The Masters Tournament

Mr. Commish,

A humid air hangs over Augusta, Georgia. Golden hour sunlight glistens off the dew on the azaleas. The golf course superintendent and his crew are putting the final touches on the finely manicured greens. Aromas of pimento cheese fills the air as concession workers are busy prepping their famous and inexpensive sandwiches. Holes with fancy names such as "Pink Dogwood," "Carolina Cherry," and "Golden Bell" enter our golfing vernacular. The Crow's Nest in the cupola of the clubhouse (reportedly the place where Hootie Johnson and Martha Burk made sweet, sweet love following their very public squabble over membership nearly a quarter century ago) has its beds freshly made to house this week's amateur competitors. Jim Nantz, feeling rested and refreshed since he doesn't cover March Madness anymore, brings us home with his soothing baritone and trademarked phrase, "Hello friends, and welcome to The Masters."

Ah, The Masters! It's bound to be a good one, but things seem a bit up in the air this time around. I must say it is creating a bit of a conundrum for me. I have already squandered Scottie. I am also not convinced that Rory is ready to defend his title with the recent tweak of the back, and I am fearful of the aftereffects of too much wagyu filet and massive quantities of premier cru from the Pauillac appellation of the Médoc region following his first Champions Dinner. And for the first time since 1994, we have no Tiger and/or Phil walking the grounds. Times have certainly changed. So, who is ready to win our first major of the year?

This guy, that's who! Loved by some who can't get enough of his social media prowess, and loathed by those who think his "man of the people" persona is a load of crap worthy of an Academy Award nomination, there is no doubt he will bring a buzz to the hallowed grounds of Augusta National. He seems to be ripping it up on the LIV circuit with wins in their last two events. And, he was in contention at The Masters last year on Sunday, so I think he is ripe to put on a green jacket this year. Playing out of Grapevine, TX, give it up for the former SMU Mustang, U.S. Amateur winner, two-time U.S. Open champion, and leader of the Crushers GC, Mr. Bryson DeChambeau!