The Masters Golf Tournament this year was a doozy. For us golf junkies, the Big Kahuna of the season’s contests was incredibly exciting, especially for Rory McIlroy fans. I joined that fan club about 17 years ago when he was a new name on the PGA Tour. Rory (he lets me call him by his first name) is an up-from-childhood player like Tiger Woods. His dad bought him plastic clubs at age two and he never stopped swinging.

I didn’t realize until recently that he was an only child born to working-class parents. Both of them worked second jobs, hardly seeing each other, so their boy could have what he needed to compete on the links. Knowing that, I admire him – and them – even more.

Last week, at his second Masters win, his parents traveled from Ireland to Augusta. Rory was in tears – as was I – thanking them for their dedication to his spectacular career. Well-liked by the guys on the tour, he seems to be humble, even tempered, and forthright when interviewed. Of course, I enjoy watching many of the other contenders, but I will always have a soft spot for Rory. We all have our favorites no matter the sport … our players, our teams, our personal loyalties.

Growing up near Boston, I was naturally a fan of the Red Sox, Bruins, and Celtics, although I haven’t been much of a basketball fan since I left the area. I followed the Celts in the Cousy/Russell/Bird era, which now seems like it was during the War of 1812.

Since I became a transplant to Northwest Pennsylvania, my teams have changed. When I came here for my late husband’s job, Warren was a temporary pause in our long-term goal of moving back to the East Coast. We only planned to stay two to four years. Now, 48 years later, I’ve shifted a few of my sports loyalties. I’m always curious about what the Boston teams are doing, but Josh Allen and the Bills hold a tight spot in my heart from September through the playoffs.

The Sabres have created a national splash this year, rewarding their loyal fans with a lot to be excited about. Despite growing up here, somehow my son is a dyed-in-the-wool Bruins fan. Living today in Maryland, he has managed to get himself to a few of their games over the years. He subscribes to the New England Sports television network to ensure that the Bruins play in his living room every game, home or away.

In fact, television is definitely the reason that I enjoy the sports that I still follow. Golf, tennis, football, and some baseball is all the dedication I can manage these days. But always from the best seats in the house. Television coverage has improved so much, our home view of most sports is better than being there. Sure, the atmosphere doesn’t contain train whistles, crackerjacks, or even frostbite – it isn’t quite the same as being there. But there is a lot to recommend at-home comfort.

Richard and I actually made it to the Masters in Augusta just one day. It’s easy to conjure up that humidity, the classic sandwiches, and the well-mannered throngs from here in our comfy den seats. But we also get a closer look at the putts and chips without the sweltering heat, the long admission lines at security, and trying to walk the 18 holes without calling for the standby ambulance.

Watching the tennis US Open, or the grand slam tournaments in Australia, France and Wimbledon, is not only cheaper from my recliner, it’s much more comfortable. (I hear those airline seats to London are miserable). My long walks at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center in New York, are just a fond memory. I was lucky enough to spend a few September weeks there. Those soft summer evenings of championship tennis return easily as I lean my recliner back, one hand in a hot popcorn bag. No one is yelling in my ear, or on their phone, or arguing with their over-tired 5-year-old. I’m spared all that in my cozy den.

There aren’t many of us super seniors showing up at Major League Baseball games or the NFL contests anymore. The walks are long, the stadiums are crowded, and you miss a lot going to the ladies’ room four times in nine innings. Tickets are now priced only for those who can purchase them without their pacemakers kicking into high gear.

Best to stay at home, where the enlarged dimples on the golf ball rotate as they approach the cup. I savored every moment of Rory being over-the-moon thrilled with his second win at the Masters. I watched his recorded reaction three times. And I could count all his freckles in the close-up. Thank you, CBS.

Marcy O’Brien can be reached at moby.32@hotmail.com.