What A Day!

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By Frank P

  • 6 Likes
  • 18 Replies
  1. Frank P

    Frank P
    Port St. Lucie, FL

    Military

    I just returned from Augusta and it was really something. I had tickets for the Tuesday practice round. I arrived Monday evening after a 8 hour drive from my home. It was pouring rain when we arrived at the hotel, about a mile and a half south of Augusta National. The next morning it was still raining but the course was open, so equipped with my Zero Restriction rain suit, Titleist STAYDRY hat and Titleist umbrella, my wife and I headed to the course, aided by the free shuttle from the hotel. It's about a mile walk from the drop-off to the practice area via the North gate. And let me tell you, that walk is just as hilly as the golf course. we decided to get the shopping done first and it turned out to be a wise decision, 'cause as soon as we got out of the golf shop, they blew the horn to evacuate the entire facility due to approaching thunderstorms with lightning. So back to the drop-off area and the shuttle back to the hotel. We waited for updates and at noon they announced that the course would reopen at 12:45. So shuttle back to the course and wait for the gates to open along with thousands of others waiting to get back in. It was about 1:30 by the time we got back to the practice area. we decided to get some eats and plot out the rest of the day. The food is everything they say it is. We got a few different sandwiches and both tried them as they cut them in half for you along with some cookies and a peach ice cream sandwich. Along with drinks, I don't think I spent $20.00. With only a couple of hours left, we decided that a visit to Amen Corner wasn't in the cards so we spent about an hour around the practice area. Got front row seats at the range with a birds-eye view of Ricky, Bubba, DJ, Koepka, Rory, JT, and Freddie Couples. We then headed over to the 1st tee where we could get a look at 1 and 10 tees and 9 and 18 greens. Nothing is like it looks on TV. Every hole I just mentioned is a straight drop down the hill from the tee and a straight climb back up to the green. We saw Koepka tee off on 1 then saw Fleetwood and Leishman hit their approach to 18 and putt out. We then walked around to the front of the clubhouse and Magnolia Lane (The only flat piece of land on the entire property). By this time with about a good 2 mile walk back to the shuttle from where we were, we decided to start heading back as these 65 year old legs don't work as good as they once did. I've had the good fortune to have played many of the top courses in the NY Metro area but this place is head and shoulders above them all. Even though weather abbreviated my visit, this was a great experience that I'll never forget. Back to the ticket lottery again to try my luck for next year.

  2. Robert

    Robert
    Scotland

    Great wee story Frank , it’s a shame it as raining and you missed some time in the course , better luck with the weather next time mate
  3. beaureed445

    beaureed445
    Edmond, OK

    I was also there on Tuesday. I'm still in awe of Augusta National. It's the most amazing place I've ever been...from parking, to the gate, to concessions, restrooms, merch areas, etc. NOTHING was out of place; it was immaculate, even in the drizzle/ rain (yes, it was muddy in places), but could've been much worse.
  4. Steve S

    Steve S
    Tuckerton, NJ

    Great story!! Thanks for sharing. Congrats on being picked. Good luck again next year.
    Play Well,
    Steve S.
  5. Joshua B

    Joshua B
    Connecticut

    Very cool to hear, it so cool to gave a venue that outshines the talent in our sport. A tradition like no other. Thanks for sharing you experience with us.
  6. Eric H

    Eric H
    Ridgway, PA

    Thats such an unfortunate break with the weather! Sounds like you two made the most out of the situation and enjoyed your trip!
  7. Thank you for sharing. Hopefully this will get punched on my bucket list and I'm able to tell the story "the time I had at the Masters".
  8. Wow...
    I'm going to the English Masters (At Hillside, nr Southport, next to Royal Birkdale) in May.
    Though the venue is a brilliant course, and Tommy Fleetwood is hosting the event, I suspect it will not be anything like Augusta!! Lunch will be more than $20, I can guarantee that!
    JT
  9. Tom B

    Tom B
    Northborough, MA

    I'm with Andrew. Thanks for sharing, as I too have never made it there. I wouldn't ever no matter how much money I had ever support those who scalp their badges and tickets on line. It's worse than those who put TT memorabilia on Ebay. Some day, maybe I too will be able to get there and tell a story like yours. I do appreciate ALL that Augusta does to put on the finest competition there is, and their influence on the golf world. Also the Chairmen who have added things over the past years, from the telecast of the par 3 contest to the Putt, Drive and Chip finals, and the Women's Am this year. I watch it all, and couldn't imagine if we had not been able to see the Nicklaus grandson ace at last years par 3 competition. Thanks Mr. Chairman and ANGC members
  10. Military
    Glad you were able to check that off the bucket list and focus on the positives!
  11. BCH

    BCH

    Great stories guys. Glad you were able to attend and enjoy!
  12. So sorry to hear about the weather.. But what beautiful memories you’ll have of the place. Haven’t been there in over 20 years and patiently waiting to win tickets through their lottery.
  13. Sorry about the weather but I know it was definitely worth every second you spent. Augusta needs to be on everyone's bucketlist and cant wait to make it their soon. It was amazing watching Tiger find his way back into a green jacket.
  14. Great story!
  15. Barry S

    Barry S
    Oakville, ON

    Sounds like you had a great and memorable time regardless of the weather.
  16. El bandito

    El bandito
    Fife Bonny Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

    Thanks for sharing buddy,
    apart from the weather amazing time was had.
    One I might be able to do this.
  17. greg p

    greg p
    Chicago 'burbs, IL

    It never rains in the merchandise "tent." That's almost worth the trip in itself.
  18. Jerry M

    Jerry M
    Dallas, TX

    So glad you got to go to experience the magic that is Augusta. It truly is an amazing place!
  19. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military
    Augusta is mecca for golfers and glad you enjoyed it. You just never know what the weather will be like this time of the year down our way. Hope you get the opportunity again, next year.

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