Now that the golf season has come to a wimpering close, and football season is in full swing...I've already started to think about the first week in April. While football may in fact be the most popular sport around these days...The Masters is without a doubt the most PURE "Sporting Event" there is.
I've been lucky enough to attend several Masters (and even luckier to play the course!!)and it's simply the best and least cluttered experience there is. While getting to a US Open can require shuttle buses from miles away, at The Masters you can park your car within a reasonable distance and walk right in.
The grounds are not cluttered with big ugly tents (which Philly Mic should be happy about...no tents to bounce a ball off of)...and you can get a beverage and snack for less than five bucks. The crowds are respectful to all...and the beauty is something that cannot be appreciated unless you see it in person. Sorry CBS...even in HD....TV does not do it justice.
As for the people...a lot can be said for southern hospitality. As long as you don't run...there's always a little (or big) green jacket to point you in the right direction. I've had the pleasure to work with the folks that put on the tournament...and without question, they are some of the nicest and fairest people in sport. The officials at just about all other leagues and organizations could learn a lot from the folks at Augusta.
And finally, while they build new "cathedrals" of sport around the country, I'm pretty sure they are not planting any beautiful 100+ year old Oak trees next to these stadiums to echo voices from the past. If you have a chance to spend a 1/2 under the Oak at Augusta...savor the opportunity.
So as the leaves turn, and the NFL fills it's pockets with gobs of money, and "spins" the disgraceful antics of it's player...just remember...some sports just get it right. The Masters may be the last shining example of what sports can and should be. Introduce your children to The Masters..get them playing golf...and give them a gift they will have for a lifetime.
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