Forget March Madness. Don’t talk to me about Opening Day, not even one with a special ring ceremony.

Super Bowl Sunday? It’s a good party, but it comes in the middle of winter.

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are still a few weeks off. Same for the NBA Playoffs.

No, the best sports event of the year started yesterday.

Yes, I’m a golf nut. But my guess is that my 27-inch TV (no, I haven’t gone big screen yet) is about as close as I will ever come to Augusta National Golf Course.

That’s where they play the Masters every year.

Look, I’m strictly a public links player. I’m not in danger of being admitted to any country clubs, let alone drive down Magnolia Lane.

But there is something about this very special weekend, and this very special place. For one, it’s just drop-dead gorgeous. With azaleas in full bloom, it looks – even on TV – like something touched by God.

Then there’s the golf. The Masters Tournament every year produces some of the most memorable golf of the year. If you’re not a golf fan, no doubt your eyes are rolling back in your head right about now. Be my guest. Golf is an acquired taste, especially on TV.

But each year the masters who run the Masters limit commercials to just a couple of minutes every hour. Imagine that, a sports event that does not cater to every whim of the czars who run TV. Instead, this weekend it goes the other way around. Nirvana for golf nuts.

Then there is one final item about this weekend. His name is Tiger Woods. The best athlete on the planet will be in the hunt this weekend at Augusta. Right now he’s five shots off the pace. Every set of eyes in the tournament will be watching him, just as every set of eyes at home watching on TV will be waiting for Tiger to go on the prowl.

Don’t look for me on Sunday. I will be in front of the TV. Enjoying the single best sports event of the year.