The Masters Tournament, played at the storied Augusta National Golf Club every April in Augusta, Ga., is one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year.

But before the first round begins April 9 comes what has now become a tradition: the annual release of a new version of Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell’s legendary ode to the Peach state, “Georgia on My Mind,” immortalized by Ray Charles in 1960.

Ever since 2020, ESPN, which broadcasts the tournament, has selected a singer to record the anthem, starting with India Arie, followed by Chloe X Halle, Charles Kelly, Leon Bridges, Kane Brown and, last year, Noah Kahan. This year, it’s country superstar Thomas Rhett’s turn, who has crafted a sweet, slow soulful version that comes out today (March 23).

“This is one of those things that I want to look back at when I’m like 70 and feel like I did it in a very classic way,” Thomas Rhett says in a behind-the scenes look at the singer recording the standard with his band and producer Julian Bunetta.…