MORNING BRIEFING

Kenny Perry blew the final two holes and the playoff at the Masters and is a poster child for losers everywhere, right? Wrong. Perry should be the hero for millions of flustered, flummoxed and failed athletes everywhere. For every Tiger Woods, there are a thousand Kenny Perrys.

Science may someday discover what makes the nerves of champions respond and runners-up misfire. Until then, let’s have a cheer for those good enough to be in a position to be only second-best.

John Corcoran

Calabasas

What’s up with Bill Plaschke? One day he’s maligning the play of Tiger and Phil and the next day he’s their biggest fan? The guy does more flip-flops than Shawn Johnson!

Lynne M. Gulizia

Poway

Without the duel between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, this year’s Masters would have been about as exciting as watching a bowl of Rice Krispies snap, crackle and pop, which is pretty much what the top three finishers did Sunday.

The 2009 highlight reel will have more footage of Woods and Mickelson than of the Masters champion, what’s his name.

Tom Turner

Dana Point