This year feels more like the Masters of old

Fans have returned in full force and full throat to Augusta National, adding the soundtrack that was sorely lacking in the fan-free 2020 and limited attendance 2021 Masters

Tiger Woods, left, Fred Couples, center, and Justin Thomas react after skipping golf balls across the pond to the 16th green as spectators look on during a practice round for the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Wednesday, April 6, 2022. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)

There was no better sign that the world has returned to a relative sense of normalcy than little children in white jumpsuits running around the par-3 course at Augusta National chasing golf balls like it was an Easter Egg hunt.

After two years of a COVID-induced blackout, the Par 3 Contest returned on the eve of the Masters Tournament in all its family-fun glory. Toddlers, teenagers and WAGs of Masters participants and past champions were running around the idyllic short course around Ike’s Pond as past-prime players chased a crystal prize while the savviest wannabe contenders deftly tried to avoid the so-called “Par 3 Curse” and make sure their scores were unofficial.