A Tradition Unlike Any Other

"Hello Friends"

These famous words uttered by Jim Nantz at the start of coverage on Sundays in April still give me chills. The Masters is about to begin and for us, that signals the start of golf season.

There are many things to love about The Masters. Some of my favorites include the Par 3 Tournament, the live coverage of the Tournament Practice Facility all week long, Amen Corner, and the $1.50 pimento cheese sandwiches where I'm not sure I would ever think about eating one...except at Augusta.

The Masters is a tournament that is unique in every way. There is a whisper among the patrons and the roars are loud but not rowdy. The claps respectful but not over the top. Augusta doesn't host The Masters it writes the story. I know the course better than the one I grew up on. As longtime caddy master Freddie Bennett said, "You don't read the greens, you learn them."

Augusta is unique in that way. Its a course you know before you step on the tee but never really understand. 1998 Masters Champion Mark O'Meara says he learns something new about Augusta every time he plays. Augusta can almost be described as perfect; hard but playable. Whether it's hole 13 that gives you a hook lie in the fairway but requires a cut into the green or the severe undulation that can't be seen on tv, Augusta National is a course I could never tire of playing.

The past champions at The Masters have been able to work the ball right to left off the tee as holes 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, and 17 all require this shot shape. Until recently, the favorite was a right handed player that could draw the ball, but with the recent success of Phil Mickelson and Mike Weir prior to that, a lefty who can fade the ball moves to the top of the list as the greens have gotten firmer and faster and a fade is easier to control.

My pick this year is Jason Day. He has played well this year with a win at the WGC Accenture Match Play. He has been injured but said during his press conference this week that he is swinging with no pain. Justin Rose is another player with the game to win at Augusta.

Here are Chris Thomson's thoughts:

Jason Day

Zach Johnson

Matt Kuchar

Phil Mickelson

Brandt Snedeker

"I am going with a few dark horses that have Masters experience and could break back through and slip into another Green Jacket.  Look out for Zach Johnson who has been hot as of late!  With his outstanding short game this could just be his week to capture his 2^nd Masters Championship.  Also, the likes of Brandt Snedeker who has had a near miss at Augusta and is playing well or the veteran Phil Mickelson who you always can’t count out because of his incredible shot making ability.   Having been to Augusta in the past and seeing the severity in elevation as well as the massive and incredibly fast and sloping greens, no matter how you slice it (no pun intended) it will come down to the player that gets hot both on and around the greens.  Did I pick one of the winners above?  Who know’s……will it be a newcomer; maybe!  Sit back, relax and watch the best golf event in the world and love every minute of it!!"

Whomever it may be, Augusta National will have the attention of every golfer this weekend. The Masters will produce a worthy champion, as it always does. Enjoy the weekend because it's The Masters.