The Masters; Does Any Other Major Compare?

We are less than 90 days away from the first major of the year, the Masters. The Masters is steeped in tradition and always full of excitement. The Tour has four majors each year, but come on, do any of them really match the Masters. Just the aura Augusta National creates is enough to give any golf enthusiast goose bumps. One thing that makes the Masters is great is that it is played on the same course each year, so the memories can pile up. Fond memories such as Jack's 1986 win to Tiger's "shot" that paved the way to win in 2005 along with the memories that show the average golfer can relate to the best as in the back nine collapse of Greg Norman in 1996. The Masters is the only major that routinely has the tournament won or lost on Sunday on the back nine; what is more exciting than that?

My bucket list has a trip to the Masters towards the top of it and yours should too. Thanks to this event, the average man can be applauded because they know of at least one type of plant and will be the first to take note of how beautiful the azaleas at Augusta National are. It also provides the foundation for those Christian men as we are always praying for our guy to make it through Amen Corner unscathed. Speaking of Amen Corner, I think you would be hard pressed to find three consecutive holes that have had as much of an impact on who wins a tournament on Sunday as these three holes.

What else makes the Masters better than any other major? How about the limited commercials during the event? It would be great if that was normal for all events. I am very grateful to Augusta National for allowing only limited commercials and those being to a couple of the major sponsors. If on site, it also great to pay the cheap prices at the concessions (be sure to get the traditional cheese sandwich) and you will notice all apparel only has the Masters logo on it. This event is the only one that goes through great lengths to preserve its traditions as a club and tournament. You also can't forget about the theme music used for the Masters. You know, the little tune that when it comes on and you are in the kitchen, you have to pause and peek in at the television, even if it is only a commercial advertising the event. This being the same jingle that when you hear it in January, you get chills going down your spine and excitement abounds at the thought of the Masters approaching.

As children feel a bit of a let down after Christmas Day ends and all presents from Santa have been opened, this same feeling happens to me the Monday after the Masters. I hate the thought that I have to wait a year until the azaleas are blooming and an event that is sure to be filled with excitement happens. I think one reason that the Masters holds a special spot with me is because it is early in the year. Living in the northern half of the U.S., many times the Masters coincides with the course opening. This adds extra excitement in that once March hits, so does the cabin fever. I am itching to get out and practice/play and the Masters helps to fill this void.

Do you have a favorite Masters moment? Or something about the event that brings out emotion in you? Please share. If I had to pick one, it would be when Fred Couples' shot stayed on the mowed bank of Rae's Creek and he went on to win in 1992. Isn't it amazing, how he still seems to be at the top of the leader board throughout the week year in and year out?

Are we less than 80 days yet?