Most definitely a tradition unlike any other

There is no better life during this week of the year than the one that Jim Nantz lives.  On Saturday and Monday he called the Final Four for CBS, and this weekend he’s a part of the network’s coverage of the Masters as he always is.  As I sat in class this morning streaming the first round of the masters on my computer, I became so envious of those at Augusta taking in the golf and the beautiful weather.  That sounds a lot better than being in a cloudy, rainy, and chilly Philadelphia during the second week of April.

For some it’s the only time of year they watch golf.  While I’m not nearly as tuned in on golf year round as I am other with sports, I do follow the majors closely and there’s nothing like The Masters, in any sport.  There’s a mystique and aura that comes with Augusta National every year.  Something crazy is going to happen.  We just don’t know what it will be.  That’s why it’s so special.  Whether it is Bubba Watson’s magical shot out of the woods in the 2012 playoff against Louis Oosthuizen or the infamous Tiger Woods chip on 16 in 2005, there’s always those moments that define the event.

Perhaps this is why even casual sports fans focus their attention on golf for these four days.  “What’s it going to be this year?” is the question I always ask myself.  There are few events each year in sports that are like this.  Championships aren’t always won in dramatic fashion. But handing out the green jacket every year almost always comes with a certain degree of excitement, which makes it obvious to see why CBS always refers to the event as “a tradition unlike any other”.

Now last year wasn’t as riveting as years past as Watson coasted to his second green jacket despite an impressive weekend from the youngster Jordan Spieth.  But that’s out of the norm.  Usually there’s almost always an abundance of storylines coming into the event and with Woods back after missing the tournament last year, there’s added intrigue to Thursday and Friday just to see if Tiger can make the cut and stick around for the weekend.

So as with another Masters upon us, it’s time to soak it all in.  These four days serve as an annual reminder as to why I love sports.  Opening statements made today, cuts made tomorrow, moves made Saturday, and a green jacket worn by the last man standing on Sunday.  Truly, a tradition unlike any other.