You know he's serious


AUGUSTA, Ga. — The beauty of the Par-3 Tournament, the Wednesday appetizer before the Masters main course arrives at the table Thursday, is incalculable.

Situate nine of the most lush, most vibrantly green par-3 golf holes on a compact tract of real estate. Surround with ponds and creeks, pink azaleas and bleach-white dogwood. Allow the masses to watch from the grassy knoll that rises above it all, giving it a coliseum feel.

Next, project some noise. Pump up the volume and let the sounds rattle off the tree trunks and waft through the branches.

It was loud on Wednesday because fans still appreciate guys like Arnold Palmer and Gary Player.

It would have been louder if Tiger Woods had played, but he opted out.

‘‘It's changed over the years,’’ Woods said during his Tuesday interview session. ‘‘Used to be, I thought it as a lot of fun to play, but now it is a little distracting to get ready and be ready for the tournament.’’

Nice try, but you're not fooling anyone.

Obviously, Woods is attempting to avoid the dreaded Par-3 Curse.

No winner of the Par-3 event has turned around and won the Masters in the same week.

If the current Par-3 leaderboard holds up (there are still golfers on the course), we can mark out Rory Sabbatini as a Guy Who Could Win the Masters. He's leading at 5-under.

But you probably didn't pick him to win anyway, did you?