The Masters – Is There a Better Event in Sports?

You don't have to love golf to appreciate the beauty and tradition of Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. There's so much to enjoy - whether it's the beautiful azaleas that provide a calming backdrop to a vicious Amen corner, the old, swaying magnolias that are as much of a southern tradition as the golf tournament itself, or the colorful wardrobes that have become synonymous with the start of Spring. The ultimate beauty of The Masters is that anyone can enjoy the sights and sounds - probably more than any other event in sports.

Maybe I'm speaking from my southern roots, but there's not another event I look forward to as much as this one. Of course, an Alabama football Saturday in the Fall nears perfection, but we get to enjoy that 13, 14, and, quite often now, 15 times each year.

The Super Bowl is a great party day but who wants to celebrate that much commercialism?

Sure, the NCAA Tournament and the surrounding 'March Madness' might rank in a top five if I ever had to put one down on paper. But each added play-in round brings with it another turn-off. Seriously, what's the Round of 64 called now - the second round or the third round?

Opening Day in baseball and apple pie might be as American as it gets, but it's still the first of a 162-game season. That makes it lose a bit of its luster, don't you think?

That's why I'll consume an unhealthy amount of television the next four days with the peak not coming until sometime Sunday afternoon. If you haven't given golf much of a try, I guarantee you that Sunday between 2pm and 6pm will be some of the most exciting sports television you'll ever get to enjoy. The race to the finish on the back nine at The Masters is unlike any other finish in golf and it concludes with a tremendous finishing hole.

Golf's first major has arrived and it carries much more meaning than a trophy and a green jacket - it's the holy grail of sports.