Column: The Masters can't get here soon enough
Consider this another tradition unlike any other.
Two or three or more of the best players win tournaments in the months leading to April, golf fans hear the familiar, soothing notes of "Augusta" in TV spots and declare that this is shaping up to be the best Masters of them all.
No doubt, there has been enough happen in 12 weeks to start counting the days.
Dustin Johnson started the year with an eight-shot victory that featured a 432½-yard drive on a 433-yard hole. He remains at No. 1 in the world. Two players have had a mathematical chance to replace him, most recently Justin Thomas, who was one match away.
Phil Mickelson, a three-time Masters champion, won a World Golf Championship for his first victory in nearly five years.