A Tradition Like No Other...

Some sports fans wait all year for the Super Bowl, others are nearly giddy during the baseball post-season.  Me? I go crazy for Master's weekend.  You heard me.  The "tradition like no other" that Bob Costas has been touting in 10 second interludes for the last 3 months - that's the one.  Everything about it is respected and it truly is traditional in every sense of the word.

Over the years, the game of golf has become a bit less gentlemanly than it has been in the past.  With possible cheating scandals (on and off the greens) and public outbursts and spats, it's moving slowly towards all the other sports rather than the gentleman's club it was in the beginning.  But all allusions to those behaviors are thrown out the window during Master's week. Everyone just sort of decides to be on their best behavior.  I mean, wouldn't you if you were being watched by the ever-attentive godfathers of golf - Arnold Palmer,  Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player?  Even though they've long since retired, they're in Augusta every year kicking off the events and keeping a close eye on the players and fans alike.

Then of course there's the fun.  A dinner chosen for all the players by last year's winner - what a perk after fighting for that win!  And you can't forget the Par 3 contest where children, spouses and significant others regularly caddy for their loved ones and the mood's so relaxed that players are betting with fans.  

But come Thursday, it's all business on this most beautiful of all courses.  The fans are more respectful - you don't hear any "Get in the hole!" at Augusta after tee off.  The players are quieter - they're playing in Augusta afterall, this place is hallowed ground.  And pace is a bit slower.  But the sandwiches are always Pimento.  The tea is sweet.  Amen Corner is quietly hushed and the azaleas are blooming brightly.  It's a sight to see and I'm just glad we get to see it.

Day One was a long one that started with no Tiger (side note - woohoo!), and some big players falling quickly behind the pack (Come on Phil, get it together!).  But if I've learned anything, it's that Masters golf can change in an instant.  I'm just glad we get to go along for the ride.