The Fourth-Best Day Of The Year Has Begun

   The e-mail from a friend arrived early today and read, 'The fourth best day of the year.'

   That means Friday is the third best, Saturday the second best and, obviously, Sunday the best day, at least if golf and the Masters are part of your DNA. It's been eight months since Martin Kaymer won the last major championship and a full year since golf was here at Augusta National watching Phil Mickleson win.

   For all the promise that comes with the Masters, there is no guarantee it will produce one of those everlasting memories. Like any other golf tournament, the Masters produces its share of winners who won't make the Hall of Fame. The names Charles Coody, Tommy Aaron and Mike Weir come to mind.

   But after waiting out winter, the California swing and the Florida swing, the Masters has begun.

   Retief Goosen eagled the par-4 first hole to get the tournament off to a cracking start. Ross Fisher shot 33 on his first nine holes. Rory McIlroy is 2-under through three holes.

   The fourth best day of the year has started and the sun is smiling.