A First Timer's Visit to The Masters

When I was 12 years old I watched my first Masters on television.  At the time, I had barely picked up a golf club and I figured that courses like Augusta National were something that I was only allowed to see on television.  That all changed when I was the lucky winner of 2 Saturday tickets in the Masters "lottery" for the 2016 Masters.  I decided to bring my friend John, he was ecstatic and so was I. The plan was to golf, watch golf, golf some more, and then watch some more golf.  Sleep was not figured into the agenda.

The 2016 Masters agenda started off on Friday with a 36 hole golf fest at Reynold's Plantation located in nearby Greensboro, GA.  My golf buddy John and I got up early to play the Great Waters and The Landing courses.  We took great pleasure in knowing that just down the road, the world's best were playing in the same windy conditions that we endured.  After wrapping up 36, we hurried off to bed like a couple of kids on Christmas eve.  In the morning we would be headed to The Masters for the first time.

Having obsessively watched and read about The Masters tournament and Augusta National over the years, I felt that I had a pretty good idea of what to expect and just as I expected, my expectations would be exceeded.  Parking at The Masters is free as the lot is actually owned by Augusta National. We were able to find a parking spot with relative ease.   We popped a quick selfie to document that we actually made it to The National, (that's what the locals call it), and since no phones are allowed inside, we left our gadgets behind and headed into the gates.

The only photo taken on Augusta property captures the excitement. Holderness and Bourne polo ensures that I am looking sharp!

There had been discussions as if I would actually weep when I first laid my eyes upon the grounds of Augusta.  Fortunately, I was able to hold it together.

We had conveniently arrived 7 hours before the leaders (Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth) would tee off.  This provided us just the right amount of time to walk the back nine and play some virtual golf, we used our imaginations instead of our golf clubs.  After taking a quick glimpse of 18 green and muttering a few dumbfounded phrases, we headed down #10 to hit our imaginary tee shots.

 First Impressions:

• Augusta National is much larger and more spacious than it appears on television. Everything will make sense once you see it.

• The television coverage does not adequately capture the scale of the elevation changes and slopes.

• Amen Corner is just as glorious as I had pictured it in my dreams.

• Scoreboards are everywhere and actually add a great deal of atmosphere to the course.

• The place smells different. A mixture of pine, bbq sandwiches and freshly cut grass. Somebody should make an "Augusta" pine tree air freshener.

• People are super nice and extra polite at The Masters. Just being at Augusta National brings out the best in everyone.

• The tees and greens are much closer to each other than I had imagined. The Mackenzie architecture is very enjoyable.

• Since the course was configured with the patrons in mind, there are many great places to watch live golf.

One of my favorite policies at Augusta National is in regards to the seating. If you decide to bring your own chair, you can place it wherever you would like on the property and then carry on exploring the rest of the golf course. When you come back, your chair will be waiting for you. Someone may be sitting in it, but just let them know that this is your seat and they will gladly pop up in an instant and thank you for your kind and sharing spirit. Again, people are super nice and extra polite at The Masters.

After carding a virtual 41 and 39 on the back nine (I holed out for bogey on 15).  It was time to watch the pros play actual golf.  While there are many great spots to take in the action at Augusta National, here are some of my favorite spots on the property.

• Hole #6: As is the case with most holes, you can get right next to the players as they hit their tee shots into the drastically downhill par 3. We watched Hunter Mahan come 1 foot from making an ace. We groaned.

• Hole #16: We snatched up a couple of chairs on the hillside. From this vantage point you can watch all of the action on the par 3 as well as the play on 15 green. We saw some birdies and a couple of "other" scores. One of the best vantage points in all of golf.

• Amen Corner: From the unique arrangement, you can watch the action on 11, 12, and 13 all from one spot. I knew this coming in but was surprised to find it actually was all "right in front of you." Golf Digest's Ashley Mayo informs me that there is an area behind 12 green where there are no cameras or microphones. Players take this opportunity to vocalize their frustrations.

• #2 green: You are right in the middle of the front nine and will get to watch a fair number of eagle putts.

While I was most excited to watch the golf and see the course, I was also looking forward to getting my hands on the reasonably priced concessions. Here are your Selections at The Masters.

• Masters BBQ Sandwich: Classic deliciousness, will repeat. Consumption total: 1.

