John Patrick/Producer-Idaho Sports Talk  @JPktik

The Masters starts on Thursday. It’s my favorite sporting event of the year. Tradition, drama, history … The Masters has it all. Here are five reasons I like The Masters above anything.

Augusta National Golf Course is the Holy Grail of courses. Forget St. Andrews or Pebble Beach, in April, Augusta takes on a life of its own. The beauty of the course is something to behold. Meticulously groomed, no golf course can compare. The azaleas are in bloom. The greens and fairways take on lush color unlike any other golf course in the world. The rolling tree-lined fairways force proper placement of tee shots. The white sand traps add an incredible contrast. The stone-lined Hogan Bridge crosses Rae’s Creek on the way to the 12th green. The water hazards reflect the magnificent surroundings. When I die, please sprinkle my ashes at Augusta.

Amen Corner is defined as the 3-hole stretch of numbers 11, twelve and thirteen. Players must judge the wind on the par-3 twelfth hole at just the right time. Phil Mickelson hit one of the greatest shots in golf history on the 13th hole en route to his 2010 Masters win. There is a reason it is said the Masters doesn’t start until the back nine on Sunday.

The Green Jacket is one of the unique prizes in sports. Those who slip it on inside the Butler Cabin will be known as Masters champions forever. Champions are allowed to keep it for a year before it is stored with the green jackets of other past champions.

Anyone who says golf lacks drama apparently does not watch the final round of the Masters. In few cases there have been blowout wins. But, most often the tournament will come down to a handful of golfers. One errant or spectacular shot can be the difference between winning and losing. Remember this one?

The honorary opening tee shot signals the start of the Masters. Former champions Sam Snead, Gene Sarazen, Byron Nelson, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player are just some of the legends that have taken part in this tradition.

Everywhere you look, The tournament is filled with tradition. The course, theme music, the Butler Cabin … Even Jim Nantz uttering the words “The Masters, a tradition like no other.”