Elevated Status

Ireland’s Padraig Harrington and Argentina’s Angel Cabrera walked on the Augusta National grounds Monday, just as they have done in many years past, but each arrived with a different status - as the reigning champions of the British and U.S. Opens.

“It’s still the same for me,” Cabrera said. “I sign more autographs, see more U.S. Open stuff, and more people recognize me, but I still feel the same.”

Harrington said his arrival at the Masters was one more benefit to winning his first major championship last summer at the Carnoustie.

“I can’t wait to hear the starter call my name Thursday at the Masters,” he said. “I’ll never say everything is perfect and ready to go, but I’m very excited to be here.”

Harrington said he was happy to be here for another reason, all related to his upbringing in Ireland.

“In Ireland, where the weather was cold and wet, the Masters was really the start of the golf season,” Harrington said. “After the Masters was on TV, everybody went out and started playing golf. Even though we’ve been playing golf for four months, this is the start of the season back home.”

Change of Plans

Past Champion Vijay Singh altered his normal pre-Masters schedule this year, hoping it will pay off in a second Green Jacket.

Usually he wants to play his way into most major tournaments, but in 2008 Singh chose a different course.

He skipped the Houston Open, where he is a three-time champion, last week to stay in Florida, prepare at his home course, and rest for this week.

“I didn’t miss it in Houston,” he said Monday morning. “I got to stay home with my family and rest. I am good now.”

Masters Colors

As promised, Ian Poulter unveiled his new clothing collection

Monday, wearing a pair of purple checked pants, with a purple sweater and a white hat.

Others with new Masters garb included 2007 runner-up Rory Sabbatini, who sported a large, new belt buckle featuring a metal snake wrapped around a staff.

“You’ve always got to change it up,” Sabbatini said.

Another new item Sabbatini brought was his wife’s new dog, which flew in to the Augusta Airport with Rory’s wife, Amy, late Sunday.

“That’s our baby, but I don’t think they would let him walk out here,” he added.

First Arrival

Luke Donald was one of the first players on the grounds Monday after not setting foot on the course since the 2008 Tournament.

“I try to change it up in different ways, but there haven’t been a lot of changes since last year, so I don’t think I needed to come early,” said Donald.

“I’m always excited to arrive because this is such a special place for me.”

Delayed Arrival

K.J. Choi had no trouble getting to Augusta late Sunday night, after playing in his hometown Houston Open, but his clubs were not so lucky. They were a no show Sunday at the airport and did not arrive until Monday afternoon.

Mayor’s Honor

Two-time Masters Champion Ben Crenshaw was the Monday night honoree at the Mayor’s Masters Reception in downtown Augusta, one more great Masters memory in a lifetime full of them.

“The Masters and Augusta National has meant so much to me and my career,” Crenshaw said.

“I can remember watching it when I was eight-and-nine years old with my dad in Austin (Texas) and Harvey (Penick) telling us what a great tournament it was.”

Crenshaw said he knows his time is coming to retire from active competition at Augusta National, but not just yet.

“It’s going to be sooner rather than later, but it not time just yet,” he said. “It’s just so much fun to bring Julie and the kids here every year to see all of our friends at the club.”

Crenshaw’s long-time Masters caddie, Carl Jackson, was also honored at the ceremony.

Mickelson missing

While most of the 2008 Masters favorites took to the course, two-time Masters Champion Phil Mickelson stuck to his routine, spending time at home in San Diego before flying to Augusta Monday afternoon.

Mickelson flew from Houston, where he played in the PGA Tour event last week, returning to San Diego to see his family. Then he flew back cross-country to Georgia to get ready for the Masters.

“I usually take Monday off during the majors and I wanted to see the family at home,” Mickelson said Sunday before leaving Houston.

Masters Menu

New Masters food items offered this year include the green and white bagged Masters potato chips and the Masters Moon Pie.

Faces in the Crowd

Monday faces in the crowd included past Masters Champion Charles Coody, former PGA Championship and U.S. Open winner Hubert Green and multi-time PGA Tour winner Doug Sanders, a runner-up to Jack Nicklaus in the British Open.