Four years ago today, I was stepping onto the grounds of Augusta National and checking an item off the old bucket list. This will always go down as one of the best golf experiences of my life. Anyway, I was feeling nostalgic about this experience today and found my old posts from way back in 2011. So, I figured I would share the threads with everyone again. Hopefully I'll get lucky again and win some lottery tickets next year to add some new Augusta memories.
In the meantime, here is a trip down memory lane along with a bunch of photos in a gallery below (you'll have to quickly click through the first few pictures to get the ones of Augusta National).
Here's to a great 2015 Masters!
My 2011 Journey to Augusta: Part One
Alright, so the start of the Masters is just a few days away and I've been waiting for this trip for what seems like a lifetime. The forecast is looking good, so I'm happy to be escaping the frigid Northeast - where yes it was snowing again this morning. It appears the 2011 winter is refusing to end.
I have a 4 a.m. wake-up call tomorrow, so the preparation starts tonight. I just finished packing, making sure I have all of the gear I'll need for the weekend.
The clubs are cleaned and I'm looking forward to the first rounds of the season. I'm putting some new tools in the bag including the new Pro V1x, 910D3 (10.5*, C-1 SureFit Tour hosel setting, UST Mamiya ATTAS 6 stiff shaft), 910F (15*, D-4 SureFit Tour hosel setting, UST Mamiya ATTAS 7 stiff shaft) and a 910H (21*, A-1 SureFit Tour hosel setting, Project X HD-2 6.0 shaft).
Also making the trip with me, AP2 710 irons (4 - PW) with KBS Tour shafts, my quiver of Vokey WedgeWorks Exclusives TVD (52*, 56* and 60*) with KBS Tour Black Nickel shafts, and the trusty Scotty Cameron Studio Select Kombi S.
[UPDATE: Here is my current 2015 setup - a lot has changed in 4 years... Pro V1x, 915D3, 915 Fd 15*, 915Hd 20.5*, AP2 (714) irons, Vokey Design SM5 wedges 50.08 F, 54.14 F and 58.11 K, and my Scotty Cameron Select Squareback]
The first tee time is at 1 p.m. tomorrow afternoon at Charlotte Golf Links in Charlotte, NC. Then it's 36-holes on Sunday and off to Augusta on Monday.
I'll be sending more updates along the way and posting pictures of the journey, so keep checking back.
Part Two
After a quick flight down to Charlotte on Saturday morning, I picked up my bag from the carousel and hopped in the rental to head straight to the course. The wind was howling in Charlotte (steady 20 mph with gusts to 30+) so it made for an interesting round on the Charlotte Links. The course definitely lived up to its name. Didn't shoot anything to write home about, but had a good time nonetheless. A lot of great golf holes and we had to play a lot of different shots.
On Sunday we headed out to Oak Hills in Columbia, SC for the first 18 and we had a great round. The course has some great character and there are plenty of scenic holes. The course is also in amazing shape. We couldn't have asked for a better day. Not a cloud in the sky and the temps made it into the high 70's. Thankfully, I played much better. I like to think of it as getting the winter rust off.
We wrapped up the first round, tossed the gear back in the trunk and made our way to the next destination: Cobblestone Park,another great course with some really fast greens. The game continued to hold up and we played as many holes as possible until the dinner reservation was in danger.
All in all, not a complaint in the group for either course and now we're on the road headed down to Augusta. This day is many years in the making and I can't believe we are only a few short miles away.
Part Three
My journey is officially over but the good news is the tournament starts tomorrow and I'll be watching with a whole new appreciation after having the chance to set foot on Augusta National.
The Monday practice round was unreal. We saw a number of great shots and players out on the course. We spent a lot of time at Amen Corner watching the different players make their way through one of the most famous stretches in all of golf.
We traversed the course to see as many holes as possible so we could really soak in the experience.
Personally, my favorite place at any tournament is the practice tee. Watching the guys hit shot after shot with effortless precision and power is captivating.
There was so much to take in and I'm sure I missed something, despite best efforts, so I hope I'm lucky enough to make this journey again in the future.
It really is hard to put the overall experience into words but the one word that echoes through my mind is amazing. Everything about Augusta National truly is amazing.