Monday was the day I’ve grown to dread these past dozen years.
It’s the day the millions of us who submit our names to The Masters to be entered into the drawing to receive one of the coveted grounds passes to the “tradition unlike any other” learn our fate.
Invariably it is rejection.
In fact, I’ve now been rejected more by the folks at Augusta National Golf Club than I was by all the girls combined I asked out during my awkward high school years. (To be fair, you could probably fit the total number of would-be high school dates on one hand so it’s not really even a fair comparison;-)
I knew it was getting close to my annual Rejection Day, but I didn’t know it was Monday until I saw the terrific Facebook meme that Golf Digest posted (see above) featuring the image of 2025 Champion Rory McIlroy in jubilatory anguish after finally completing the career grand slam.
So, with more than a little bit of trepidation and whole lot of resignation, I opened my Gmail amid the scenic splendor of Roosevelt National Forest on our journey down from Estes Park, CO.
“Congratulations, your ticket application was selected.”
I audibly gasped. I took a deep breath and looked at the message again. Yep, that says “Congratulations, your ticket applications was selected.”
I handed the phone to my daughter, Helena, in the backseat for verification.
“Yes, that says ‘selected,'” she confirmed. “How exciting, dad! You’re going to The Masters! I wonder if I received an email?”
(Spoiler: She, like millions of others, did not.)
Excited … stunned … gobsmacked … you name it, I probably felt it at that moment.
When I set out on the Around the World in 80 Sporting Events project, I figured the most difficult – and/or the most expensive! – tickets to secure would be The Masters, Wimbledon, and the Super Bowl, likely in that order. That I was able to nab one of that trio through the luck of the draw process is heartening – and budget preserving! – to be sure.
After a few celebratory moments (and a couple of calming breaths), I followed the links provided to find out exactly what day I’d been drawn for.
- Wednesday, April 8, 2026
It’s the final practice day for the golfers prior to the competition beginning and it’s also the day of the annual Par 3 Contest which has developed into a bit of an event unto itself. While, sadly, not a competition day, Wednesday does afford me and three of my guests to be on the grounds of one of golf’s cathedrals and, because it’s a practice day, personal cameras are permitted (just no cell phones) so I should be able to capture some moments and images from the day.
With that, who’s coming with?