  • Consumption total: 2

  • Grade: 9/10

  • Price: $3.00

• Masters Pimento Cheese: After much hoopla, this crowd favorite let me down.

  • Consumption total: 1

  • Grade: weird/disgusting

  • Price: $1.50

• Masters Egg Salad Sandwich: Oh ho man, Egg salad is the leader in the clubhouse:

  • Consumption total: 2

  • Grade: 9.5/10

  • Price: $1.50

• Masters Cookies: I went with the chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin. I love cookies.

  • Consumption total: 5

  • Grade: 9.4/10

  • Price: $1.50

• Masters Georgia Peach: Peach yogurt in between sugar cookies. A slice of golf heaven and your Selections at The Masters champion.

  • Consumption total: 1

  • Grade: 9.6/10

  • Price: $2.00

• Masters Carrots: Health effort that was met with curious looks:

  • Consumption total: 1 bag.

  • Grade: 7/10

  • Price: $1.00

Other things that happened at The Masters:

• We convinced Ashley Mayo that Shaquille O Neal just walked by her at Amen Corner.

• Plots to break into the exclusive Berkman's Place were conceived. We pinpointed it's location on the map but no action was taken.

• When Jordan Spieth hit his drive right on #17. We capitalized by making our first Master's television appearance. That was me in the yellow pants.

• We estimated that we'd probably hit #12 green only once out of every 6 attempts.

• We annointed Rory McIlroy the winner of the "Tighest golf shirt" contest.

• We exceeded our golf shop budget. Not only do I recommend establishing a healthy budget, I also recommend exceeding that budget. Coffee mugs and hats for everyone!

• We drank from the fountain on 17 in hopes that the mystical water would lower our handicaps.

• The bathroom attendant informed me that "A stall does it all" as he rapidly ushered patrons through the men's restroom.

Lee Wybranski makes some mighty fine posters.

Plenty of great options in the golf shop. Get a head start on 2016 Xmas shopping.

After spending approximately 12 hours on the grounds at Augusta National, we were ushered off of the property and left the course changed men.  This was easily one of the most enjoyable days of my golfing life.  A big thanks to every one who played a part in my 1st day at The Masters.

On Masters Sunday, I like to golf in the AM and Masters watch in the PM.  We teed off at the somewhat nearby Sea Island Golf Club and headed to a local restaurant to watch the conclusion of the Masters.  Golf fans will know what happened next as we tuned in to CBS.

As a Jordan Spieth fan, I was shocked to watch the events that unfolded.  However, I was inspired to see how Jordan reacted and I look forward to his response over the long term.  As golfers and humans, we can all learn a lot by watching this 22 year old.  We also learned quite a bit about the 2016 Masters champion, Danny Willett.  With an outstanding final round, Willett won the Masters just as much as Spieth gave it away.

I will look forward to returning to Augusta and The Masters.  Perhaps a practice round, where I can take pictures!

UPDATE: I made a return visit to Augusta National during a practice round in 2017. Even though we only had a few brief moments in between the rain, I was able to snap the pictures you see throughout this post.

2016 Masters Picks

With my first visit to August National Golf Club on the horizon, I am turning in my picks early this April.  The favorites heading into this week are more clear than in previous years.  I see the A list contenders as Jason Day, Bubba Watson, Rory McIlory, Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler, and Adam Scott.  In an effort to see even deeper into the 2016 Masters storyline, I offer up the following advanced predictions.

