The Masters Golf 2011 - International Golf Masters Take Center Stage

The Masters Golf 2011 Tournament is now one for the history books. The natural beauty of Augusta National Golf Course in April was stunning once again this year. All the drama and surprises that you might expect from The Masters unfolded in its exciting conclusion on Sunday, April 10.

The odds-on favorite to win The Masters was Phil Mickelson. But Phil was not up to the task this year. Even Tiger Woods faltered. Instead, the Masters heroes this year were international golfers -- Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland who led for three rounds, and Charl Schwartzel from South Africa who birdied the final four holes on Sunday to win. No one in the history of The Masters had ever before birdied the last four holes to win.

International Golf Masters take center stage

The Masters Golf 2011 demonstrated once again that golf is a world-wide sport. International golf masters did very well this year. We should not be surprised at the international nature of golf. After all, golf originated in Scotland, not the United States. World-wide television and Internet service now bring real-time golf tournaments to a growing international community of golf fans. More people around the world are playing golf on a growing number of courses.

Take a look at the list of golfers invited to play in The Masters Golf 2011. Qualifications used by tournament officials to determine the invitees were very strict -- they must be champions. A majority of the invitees came -- not from the United States -- but from the international community of golf champions. In addition to the United States, there were 21 countries represented on the list of invitees.

The growing number of international golf champions offers more role models and mentors for aspiring young golfers in their home countries. Ryder Cup matches between the Europeans and the Americans have grown very competitive in recent years.

All these trends bode well for the game of golf. As golf fans we can watch great golf being played around the world, We can examine the golf swings of champions from around the world looking for insights and tips that will help improve our golf games. We can enjoy the beauty and challenge of a variety of golf courses around the world -- on television and, if traveling, in person.

Americans should be paying more attention to the European Tour, and to golf tournaments in Asia, Latin America and places other than the United States. The sheer number of people in countries other that the United States means a growing number of International Golf Masters will be taking the stage.

Look for golf tips from International Golf Masters

Look closely at Rory McIlroy's golf swing. Look at Charl Schwartzel's golf swing. What is it about their golf swing that seems to give them that extra something? You just may learn how to fine tune your own golf swing.

Take a look at the list of home countries of the international golf champions invited to play in The Masters Golf 2011. Tune in to world-wide golf!