Good morning!

 

Thanks to a two-hour weather delay in Chicago, it was a long travel day on Tuesday, but I finally made it to Augusta!

 

As we drove into town, the city had a Wisconsin Dells feel to it. Every store along the main strip is vying for the attention of the thousands of golf fans, who've invaded Augusta for the week, with signs, sales and other promotional efforts. 

 

And it's not just local retail businesses trying to cash in. Virtually every national golf company has semi trucks parked in lots near the course, showcasing the latest and greatest in golf equipment. And we spotted several TV outlets with their satellite equpment, camped outside the gates of Augusta, waiting, I'm sure, for the latest Tiger developments.

 

On Tuesday, the pairings were announced. Rockford native Brad Benjamin will be playing with two-time Masters champ, Bernhard Langer, and Scott Verplank. Benjamin's group will tee off early on Thursday morning - 7:23 a.m. Central time. Meanwhile, Tiger's group doesn't tee off until 1:42 p.m., so I will have a chance to watch both Brad and Tiger play on the same day.

 

Today, golfers have a chance to practice in the morning, followed by a Wednesday tradition here at the Masters, the Par-Three Contest, a nine-hole event that let's the golfers have a little fun before they get down to serious business on Thursday. It's also the last day spectactors can bring cameras onto the course.

 

It's going to be 89 degrees here in Augusta today. Sorry, I know it's cold back home, but I couldn't resist.

 

Have a great day. Talk to you soon.

 

Paul