The Art of Masters coverage

I e-mailed Art Spander, the Bay Area columnist who is writing about the Masters for us this week, and asked for his favorite memories of covering 42 Masters in a row.

"My first, 1967, was Ben Hogan's last," Spander said, "and on Saturday he shot 66, which was like watching Babe Ruth step out of the dugout at Yankee Stadium at age 50 and homer."

Art went on: "Hogan's round, Nicklaus' win at age 46 in 1986 and Tiger's record-breaking victory in 1997, which changed the face golf presented to the world, literally and figuratively, probably are the highlights."

That's Hogan pictured above.

Another great thing about attending so many Masters: "Experiencing the growth change of Augusta from a verative 19th-Century southern town to a 21st Century mini-metropolisis. From few motels and no restaurants other than a House of Pancakes to a place where even a Californian would be satisfied with the food and wine list."

Does anybody out there have a similar streak of attending the same sports event, in Southern California or elsewhere? Share your experiences. We promise to look envious.