Wednesday LIVE from the Masters

Golf Writer Andy Reistetter is at the Masters for the week. Here are his thoughts, comments and perspectives for Wednesday at the 2011 Masters. Look for his column every day for an upfront, personal and firsthand look at what is happening at Augusta National in the 75^th rendition of this springtime classic!

Wednesday was a perfect day at the Masters.

Whether or not I was there does not matter, it was a perfect day at the Masters.

Coolness in the morning, sun all day, warm temperatures in the afternoon and little wind—a pristine spring day!

The flags were back atop the scoreboard on the first fairway and the green and white umbrellas were back on the clubhouse lawn near the old oak tree.

Wednesday at the Masters is all about three things: the stories from Tuesday's night Champions' dinner, the par-3 contest and the pairings and excitement about the start of the Masters on Thursday.

Defending and three-time Masters Champion Phil Mickelson is a classy guy. He dedicated the dinner to Seve Ballesteros who inspired him as a nine year old when he won the 1980 Masters.

At age 17 Mickelson played a practice round with Seve in his very first PGA TOUR event in his hometown of San Diego.

The par-3 contest is as unique to golf as golf is as unique to sports…the ultimate trifecta!

Or less if you are a good golfer.

Wonderful sights today included seeing Raymond Floyd drain a 15-footer on the fifth hole for deuce and go on to post a four-under 23 to finish second.

Another inspiring moment was seeing Ben Crenshaw and his caddie Carl Jackson caddying for the 50^th time at Augusta National. Melanie Hauser is writing a book about that twosome of life called "Two Roads to Augusta."

I watched Italian brothers Eduardo and Francesco Molinari tee off on the 130-yard first hole and nearly hole both shots. Playing partner Angel Cabrera topped that rattling the flagstick for a near ace.

Golfers, friends, family playing the game we love so much and having a lot of fun!

Luke Donald, World No. 4 won the par-3 contest with a five-under 22. If anybody can break the curse of not winning the Wednesday show and the main show it could very well be Luke Donald come this Sunday.

No time to sleep tonight as I need to get to Augusta National early in the morning to see Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus hit ceremonial first shots as honorary starters to begin the 75^th rendition of the Masters.

Jonathon Byrd whose ace won the Las Vegas tournament last fall will tee off first at 7:45 a.m.  Remember it wasn't that win that earned him his invitation to play this week it was the subsequent Hyundai Tournament of Champions.

Tiger Woods goes off at 10:41 a.m. playing with U.S. Open Champion Graeme McDowell and Robert Allenby.

Favorite Phil Mickelson tees off at 1:48 p.m. playing with U.S. Amateur Champion Peter Uihlein and Geoff Ogilivy.

My guy Dustin Johnson goes off at 8:40 a.m. with my friend's favorite Nick Watney.

Tomorrow might not be so perfect because there will be a few bogeys and double bogeys out at Augusta National.

Well then again yes it will be another perfect day in golf!

Andy Reistetter is a freelance golf writer as well as a Research and Broadcast Assistant for the major golf broadcast companies. He spends time on all four major American golf tours: the PGA TOUR, Champions, Nationwide and LPGA Tours.

Reistetter resides in near the PGA TOUR headquarters and home of The PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach.

A lifetime golfer, Andy enjoys volunteering at the World Golf Hall of Fame and THE PLAYERS while pursuing his passion for the game of golf and everything associated with it. He can be reached through his website www.MrHickoryGolf.net or by e-mailing him at [e-mail]