GOLF: Masters Week - Nothing Like it

    I guarantee you one thing this week.. we'll see more 3's than we saw in the final of the NCAA basketball game the other night.  UConn and Butler put us to sleep on Monday night.. but I promise that we'll be wide awake the rest of the week at Augusta National Golf Club.
    There's something about covering the Masters.  I've done some radio interviews this week and have been asked whether this is my favorite major to cover or the best of the four in any way.  I've always loved the way the PGA of America handles everything and the ease with which the fans and media can navigate themselves during the week.  But there is no comparison to the Masters.  There's just something about arriving at the same place every year.
    There's something about the patrons (as we call them here) arriving hurriedly each morning and rushing through the gate to put their chair down at the 18th or down in Amen Corner.  There's something about the prices of food and the green wrapping paper on each pimento cheese sandwich.  There's something about the par 3 contest each year on Wednesday and the hype for Thursday's first round.  There's something about the holes we know and can't wait to see.  There's something about the 8 month wait during the winter months.
    I've been at Golf Channel for 16 years... and remember my first Masters like it was yesterday.  1995 was the year that Ben Crenshaw surprised everyone.  Davis Love III came close and we'll always remember the moment on the 18th when Crenshaw bent over and put his hands to his head and his head to his knees.  Tears of joy... moments in time.

My Home in Augusta this Week

    This week we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Jack Nicklaus's epic victory at the age of 46.  Who remembers where they were when it happened?  C'mon... I know you do.
     And this week... I just have a feeling that while I'm sitting at the desk at Golf Channel... hosting shows during the morning.. waiting for golf to come on in the afternoon... that something big is going to happen.  I sense this being a Masters to really remember.  It's been a crazy year.  Mark Wilson wins twice.  Tiger wins not once.  Westwood's number one... nope it's Kaymer.  And now this week.. 6 players can reach #1 with a win.  Is Phil the favorite?  Or do you take the field?  Questions for you to answer.  I know I'll be asking a lot of questions to the analysts beside me.. and it's a thrill each year to be here.
     What do you love about the Masters?  I'd love to know.  Thanks for reading.