Upon Further Review – The Masters a spectacle like no other

There?s only one thing a golf enthusiast needs to hear to know spring has sprung, ?A tradition unlike any other ? The Masters.?

Such simple words to describe an architectural masterpiece, which was designed more than 70 years ago by Bobby Jones and Alister Mackenzie.

Jones and Mackenzie collaborated on the design as Jones would hit shots from different spots on the old nursery so Mackenzie could calibrate the holes and see what layout worked best. Now that?s the kind of job I?ve been looking for my whole life.

Mackenzie died in 1934, which was the first year the Masters tournament was played. I doubt if they had any idea of what the Masters would eventually mean to the game of golf.

For those of you who have been lucky enough to walk the rolling countryside of Augusta National, you know what a thrill and memorable event this truly is.

I?ve been fortunate and have had the opportunity to attend the Masters on several different occasions, and it?s something every golfer should put on their to do list.

Television doesn?t do this prime piece of property justice and only a walk down Magnolia Lane, where 61 magnolia trees line both sides of the drive leading up to the clubhouse, will you understand the true beauty and meaning of Augusta National.

Throughout the week the majestic beauty of the course will awe not only newcomers, but fans who have flocked to Augusta for years.

But come Thursday morning the story will be all about the players, and who can handle the pressure of Augusta.

As far as I know, this year?s Masters will kick off without any type of protests and the only controversy will be if Tiger Woods can pick up his fifth green jacket. This year?s event happens to marks the 10-year anniversary of Woods? first win at the Masters, and according to most he should be celebrating victory on Sunday.

One thing I found interesting was a comment made by 2006 champion Phil Mickelson last week after a practice round at Augusta. He told reporters he was 100 percent certain that Tigers Woods would win this year.

?I guarantee I?ll be placing another Green Jacket on Woods. I would be glade to settle for fifth,? Mickelson said.

Now, I?m no expert in sports psychology, but this sounds like a mind game and a psych job to me. There?s no way Mickelson believes he doesn?t have a chance to win another Green Jacket, after all he has won two of the last three Masters. Maybe it?s Mickelson?s way of taking some of the pressure off himself. I don?t know, but I?m sure Lefty will be in the hunt come Sunday afternoon.

I view the Masters in the same way Mr. Nunley views opening day of baseball season. It?s a very special tradition, which I enjoy very much and it means even more after seeing it in person.

Only the one who can handle Augusta?s length, fast greens and the pressure of competing on golf?s most glorious stage will be wearing the Green Jacket by the end of the round on Sunday.

Sounds like another Tiger victory to me.