The Masters’ experience as Event No. 51 of my Around the World in 80 Sporting Events project was one for ages … and, to think, I didn’t even see a competitive golf shot!
After being shutout in the annual ticket lottery for each of the past dozen times I’d entered, apparently 13 was – in fact – my lucky number!
And, since I’m currently more than skosh behind in publishing posts for each of my events, I figured I should get my readers something about my Masters experience before, you know, the 2026 Presidents Cup is contested in late September😉
Clockwise from upper left, this sign says it all; the azaleas were in bloom; captured a shot of my dad in front of The Masters scoreboard near the first tee; 2-time Masters’ champion, Jose Maria Olazabal was on the course during my time out and about.
Here, then, are a few of my initial thoughts about time spent on the grounds at Augusta National Golf Club a week ago today.
- Like the other major North American golf events I’ve attended to date (U.S. Open, Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup, and Solheim Cup) the distance from the parking lot or the shuttle bus drop off to actually, you know, being able to see golf, is a long, long way. I’d estimate the distance from the north parking area at The Masters (props on the free parking and plentiful handicapped parking, by the way!) to the Tournament Practice Area was easily a quarter mile. To the clubhouse and the first tee/18th green area was closer to a half to three-quarters of a mile (the latter part up a significant hill). All of which was doable for Wayne and I, for our octogenarian fathers (one 82 the other 86) it was a lot.
- Of those North American events I’ve attended – and I’ll even throw in The Open Championship in Troon, Scotland, in this one as well – none have operated with the level of efficiency that The Masters did. From parking, to the queue to enter the North Gate, to the toilet lines, to the help in the merchandise stores, and the concessions area, I’d say the motto of this tournament was next-in-line service. It was all a well-lubricated machine. To wit, as we stood in an unholy long line to visit the men’s room before making our way to the store, I overheard the fellas in front of us say, “At any other event, a line this long would take 45 minutes to an hour. I bet we’re through this in like six minutes.” They weren’t too far off. It was closer to eight minutes from queuing to exit, but my goodness did that line move! No fewer than four staff in the men’s room keeping things organized – and tidy – certainly helped the cause.
- The only thing I can compare the beauty of the grounds to is visiting a Disney theme park. The meticulous care that is visible in creating an inviting environment for the human senses is evident throughout. The white sand in the bunkers, the pine straw, the magnolia trees, azalea bushes, and the finely manicured grass is like nothing I’ll likely see again unless I’m lucky enough to go back.
- Of the five previous major golf events I’ve attended on this journey, Augusta National was the first – and will be the only – host site that is fixed location. That is, it’s played at the same spot year after year. That’s allowed the course to do things the other host sites have been unable to do. Such as permanent camera towers and broadcasting spots, a bona fide store (not a massive temporary tent), permanent structures for concessions and picnic areas, etc. All of it helped create the sense that this was not the first time the hosts had done this, which, in fact, it has not. This was the 90th Masters and I’ll wager there’s another 90 in store … at least!
- Egg Salad Sandwich vs. Pimento Cheese Sandwich – These are the two that are always mentioned when the conversation turns to the food at Augusta National. First, it’s the price (just $1.50 a sandwich!). Second, it’s the sandwich itself. Well, I tried both and while it may be blasphemy in the American South to say this, I preferred the egg salad, but then again, I am not a big cheese guy (though my kids would say I’m cheesy to be sure). I’d also offer that while good, the egg salad at Augusta National does not compare to those you’re able to get at convenience stores in Japan. Please, 7-Eleven, stock your American stores with the pillowing goodness that is the Japanese egg salad sandwiches!
- One of my father’s to-dos while on the grounds was to see Magnolia Lane. Unless we were provided membership status for the day, the only way to accomplish this was to have our Patron Photo taken at Founders Circle which sits directly in front of the clubhouse at the end of Magnolia Lane. No personal photography was permitted in this area so you’ll have to take my father’s word for it when he said, “It was longer than I thought it would be.”
- The famed oak tree between the clubhouse and the first tee is as massive as I’d heard. It was so big, in fact, I had a difficult time capturing all of it in a photograph. Estimates place the trees age at about 170 years old.
- Amen Corner (e.g. Holes No. 11, 12, and 13) is really out there. I suppose I knew this, but having walked out to see one of the most famous parcels of golf course property in the world, I better understood what one of The Masters’ Radio talking heads meant when he noted it was almost a spiritual space for the players because it was, relatively speaking, a quiet spot amid an otherwise chaotic Augusta National during Masters Week. There’s not a lot of room for patrons out there so it lends itself, I’d wager, for moments of introspection on the part of the players.
Would I do it again?
Let me ask you, does Rory McIlroy seemed destined to win a few more majors now that the shackles of having never won The Masters was lifted a year ago?
The answer, to both I believe, is yes!
Certainly, having now been there once, I feel as though I’d have a better plan in place for how to enjoy my time on the property, whether watching a tournament day or just being present during a practice session.
I will, most assuredly, enter the annual ticket lottery again … and again … and again … and hope that lightning strikes at least once more.
In the meantime, I have a couple of mementos I’d love to give away to readers such as you. I have a pair of Masters ball markers and a pair of Masters logo golf balls that really should get into the homes of fellow sports fans. To enter, I humbly request the following: a $5 or more contribution of support to The Sports Fans Project by the end of Masters’ Month (e.g. 11:59 p.m., April 30). You’re able to make said contribution at this link. I will conduct a random draw of all entries in early May.
Clockwise from upper left, Brian Harman gives hope to all the diminutive golfers out there; the concession prices are always right at Augusta National; players walk toward the 16th green after practice shots and a golf ball skipping exhibition; the player on the left is Bryson Dechambeau heading over the bridge at No. 13; the 170-year-old oak tree stand sentry outside the clubhouse; I do not tire of seeing this photo of my dad and I in Founders Circle; which way to go?