The Masters Tournament was first held in 1934, making it one of golf's most prestigious and history filled events. Augusta National Golf Club is truly one of the most magnificent golf courses in world located in Augusta, GA.
I have been a golf fanatic since I was 12 years old and had the opportunity to visit the hallowed grounds last year and it was truly one of the best days of my life. The attention to detail and the way everything flows is truly indescribable unless you see it first hand.
I was invited to go to the Wednesday practice round with my great friends, Sam and Phil. The image above was taken by one of the professional photographers located at the Founders Circle which is on Magnolia Ln at the main entrance to this iconic golf club. We learned about all the rules and regulations this course has in place for the patrons that visit year after year. No cell phones are allowed on property which made it that much more of an amazing experience and to simply be present and take in the beauty and great golf from the best players in the world.
Patrons are allowed to bring cameras on the practice days, but I decided to leave my pro gear at home and simply enjoy the day. Sam's wife gifted us old school disposable film cameras to at least capture a few memories which was quite funny. When I got the cameras developed it looked like we were back in the 1980's. Here are some of the favorites that I scanned into my computer to create this very special blog post for April.
We drove to Augusta the day before and got a good night's sleep to then wake up at 4am to head to the N Gate parking lot to get in line for the opening of the facility. There were already a few hundred people waiting in line at 5am and we waited in anticipation.
We were welcomed in the gates and shuffled our way past the practice area and into the pro shop of epic proportion where it was a frenzy of people buying more merchandise than you could imagine. We all got what was on our lists, checked the bags and headed to the first tee. Our main goal was to walk the entire course and be able to witness everything first hand while eating delicious food and drinking cold beer along our route.
We made our way to the back nine and to the famous Amen Corner around early afternoon and had the rare opportunity to watch some of the players skip their golf balls over the pond on hole 16 which is named Redbud.
This is one of the most beloved and fun traditions at Augusta National. Players attempt to skip all the way across and onto the green and always to cheers and laughter of the patrons. It adds a jovial twist to the day knowing how it is a less pressure packed practice round. The main event begins on a Thursday morning and is a four day event with the presentation of the coveted Green Jacket for the winner each year on Sunday afternoon.
This year marks the 89th edition of The Masters and certainly hope I have the chance to visit again in future years to this place all golfers call heaven on earth.
Congrats to Rory McIlroy on his Masters win and the coveted Grand Slam accomplishment. A win for the ages!
Cheers to The Masters....a tradition unlike any other!
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