Spring has officially arrived, and not a moment too soon.

I'm one who enjoys all four seasons of the year as each brings its own traditions and anticipations. Fortunately for me, I have lived all of my life in areas of the country that have allowed me to enjoy four distinct seasons (sometimes that's debatable here in Memphis, but for the most part it holds true) and I can make a strong argument for each one as my favorite. Just for fun, let's take a quick look.

I'll start with summer. Is there anyone that really doesn't like summer? Schools are out, vacations are in. The Fourth of July, cookouts, swimming pools, it's daylight 'till almost 9 p.m., golf season is in full swing...and, is it me, or is the general population just happier in the summer?

How about the Fall? Cooler temperatures, football (more specifically SEC football) season, vibrant colors on the trees, family birthdays, my wedding anniversary, Labor Day weekend (not officially in the Fall according to the calendar, but my unofficial Fall kickoff), kids going back to school, Halloween. A lot memorable and exciting things taking place during this time, no doubt.

Winter also makes a strong case in my life. Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays with the family, ski vacation, ringing in a new year, college football bowl season, college basketball getting cranked up, the Super Bowl. Another strong contender for my favorite season, but the dormant trees and grass in this area start to wear on me around the middle of February and I can't stand it being dark at 4:45 p.m.

But then there's Spring. Daylight starts extending, the trees start to bloom and the grass begins to green. Birds are chirping in the morning and the neighborhood suddenly becomes a place where kids are seen playing, dogs are being walked, joggers and walkers are back on the streets. It's almost like we all suddenly come back to life. Good Friday and Easter weekend, March Madness, the Masters, Spring Break, lunches and dinners on patios, Memphis in May, Memorial Day weekend, golf weather is back, my wife's birthday (can't leave that out)...there's so much going on I can't hardly keep up with it all!

But spring also means the St. Jude Classic is right around the corner. Only 75 days or so until Tournament Week. Bleachers and hospitality tents start to take shape. Volunteers, vendors, customers and sponsors are checking in and making appearances. The golf course staff is using every piece of machinery in their arsenal preparing the grounds. Our phones are ringing off the hook, e-mails and text messages are coming faster than I can respond. Player commitments start coming in and the excitement and anticipation begins to build in the office and around the community as April turns to May.

Next thing you know, Tournament Week has arrived and in many ways it's like a large family reunion. Many of our volunteers, vendors, customers and sponsors have been involved with the event for 5-10-15-20 years and some even longer. Some have moved away from Memphis but travel back each year for Tournament Week to resume their duties. It's not uncommon to hear "I haven't seen you since last year's tournament, how have you been?"...and the conversation picks up like last year's tournament was yesterday.

What makes this such a family affair? The answer is simple - St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. There are many benefits to having a PGA TOUR event here in Memphis, both tangible and intangible. But the common thread that runs through all involved is hope. Hope that their time, effort and money will continue to make a difference in the lives of those children and families being treated by St. Jude. Seeing all of these parties come together to make a difference puts the final cherry on top of spring, and is what makes spring king in my book!