The Masters: A Culinary Tradition Like No Other

Warning:  The following maybe inappropriate for children under the age of 13 and those who protested with Martha Burke (You know who you 5 people were)

Beauty and tradition both come full circle at Augusta National.  The course looks much like it did 30 years ago.  And surprisingly so does the menu choices and price.

What I love about Augusta National is that they do things things their own way.  Limited commercials, limited ators and most importantly a Chris Berman ban.  Thank friggin' god.

Is there a worse event in major sports than the Home Run Derby?  There was a time in the 80's when I enjoyed Berman, but then he bought into his own press and became the characature he currently is today.

I would also argue the The Masters is the greatest sporting event of the year.  The Superbowl has become the Disneyworld of events, March Madness in theory is great, but the one and done kids have ruined college hoops and the World Series ends at 1230a!  Now the NFC/ AFC Championship Day may have something to say about this and I can see that point as well.  I have attended each one of these events at some point in time and I would say the Masters is my favorite.

My wife and I were here for this amazing moment.  I'm not talking about Phil's 3 inch vertical, I'm talking about his 1st Major of course!

We also witnessed that BS catch by David Tyree at Superbowl XLII.  So I've been lucky to be able to attend a number of great events and there is something about Augusta that makes it #1 on the list.

I truly believe the simplicity of The Masters is what makes it special.  They do what they do well and perfect it.  We'll call it the "anti Cheesecake Factory" mentality.

This goes for their food too.  Their basic sandwiches are $1.50!!!  And they are good, but for the price could you really complain?  I love their Pimento Cheese and Egg Salad Sandwiches.  $1.50 for a Sausage Biscuit?  Done and done.  Imported beer for $4?  What is this college?  The BBQ sandwich isn't bad either.

Ah,college.

Let's just forget that it may cost you a semester of college to get admission into The Masters for a minute and appreciate the simplicity and ironically masterly handle of how to throw a golf tournament.  Of course ridiculous Broadcast rights from CBS and selling your own advertising gives you some flexibility.

I would tell you that if you ever get the chance to go, please do.  It is the hardest ticket in sports to get, but if you get the opportunity, drop whatever you are doing and hop on I-20 east.  Oh and another piece of advice?  Clariton D, trust me.

Of any sporting event, is there another event where a commentator is attached to an event so closely? Maybe Mel Kiper and the NFL Draft? The ratings aren't close. When I was a kid, I always felt Pat Summerall's voice meant this was BIG NFL game.

This was a great booth before Madden became a parody of himself. We'll call it the "Pre Favre" era.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smo1tnW60Z4

Jim Nantz is to the Masters as Tiger Woods is to Denny's, er I mean golf.  Denny's where more than the eggs come "over easy."  I'm here all week.  I know many people can't stand Nantz, but I think he's perfect for The Masters.  Not so much with Phil Simms, but here?  Perfect.

So turn on the Masters, grab some Pimento Cheese this weekend and enjoy the Masters this weekend.

NEW Footnote:

Unfortunately and ironically, I wrote this blog and paid a little homage to Pat Summerall.  As you know he passed away yesterday.  There are certain things in life that bring you to a comfortable place in time.  PPJ's, canoeing always reminds me of visiting my Uncle Elbert and summer camp where I went for 8 years and Pat Summerall's voice always brings me back to my youth.  Whether he was calling The Masters, John McEnroe winning the US Open, or just saying Thiesmann to Monk, Touchdown, I am can remember it like it was yesterday.  Summerrall and Jon Miller (whom called the Orioles when I was young) will always be the two voices that helped flame my unhealthy love of sport.  RIP Pat and thanks.