’s not open to the general public for play and the course is only open to members and their guests.

 

Of course, accessing Augusta National Golf Club during the Masters Tournament is only with the proper ticket or badge.  This is why when I took those three Scouts over 10 years ago, I still have fond memories of visiting the Masters.

 

“Mastery is not a function of genius or talent. It is a function of time and intense focus applied to a particular field of knowledge.”  — Robert Greene

 

This quote is tied to what happened over the last four days at the Augusta National with the world’s best competitor, competing for the opportunity to don the green jacket.

 

Today, I challenge you to take some time this week to reflect and think about what you have mastered and what’s next on the horizon for you.

 

In case you’re wondering if the grass as green at Augusta National Golf Club is as green as it is on TV the answer is a resounding Yes!