Seve Ballesteros is not at Augusta this year. Instead, the two-time Masters winner who turns 52 today is back home in Spain, battling brain cancer. But this presence was still deeply felt during the Champions Dinner Tuesday night when countryman Jose Maria Olazabal read a note to the attendees that Seve had faxed to the club.

"It was very emotional, very loving, and as it was read you could feel in the air the reciprocation from his friends and former champions, going all the way back to Spain," says Billy Payne, who as Augusta National and Masters chairman is the only invited guest to that exclusive, annual gathering. "It was an amazing, amazing moment."

The essence of the missive was that Ballesteros missed being in Augusta this year, that he wanted to wish his fellow former champions well and that he appreciated all their thoughts and good wishes.

Right back at you, Seve. Get well soon.