I was happy while watching the Masters' opening round Thursday to hear Verne Lundquist's reassuring voice.
At 80, Verne was back at his regular perch calling action at the par 3 sixth and 16th holes, giving Masters fans a sense of continuity as the tournament unfolds beneath autumn foliage instead of the traditional spring flowers.
Because of Covid 19, the tournament's famous "patrons" are also absent, eliminating the roars that for years accented the competition.
Along with Lunquist, longtime CBS Masters host Jim Nantz also described play with his soothing voice. Masters watchers also heard the familiar banter and tournament lore of former champion Nick Faldo, and the commentary of Ian Baker-Finch and Dottie Pepper.
The CBS crew participated in ESPN's first-round coverage along with the sports network's Scott Van Pelt and Curtis Strange.
Augusta National appeared softer than usual after a morning rain, and autumnal greens didn't appear as fast as those of spring.
But with Lundquist, Nantz, Faldo, Baker-Finsh and Pepper, it still seemed like the Masters.
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