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This year, the ESPN Masters commercials did not disappoint with the soft, soulful voices of Chloe x Halle and their version of the classic, Georgia On My Mind. No matter what version of Georgia On My Mind you hear, from Ray Charles to Annie Lennox, it still gives you all the feels. More than Just an Old Sweet Song that is deeply rooted in love, but a reminder that spring is here and the start of a tournament unlike any other.
The first week full week of April, as the magnolias and azaleas are in full bloom is the home of the Masters. (2020 is the only year since 1934 that the most prestigious tournament was held in a different week.) Augusta National is rich in tradition and surrounded by patrons who are experiencing the true beauty of what man and nature can create. Don’t let anyone tell you that all change is good. Those sandwiches that current Masters Champion, Dustin Johnson, loves so much haven’t changed the recipe or their price. Only $1.50 for a Pimento and cheese sandwich and $1.50 for a bag of peanuts?!?!
Ah, life is coming back, slowly. The tradition of Wednesday’s Par-3 contest where you can see players with their families and children as caddies was canceled, again, due to Covid-19. We will see some patrons (at Augusta National, fans are always referred to as patrons). The normal 45,000 patrons will be cut to about 12,000 per day.
A lot of hype is on Jordan Speith who just won the Valero Texas Open after four years of not winning a PGA tournament. Rory Mcllroy has won all three of the other majors, but he has never finished in the top three at the Masters. Other player who have won majors, but never that coveted Green Jacket are Justin Thomas, Bryson DeChambeau and Colling Morikawa. Tiger will be missed in more ways than one this year and we wish him a speedy recovery. The reigning U.S. Amateur champ, Tyler Starfaci will get to play his first two rounds with DJ. The Masters is the one sporting event that is timeless. The one event where armatures, pros and the legends can all play together.
While MLB took a swing-and-miss at Georgia politics, August National chairman, Fred Ridley is dedicating the opening ceremony to Lee Elder; the first black man to ever play in the Masters in 1975. Elder will join Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player as Honorary starters while Arnie watches from above. Elder will be the first African American to be honored in golf’s most prestigious event. Two scholarships will also be funded in Elder’s honor by Augusta National.
On April 8th 1974 in Atlanta Fulton County Stadium, Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s home run record. Iconic broadcaster, Vin Scully said “A Black man is getting a standing ovation in the Deep South for breaking a record of an all-time baseball idol and it is a great moment for all of us and particularly for Henry Aaron.” On the morning of Thursday, April 8th 2021 a Black man will get another standing ovation in Augusta that will always keep us celebrating every time we hear Georgia On My Mind.
