2008 MASTERS REVIEW

     (Written by Jim Allen) ... Have you ever taken a photograph of something spectacular and looked at it later and it seemed to lose its luster? Like a picture of the Grand Canyon or Mt. Rushmore?  A 4" X 6" Kodak moment can not possibly be expected to do justice to a location that really needs to be "experienced" in person.

     Augusta National Golf Club is one of those places, specifically during the MASTERS GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP. It's an American icon because most golf fanatics camp out on a sofa every April to view this major on the tube. It brings a certain mystic that have made words like Hootie, Azaleas, Amen’s Corner, Rae’s Creek, and the Green Jacket familiar household words.

     However, like the Grand Canyon or Mt. Rushmore, Augusta is really something you need to go see in person. The actual "experience" is what makes the MASTERS … the MASTERS!  Mark Suzda and I had the unique opportunity to attend this year’s event; an event that carries more sports prestige than the Super Bowl. We proudly wore the coveted badges on Saturday and Sunday and enjoyed the extraordinary accommodations provided by VIP Sports Marketing. VIP throws the ultimate host party for the MASTERS traveler, offering up more food than a cruise ship, an open bar, souvenirs, cigars, massages, sushi, and even umbrellas if needed. Speaking of umbrellas, let's talk about the first day...

     The skies were not exactly cooperating on Saturday, and unfortunately, us first-time tourists found out the hard way once the round started. The weather was warm and the skies were overcast, but not enough for us to consider hauling in our rain gear. So we checked it at the lodge. However, that proved to be a damp decision about six groups into the tournament as we sat along the second fairway. Intermittent sprinkles evolved into a steady downpour and a stoppage in play. At that point, it became a mad scramble to the concession building for umbrellas and waterproof gear. But by the time we trekked the quarter-mile, it was too late -- we were soaked. Based on the brisk sales, now would have been the time to own a share in MASTERS umbrellas, because they were being purchased by the thousands.

     Everything about Augusta is a pleasant experience. They have what can best be described as the worlds most efficient concession stands, food lines, and bathrooms. As far as the first two are concerned, every line has at least four cashiers, which allows quick and efficient processing of sales transactions. No waiting here. And the bathrooms featured rows of urinals that moved people through quickly like some strange army drill.

     The other good thing about the MASTERS is that they are not in the gouge-mode, like most other sporting events. Six bucks will buy you a satisfying lunch, where it might barely get you a hot dog at most venues. Their souvenirs are reasonably priced also. Too bad other PGA tournaments organizers don’t come here to take notes, because they would have a lot to learn.

     When play resumed, Mother Nature cooperated, which allowed us to experience the course for what it really is – a golf museum. It’s almost surreal. The fairways are perfectly groomed – not a single blade of grass out of place. A divot? Even after four-days of play, they were hard to find. Each tree and shrub was perfectly trimmed, and each hole presented its own unique personality as it weaved up and down through the rolling terrain. And it was all accented with Azaleas and great golf fans that came from all around the world to view this spectacle. Even after getting wet earlier, this turned out to be a great day.

     Most golfers will never lose a ball here, unless it’s dunked in the water. If it is hit in the trees, it will land comfortably in the pine straw. However, most players meet their maker on the greens. They are nastier than they look on television, with multiple tiers, humps and swells. Some showcase massive hills where it looks like somebody inadvertently buried a Volkswagen or a Wooly Mammoth. Us average golfers can only dream about getting a three-putt here.

     Of course a trip to Augusta must include a site-seeing expedition to Amen’s Corner, a location aptly named more than 50 years ago. It is a place where three golf holes come together in a way where a postcard can really do it no justice. It is absolutely beautiful.

     Although the Augusta National Golf Club doesn’t officially release attendance figures, estimates are that 250,000 fans roll through the gates during the four-day event. Of those, about 80,000 patrons pack the joint on Sunday, which is unique in its own right because the MASTERS badges are passed down from generation to generation. Although the tournament badge had a printed price of $175, they can easily be sold for a grand to desperate fans at the gate. And you know what? Despite the financial temptation, fans were not selling because it’s not about the money. This is the MASTERS baby!!!

     If you happened to buy umbrella stock, make sure you also get a share of the folding chair sales. The custom MASTERS-green chairs are strategically placed by fans six-deep on almost every hole, right up to the ropes, giving all patrons an up close and personal viewing of the best golfers on earth. We roamed the course for the first half of the day before returning to our front row chairs on the 16th hole that we had planted earlier Sunday morning.

     The 16th is an entertaining par-3 hole over water to a radical green where any putt longer than a foot is downright treacherous. We figured that if the scores were tight, this would become a pivotal hole. Another thing we learned was that the standard polite golf clap evolves into a loud complimentary applause that manifests itself on every hole on the MASTERS back nine. There is no way a player can ignore it. Call it pressure-squared.

     The standing ovation that eventual winner Trevor Immelman and Brandt Snedeker received as they walked up to the tee made the hair stand up on my arms. As a fan, I could feel the pressure and at that point, I knew Immelman did also. After stepping away from his ball three-times, he hit it short and this ball dribbled back down into the pond. Have you ever heard 20,000 people moan at the same time? Wow, game on! One more of those and Tiger is back in the hunt. Luckily, the South African escaped with only a double-bogey and survived the next two holes to win the tournament.

     So I’m back where I started. Does a photograph do justice to an awesome golf "experience?"  Not at the MASTERS!  I think the members of Augusta have known that all along, which might explain why they don’t even allow cameras into the facility. Their gate security is tighter than most airports.

     At the MASTERS, it’s all about the "experience" and the memories you walk away with.  My suggeston: If you ever get the opportunity to go, don’t hesitate!

(Photos courtesy of the Associated Press.)