Augusta National was in a receptive mood after another rainy night in Georgia.

Thunderstorms forced an interruption to practice for the second day. The "patrons" ordered players off the course and they hustled back to their clubhouse.

The ground is where the electricity really lies, and not the heavens.

The feeling of being special. Potentially, something truly memorable.

There are no prizes for guessing the reason.

No matter what happens in the next four days the Masters' first round will be all about one man. It will be a story that few could have imagined.

Even if Tiger Woods doesn't make it tomorrow night, he is still a winner.

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Legend is born

"He was hitting wedge, and we had 3 wood" - This is the day Tiger changed golf forever.

The galleries that will follow him from the 1st Tee to the 18th Green, through the valleys and hills, will all be united in their desperate search to see the greatest player this millennium confuse pundits, doctors, and rivals.

Tiger's victory in 2019, when many of his most passionate fans began to doubt that he could ever regain those glory days, is still a beacon.

However, by many standards, just striking the opening drive down the first fairway is a greater victory.

Woods will remain determined by pure adrenaline, his competitive spirit.

There is more this time around, and it feels like a celebration for the sport - as well as the end to the worst pandemics that have affected the planet.

The Masters took place in November 2020 with Woods absent.

Hideki Matsuyama was the first Japanese winner. He was still in hospital last April.

However, despite the fact that the weather tried to dampen proceedings, this week's normality was even more joyful.

There are a lot of hoots and hollers. Full galleries. The air is smoky with the scent of cigars.

Rory McIlroy said it best: "It feels as if we're back in normal life, just like a normal Masters."

"We are sort of at light at the end the tunnel, I suppose" is how I would describe it.

"In 2020, it was a very odd Masters, but last year with a few limited fans was much more enjoyable.

"But this year, the crowds for this week have already been incredible.

"Even driving up Berckmans road to get to the course, which is usually a 10-minute drive, it took us 45 mins to get there."

AUGUSTA IS AS TERRIFYING AND INVITING AS IT IS TERRIFYING

Yes, the Tiger effect. However, there was also a desire for two years to embrace what was lost.

The course is beautiful, inviting, and frightening despite the weather.

The 11th, which marks the beginning of Amen Corner, is extended. The par-five 15th is a new challenge.

Augusta is more than a golf course. It's the challenges that remain the same, which makes it unique.

You will need to fight with ghosts to get rid of the doubts and memories that may be causing you trouble.

This is also a course that the standard approach doesn't work.

McIlroy is determined to become the sixth player in history to win all four Majors. He added that "This course requires you to be OK with par."

It will come back to bite you if you push it around too much.

Those who don't remember that are reminded of Jordan Spieth’s 2016 meltdown at the 12th which led to Danny Willetts winning, McIlroy’s 2011 last day disaster, and Greg Norman's collapse in 1996 to give Sir Nick Faldo his third Green Jacket.

As always, Augusta is an open book. The present can be opened.

It is a daunting task, with a highly charged, frenetic crowd and an almost impossible story to begin.

It is beyond all expectations. Let the battle begin.