Augusta National beautiful, serene before patrons arrive on Monday

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AUGUSTA, Ga. -- There is green, there is Masters green and then there is unspoiled Masters green, and they are not at all alike. And the latter has to be seen to be believed -- and only seen, frankly, for such views, if they could be taken intravenously, might induce prolonged episodes of euphoria.

On the Sunday before Masters week, Augusta National is peaceful and quiet and at the height of its bucolic beauty. Its anachronistic charm is more pronounced. The ghosts are napping and the old trees seem to be reclining without the incessant pounding of feet from thousands of wide-eyed patrons burning tan ribbons into the manicured greensward. The sounds of chirping birds are uninterrupted, unfiltered, unfettered.

The National is a timeless treasure, but it's only on days like this -- the proverbial calm before the public storm -- that its timelessness has a visceral quality.

Golfers, both the would-be competitors for this week's 72nd Masters Tournament, and members with their stand bags, move languidly from hole to hole. There is no rush and no pressure. You can almost feel the tranquility of the old tree nursery's soul.

But one player seemed so focused as to be tuning out nature and in touch with his preternatural abilities. Tiger Woods, preparing for the first major championship of the year, already seemed to have on his game face, already had taken on a veneer of concentration amid the calm. The four-time Masters champion toured Augusta National with his Orlando neighbor, Mark O'Meara, the 1998 Masters champion. Hank Haney, their instructor, also was in tow.

Only one thing seemed amiss; Woods wasn't wearing his traditional Sunday red -- at least not among his visible fashions. White hat and white shoes accentuated a blue-gray ensemble.

Before Woods wrapped up his practice round, three-time champion Gary Player trudged up the 18th hole, a smile on his face. A Sunday round has been a long-standing tradition for the South African, who this year will be making his 51st Masters start, surpassing Arnold Palmer's record.

Don't call him Mr. 51, though. "Not yet," he said, raising his index finger. "Wait until Thursday."

At age 71, Player had no illusions about his chances of making the cut. "Par for me around here is 80. I shot my age the other day (at the Toshiba Senior Classic), but out here, this is a totally different game."

On any given Sunday, Augusta National is a totally different golf course than what it will look like this week. There is no fire in it. Such was the case on this Sunday, especially after three inches of rain drenched it on Saturday.

"The greens weren't slow, but they will be at least a foot faster tomorrow," said '87 champion Larry Mize.

Mize was one of about a dozen players who enjoyed a round on Augusta National before it turned from a treasured golf course to a major golf examination.

Another was Ernie Els, the No. 3 player in the world, who looked fit after withdrawing from two of his last three scheduled starts because of illness. "Yeah, I feel good again," he said before smashing a drive up the first fairway. His mind did not seem clouded with doubt or with the recent disappointments he's endured at his favorite event. As he sauntered off the tee, he looked like, well, a man who should be called the Big Easy.

It was hard to have a care in the world with warm air caressing your face and a green tapestry splashed out before you to inspire and instill calm. History, tradition, prestige ... it could not be wrapped in a more enchanting package.

As the sun settled behind the tall Georgia pines Sunday night, only a light breeze was stirring, and a more palpable quiet enveloped the stately old grounds.

Augusta National Golf Club had one more restful night before the world would come calling.