EDITOR'S NOTE: CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz handled his 20th consecutive Masters Tournament this week. In honor of the 50th Masters telecast on CBS, Nantz offered stories and insights in daily conversations with Augusta Chronicle writer Scott Michaux.

Who is writing these scripts? It's amazing.

I thought it would be hard for us to have a tournament that could even be one-fifth as exciting as last year. The odds are stacked where it might be a little bit of a ho-hummer. The way things began, I thought this would be over by a knockout early, but it was a glorious fight to the finish.

I've been in the Butler Cabin for a long time, and even in runaway wins, the Butler Cabin green jacket ceremony is always replete with heartfelt emotion. I prepared today that if Tiger makes it to the cabin, I was going to ask him about his father. I overheard that his father was here in Augusta but not coming out to the golf tournament.

So I could only deduce one thing - Earl has not been in good health lately. I also think that's a big part of why Tiger struggled so mightily last year - he was trying so hard to win one for his dad.

So I had it in my mind that my last question to Tiger would be, "Have you thought about dedicating a win to your dad?" Typical Tiger; before I could ask, he brought it up. He sensed we were getting near the end of that interview and said, "Before I go, I want to say this is for my dad." He looked square into the camera and said, "My dad has been in some bad health lately and I know he's watching. Dad, I dedicate this one for you."

We don't always get brought into that part of (a golfer's) world. They have to save something for themselves. We, the media, are always chipping away at everything in their lives that they expose to us, and we want to know more. They tell us their hobbies and where they go for vacation and who they hang out with and what they like to eat. We need all that anecdotal information, but we always want more so we can tell a new story.

Tiger was counseled early in his career to be guarded. There is that invisible wall. Today, people got to see a very human side of Tiger. Something Phil Mickelson allows us to see more of. It's a really good thing, and at the right time.

EYE ON CBS
In 2003, television viewers got their wish as the network provided 18-hole coverage of the Masters for the first time. Standard analog and HDTV productions of the Masters were unified as Canadian Mike Weir became the first left-hander to win.

Jim Nantz's Masters Diary

Editor's Note: CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz finished his 20th consecutive Final Four on Monday night in St. Louis and immediately turned his attention to his 20th straight Masters Tournament. In honor of the 50th Masters telecast on CBS, Nantz will offer stories and insights in daily conversations with Augusta Chronicle writer Scott Michaux:

Monday, April 11: Tiger gives a glimpse of his emotional side Sunday, April 10: Bond between network, Augusta has persevered Saturday, April 9: Course is playing mind games with golfers Friday, April 8: Fans' love, respect for Nicklaus is palpable Thursday, April 7: Palmer's lessons are cherished Wednesday, April 6: Augusta brings rebirth in the world of golf Tuesday, April 5: For Nantz, rush is worth it