That Moment At The Masters
Before moving to Augusta, I knew little about Augusta National Golf Club. Sure, I knew about the Masters; it seemed like one of those places I could never imagine visiting. After all, it’s so hard to get a practice round or tournament badge.
Concerts, Private Parties, And Star Sightings
After working at KICKS for so many years, my memories are special. Even if you don’t attend the course, so much is happening this week. John Daly at Hooters, Rock Fore! Dough with Darius Rucker and so many huge artists over the years. Hearing, after the tournament, of some of country’s biggest stars playing at private parties and celebrity sightings here and there. By the way, my most significant sighting is John Daly, and everyone, it seems, has seen him around town. Ha! Guess I need to polish up my star-sighting skills!
The Green Wrappers
Then, there was the first time I stepped on the grounds of Augusta National, and I remember it looked like nothing I had seen before. Everything seemed so manicured, green, and stunningly beautiful. There are always many people walking around, making sure everything looks great. Someone on that first trip told me they wrapped the sandwiches in light green wrappers because if a wrapper ended up on the ground, you wouldn’t see it on TV. By the way, I’ve been many times and never seen a sandwich wrapper on the grounds.
Patrons Paradise
The golf shop is another story. The line is long, and it moves fast. They have this place running like a well-oiled machine. If you see an expensive item, that means it’s excellent quality. It’s not costly just because you are at a major sporting event. This is the Masters, and everything they do is to make the patrons happy while they visit the tournament. I usually spend too much time in the golf shop, but I get to go once every few years and want to stock up!
I Hope You Do
Honestly, I hope you get to go. If not this year, soon. And I hope you follow your favorite golfer, people watch, and take in the experience that is the Masters. I hope you experience the greeters at the gate saying to everyone who passes, “Hello, welcome to the Masters!” I hope you enjoy a pimento cheese sandwich and a Masters cookie.
For me, it’s a time for me to live in the moment, and that’s always a good thing.
Happy Masters Week in Augusta!
