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Well here we are, the 2022 seasons first major of the year and the biggest event in professional golf. The Masters is the greatest show on grass (sorry Waste Management). The folks at Augusta National are the undisputed champions of hosting golf events; from course management to televised coverage it is top shelf. My memories of watching this event with my Dad on b&w TV (then color...woohoo!) are still fresh in my mind. I also recall us neighborhood kids playing whiffle-ball golf at our local park and arguing over who gets to be which player that day. As is always the case, the field is loaded with the tours best players. Hideki Matsuyama is expected to return to defend his title but his withdrawal from the Valero due to a neck injury adds a little drama. Regardless, he'll certainly host the champions dinner and my money says wasabi will be somewhere on the table. And, I'd be remiss not to mention the biggest storyline of Tiger not only showing up but planning to play. And why wouldn't he? The worst thing that happens is he has to WD. Between he, Bryson, and Hideki the tours Physical Therapists could be busy . It's almost certain the purse will be at least $11.5m (last years booty) but many believe it will increased this year. As of now, I've not been able to find an official statement on this - part of the events mystic perhaps? . The weather looks to be cooperating with early week scattered showers clearing out Thursday am and through the weekend. The damp conditions should leave the course a bit more vulnerable but, there are always those "mud balls" to deal with. So who will don the green jacket this year? Will Hideki repeat? Will Tiger do the unimaginable and lay claim to the biggest story in sports history? Will it be an event rookie or perhaps a long past champion? Don't forget to make your pick for this weeks winner https://runmypools.com/JRMPNWWF. Good luck!

The two words that, too even those who do not follow or play the game, are so recognizable. The Masters is most often stated as the greatest show in sports... absolutely no argument from this fan. For me, this tournament immediately brings up memories of my Dad and us watching the event, first on a b&w, then a color TV . While the re-scheduled 2020 event was an ok change, IMHO there is nothing like the April dates for the seasons first major in Augusta, GA. Where does this event stand among your sports viewing favorites? What are your personal memories of this event? Any predictions on who will be fitted for the green jacket? I'm going with JT for the win but the surprise chaser will be Louis Oosthuizen.

ITS FINALLY HERE!!!!!!!!!!! Location: Augusta National, Augusta, GA Defending Champion: Jordan Spieth -18 Fantasy Preview 2015 Top 8 1. Jordan Spieth -18 2. Phil Mickleson -14 2. Justin Rose -14 4. Rory McIlroy -12 5. Hideki Matsuyama -11 6. Dustin Johnson -9 6. Ian Poulter -9 6. Paul Casey -9 Round by round leader Round 1 - Jordan Spieth 64 Round 2 - Jordan Spieth/Ryan Moore/Kevin Na 66 Round 3 - Phil Mickleson/Justin Rose/Ian Poulter 67 Round 4 - Rory McIlroy/Hideki Matsuyama 66 Supposed to have 20+mph winds the first three days, this will be exciting.

Tiger put his short game on display at Augusta...especially love the line about where Tiger gets his mail at Augusta! What yips? Tiger Woods arrives at Augusta, puts short game to immediate test By Geoff Shackelford AUGUSTA, Ga. -- For a guy with the yips, Tiger Woods just announced to the world that he's not afraid to show off his short game. Showing up at Augusta National's tournament practice area around 3:40 ET, Woods briefly stopped to talk to Mike Weir about the Canadian's elbow issues, them marched boldly to the short game practice area. Knowing all eyes at the range were on his wedge practice and probably aware there was an audience on Golf Channel's “Live From” hoping to see if he's cured the short game yips, Woods took a green bag of balls from caddie Joe LaCava, put on headphones, appeared to dance to the music at one point and went straight to work hitting the same lofted wedges that have given him such fits. Talk about a bold statement. While it's hardly unusual for a professional golfer to warm-up hitting wedges, any yipper can tell you that playing the shot that gives you fits, and doing it in front of a crowd, ranks up there in the Fun Department with root canals and prostate exams. More curious was his decision to listen to music while warming up. Was it the soothing voice of a guru? Or simply a nod to new endorsee Sol Republic, who Woods signed with in January. After hitting no flubs and looking crisp with his shots, Woods moved to the main tee, where swing consultant Chris Como awkwardly waited while former instructor Sean Foley and Woods joked around. Eventually, Woods began moving through the bag and headed for the first tee for a late nine at Augusta National. If the range swagger was a statement, the body language on course all but spilled over the top. Woods blew his first tee shot into his usual spot on the 9th fairway, where Woods also gets his mail when he's in Augusta. Anyway, Woods then hit his approach to six feet and he quickly knocked in a birdie as if it was a mere afterthought. He then took two wedges and two balls, and the crowd grew eerily quiet. But Woods moved around the diabolical first green hitting all manner of shots, showing no signs of distress. A few in the gallery of 500 or so patrons gasped at his sleek physique, but otherwise welcomed him back with various shout-outs. Playing partner O'Meara eventually ran out of putts to try on a green he's seen plenty, turning to watch the downright jovial Woods chip before moving to the putter. After a few long putts, Woods scooped up his ball with the back cavity of his putter and twirled it over his head, keeping the ball in the putter the entire time. He stopped short of Moonwalking off the first green. Almost like old times.

Found this while surfing this morning - nicely done little video from Titleist on the town of Augusta and why they love golf so much down there...

How much of an elevation change is there on the 10th hole at Augusta? Mercy! TV doesn't do it justice....