'A tradition unlike any other'

A green jacket? \nI have a brown one and black one, but green? Who wants to wear green besides the Irish? \nTry just about every amateur or professional who has ever picked up a set of golf clubs. It is the color that surrounds them much of their lives. I mean, the entire course itself is green. But that's not the green that has these golfers drooling. No, not even that other green, otherwise known as scrilla, bones, or for us squares, money. \nThis week, money isn't the apple of their eye. Can you believe it? Professional athletes not playing solely for money? Instead they play for a green blazer. \nHeck, I can stroll through the Salvation Army and find a green jacket for under $10, but it just wouldn't be the same.\nThe Masters is a national spectacle. I can attest this week is the only week Augusta, Ga., becomes the desired destination for thousands. Now while Augusta National Golf Club has its social problems, prohibiting women as members and a spotted past many would like to forget, the course itself remains pristine in all its glory. There's the Ben Hogan Bridge at hole No. 12, Ike's Pond, and the beautiful azaleas. It's amazing how visually stunning one course could be, making Augusta National the mecca for golfers worldwide. \nI'll admit, I'm not much of a golf fan, but even I know winning the Masters is the pinnacle of any golfer's career. I don't watch much golf. My roommate Carter, on the other hand, loves the stuff. He played in high school and can drive the ball over 300 yards. I have clubs, so on nice days we go to the driving range. While his shots soar off into the distance, mine usually dribble 20 feet due east -- I'm told they call that a slice. \nFrom Thursday to Sunday this week, I know not to bother him. It's practically a holiday, and it's like that for millions of golf fans around the world. And yes, believe it or not, there are millions. This sport is one everyone can give a try. From the elderly women in Palm Beach, Fla., to millionaire businessmen, golf has become the American choice for a game of leisure. I don't know how a wrenched back at the end of the day equates to leisure, but when you're an 89-handicap, like myself, leisure usually takes a back seat. \nThe game is tough, and quite frankly I don't have the patience for it, but it gives me even more respect for those who do and excel at it. I can hit a pitch, sink a three pointer and catch a football, but I can't drive that dang ball straight for the life of me. \nThat's why I leave it to the professionals. \nThe field at Augusta, as one would expect, is always the best. Among those invited are the Top 50 players, the best amateurs and past Masters champions who earn the right to compete in the tournament for life. Legends Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Byron Nelson know their chances of victory are about the same as my chances of dating a Playmate, but that's part of the mystique with the Masters. You never know what will happen.\nTiger Woods will be shooting for his fourth green jacket, which would tie him with Palmer for second all-time (Nicklaus' six titles ranks first). The early season feel-good story of John Daly will captivate some, but Daly's head might be elsewhere as his wife and in-laws pleaded guilty to money laundering and involvement in a drug and gambling ring Monday. \nLast year's winner Mike Weir looks to defend his title and is the only left-handed golfer to don the green threads, but it's another lefty the gallery will be watching closely this weekend. Phil Mickelson once again looks to win his first major and has come oh so close at Augusta, finishing third in each of the past three Masters. Mickelson is tops on the money list and has the lowest scoring average on tour, so can this be the year? \nI guess I'll sit on my green couch this weekend and find out.