Augusta shouldn't let Tiger's return completely overshadow the return of Nicklaus, Palmer and Bobby Jones.

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Bigger-than-life statues of those golfing legends, as well as those of Ben Hogan, Ray Floyd and Byron Nelson, have been rescued from several years of cold storage to be displayed at the Augusta Museum of History beginning Friday, in time for Masters crowds to enjoy.

Hearty congratulations are in order for our friends at the Augusta Museum of History. Not only have they fought valiantly to keep the museum going in these most difficult economic times -- they've had to slice the personnel ranks and scale back operating days -- but somehow, at the same time, they've managed to make the museum even better.

Besides salvaging the beautiful bronze statues from the erstwhile Golf and Gardens and Georgia Golf Hall of Fame along the river here -- on a short-term lease for now, longer-term later -- the museum is also unveiling Friday a fantastic new permanent exhibit, "Celebrating a Grand Tradition: The Sport of Golf," which will chronicle the sport's storied history and its profound influence on Augusta. The exhibit will include the evolution of clubs and other equipment, information on the characters and legends of the game, players' memorabilia and more.

The exhibit will also throw bouquets to the four oldest clubs in the area: Palmetto Golf Club, Augusta Country Club, Forest Hills and, of course, the Augusta National.

This is simply the museum of history Augusta was meant to have -- and the golf flavor our Masters guests, and other visitors year-round, will just eat up.

Again, a tip of the cap to patrons of the museum, who not only funded the vital new exhibit but who helped save the institution recently with a membership and fund drive that raised $145,000 in just two months. The museum staff may warrant busts of themselves for their sacrifices as well: The staff was cut 60 percent, and remaining workers will be required to take weeks of unpaid furloughs this year.

So obviously, the museum still needs our support. Gifts are always welcome, and membership is not only quite affordable -- starting with $30 individual and $60 family memberships -- but also comes with privileges: Members will preview the new golf exhibit at a reception from 5:30 to 7:30 tonight.

Not a member? No sweat: Join up at the door tonight!

We're not sure how many places and institutions are actually getting better in these tough times, but somehow the Augusta Museum of History has pulled it off.

(The Augusta Museum of History is open Thursday-Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 1-5, although group tours can be arranged any day of the week. For Masters, operating times will expand to 10-5 April 3-10 and 1-5 on Sunday, April 11. The museum is at 6th Street between Broad and Reynolds streets.)