• Vegas odds are 2:1 that I will shed a tear when my eyes are first laid upon Augusta National Golf Club.  I will keep it together.
• Jordan Spieth will valiantly attempt to defend his title, however the par 5, 15th hole will serve as his week long nemesis and ultimate undoing.
• The swashbuckling Swede, Stenson, goes low on Thursday and Friday and leads heading into the weekend. However, a wild succession of water balls will sink his chances.
• No, Tiger Woods will not participate in this years Masters.  However, the vast number of references and montages will make you think otherwise.
• Rory McIlroy sets a new record for number of Masters eagles in 4 days with 5.  Rory simultaneously balances that out with 5 double bogies.
• Adam Scott plays solid golf all week and finishes 3rd.  Looks confusingly at his putter after a birdie miss on Sunday's 18th hole.
• Jordan Spieth's Texas Barbecue is rumored to be one of the most delicious meals ever consumed at the Champions Dinner.  Unfortunately, I will not be in attendance to confirm the allegations.
• As a contributing writer to Ashley Mayo's "Overheard at The Masters," the 2016 version will be one of the most viewed internet snippets of all time.  Move on over David After the Dentist!
• Bubba Watson hits it into the woods on #10 again.  However, he makes bogey this time and never recovers from the ensuing mental tailspin.
• Sleeper pick:  Ryan Moore is only one off of the pace going into Sunday.  Finishes solo 4th.  After prediction comes true, controversy erupts over Ryan Moore's qualifications as a legitimate "sleeper pick."
• Jason Day finishes second for a change.  Remains #1.
• Rickie Fowler wins the Masters by 2 shots and posts a record 16 selfies of himself doing rad $hit in the green jacket.  Including but not limited to the following action items.
  • Ricky begins his Masters victory lap by skydiving in the green jacket and successfully using the coat tails as his parachute.
  • After his appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Ricky accepts a triple dog dare to scuba dive in the green jacket.  Mako sharks look on enviously.
  • Ricky's high tops, no pants, and green jacket selfie generates wild enthusiasm while drawing serious criticism from golf's governing bodies.
  • Golf Boys 3.0 Green Jacket edition proves that even Augusta glory can't improve your rap game.

2015 US Open Predictions

Here are my US Open predictions for Chambers Bay.  They are in early this year, which should make them even more impressive.  As a disclaimer, I would also like to remind everyone just how hard it is to correctly predict golf tournaments.  

Top: 5

1. Jordan Spieth - about 3 years ago, I predicted Jordan would win his 1st major at Chamber's Bay in 2015.  This long range pick is looking even more likely now that Jordan his risen to #2 in the world and claimed victory at the Masters.  Spieth wins by 1 draining a 12 footer for birdie on 18 that sends the crowd into a frenzy of total madness!!!
2. Rory McIlory - Rory goes down swinging after suffering a tough double bogie on the 16th hole to give up the lead and lose by 1. Rory manages to roll in a nice birdie on 18 forcing Spieth to make his 12 footer for the win.  Ratings glory for FOX!!
3. Jason Day - Another solid performance in a major by J-Day.  His all weather Adidas pants propel him up the leader board with the low round of the day on Sunday.
4. Dustin Johnson- I originally had Sergio here but decided to go with Dustin Johnson.  This was based on the fact that I think Dustin is a better golfer at the current time.      
5. Ryan Moore - Going with the hometown favorite to have a strong showing.  A tough Sunday round sees him fall out of a tie for the lead.

Notables:

• Tiger Woods:  Tiger plays 2 of the 4 rounds under 70 and the other 2 not so much.  He finishes a respectable T-26th place.
• Rickie Fowler:  Rick finishes in a tie for 6th ending that whole "top 5 in a major" thing he had going on last year.
• Jason Dufner:  Dufman finds his grove and leads after day 1, he then turns in 3 sub par (above par) rounds to finish in a T-27, 1 shot behind Tiger.
• Angel Cabrera:   My friend Joe will bet heavily for "El Pato" to pull this one off.  Joe will lose heavily.
• Greg Norman and Joe Buck:  Earn moderate to bad marks as Fox's 1st time US Open commentating team.
• Phil Mickelson:  Phil's driving holds him back this week.  Too much trouble off of the tee costs him a realistic shot at a Sunday run.  He finishes in a T-7 position.  He chips in a whole bunch though and people love it. 

Cinderella Story:

A 21 year old by the name of Ollie Schniederjans (a) from Georgia Tech plays like a man on a mission through 2 days coming into within 1 shot of the lead.  The papers erupt with Francis Ouimet stories of old.  People start chanting Ollie after every birdie, One particularly ambitious fan paints "Ollie Ollie Oxen Free" on her T-Shirt.  In short, people get real excited.....  Unfortunately, Ollie fades into a respectable finish over the weekend right along side Jason Dufner.  Not bad for a 1st timer. 

Winning Score in relation to par:  1 under par:  A near perfect score for the USGA.  The weather ends up being about 1 stroke nicer than expected.