The weather finally warmed up Thursday and things heated up on the course. The closer it gets, one thing's for sure: people will be following it from all over the world.

"It's the tradition, tradition of the green jacket, there's always a good story here, for example, this year: 17 year old Ishikawa from Japan. We have legions of Japanese Press," said Patrick Snell, CNN International anchor.

"Some people know the Masters tournament, some don't know, but they're watching, a very high percentage right now," said Takayuki Abe. He says, after 15 years working the Masters, this is the biggest it's been in Japan. Folks up through the night, just to watch one Golfer.

"(People) Not interested in golf know Ishikawa's name," said Abe.
"Ishikawa is golf."

Of course, there's no bigger star than Tiger. You can tell that by the crowd, thousands of people following him anywhere he goes.

"My favorite is Tiger, all the time," said Abe.

And while the stars certainly help, CNN International Anchor Patrick Snell says the Masters is the Masters.

"Seeing the course, walking down to Amen Corner. It's the pinnacle of reporting sports," said Snell.

"I think best Masters were this year for Japanese people," said Abe.

"This is a worldwide event, always has been, and it's just getting larger and larger," said Snell.

Ishikawa is the second youngest Masters participant ever. The youngest was Tommy Jacobs who played in 1952 at the age of 17 years, 1 month and 21 days.