Shane Bacon from Fanhouse and Dogs That Chase Cars joins to program to talk about “A Tradition Unlike Any Other.” Masters week.

But first, we play Six Degrees of Shane Bacon. We try to get from Shane Bacon to Kevin Bacon in six steps or less. Oh, it’s entirely doable. For example:

Shane Bacon works at Fanhouse with Jay Mariotti. Mariotti is on ATH with Tony Reali. Reali works on PTI which often features Charles Barkley as a guest. Barkley also guest-starred on an Episode of the Bernie Mac show. Bernie Mac was in Oceans 11 with Brad Pitt, who was in Sleepers with...Kevin Bacon.

Oh, there’s more...we involve Kornheiser, Paul Reiser AND Meg Ryan.

Before we get to talking about the Masters we look back to Bacon’s experience as an LPGA caddy. A few weeks ago, Bacon was given the opportunity to carry the bag for LPGA pro Erica Blasberg. We ask him what it was like being on that side of the ropes, and if he was more nervous carrying the bag than he’d ever been playing competitive golf. We also get his most nerve-wracking moments of the weekend and wonder how he’s able to keep a supportive demeanor the entire time.

One question that comes up is how Blasberg handled it. It’s kind of a gimmick, letting a blogger (albeit one with a vast array of golfing and caddying experience) caddy for her. Was her preparation any different throughout the week. And is this a sign of more progressive things from the LPGA? We discuss the recent news that they will be giving credential to golf bloggers starting this season. We ask Bacon if the bigger story is the LPGA’s willingness to embrace new technology or the fact that sports blogs have become even more validated as a legitimate source of news and information? Is it both?

Staying on the Tech tip, we wonder if golfers will ever start Twittering during the tournament. With long walks between shots and delays on the occasional par 3, golf is uniquely suited to the in-game Twitter phenomenon. Is it something we could see happening, and is it something the LPGA should consider to help boost their exposure, as the WPS has already done?

Speaking of cell phones on the course, we discuss the insane video of Vijah Singh skipping a ball off the water and into the cup for a hole in one during a practice round Tuesday. It’s amazing video...but how does it exist. How did someone get their camera/phone/whatever into the tournament? Is this something the game should let people do, so long as the cameras make no sound? Is golf young-minded enough to embrace technology?

We talk Tiger, because Tiger moves the meter. Even talking about Tiger is more interesting than talking about anyone else on tour. But how much power does Tiger have? With the economic woes of the country, will they hurt the game of golf -- losing sponsors and eventually tournaments? And if that happens, will the PGA Tour be more dependent than ever on Tiger Woods? Could he leverage that to start his own tour, or would the PGA have the first ever player-executive? Could Tiger eventually partner with the PGA in order to save the sport?

On to this weekend. Who does Bacon see at the top of the leaderboard on Sunday? Is it Tiger vs. the Field? And does Phil Mickelson have mental issues - and is that why we love him?

Are there any young guns we should look for this weekend, and does that list include Rory McIlroy, who made news when Tiger said he didn’t want the fanfare of a practice round with him.

We touch on the Masters online coverage and wonder if it’ll be as good as CBS did for March Madness On Demand. And we ask Bacon what his plans are for Easter Sunday. Does Easter get in the way of golf, and as someone who doesn’t celebrate, how in the world do I get out of Easter with the in-laws? Bacon suggests divorce on Saturday, reconciliation on Monday. He clearly doesn’t know my wife listens to the show.

Great to have meaningful golf. Thanks as always.

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