The Masters

Growing up I watched and played just about every sport.  Including golf.  Yes, watching golf on television is enjoyable to me!!  The first golf tournament that I every paid attention to was The Masters.  The prestige of the event, combined with the fact that it always occurred during Spring Break, created a tradition in our family of watching each year.  Embedded in my memory are the dramatic victories as well as those who let it slip away.  For me, it truly is a tradition like no other.  So when my parents called this fall to say they had won the lottery - the lottery of obtaining Masters tickets that is - I was beyond thrilled! Attending such an exclusive event was always in the dream category as it is extremely difficult to get tickets.  This past Tuesday the dream to walking the course at Augusta National and watching The Masters came true! 

After a visit to the Masters Pro Shop, Betsy and I were properly dressed and ready to hit the course!  While it was a beautifully sunny day, there was strong breeze that kept the temperature in the 60's. 

This picture showcases Hogan's bridge with hole #12 on the right.  This is part of what is known as Amen Corner.  Something that makes Augusta National so special is how beautiful it is!  The numerous blooming Azalea bushes, Dogwood trees, and just perfectly green grass wherever one looks makes for a gorgeous golf course.

Here are Ernie Els, Charl Schwartzel,and Louis Oosthuizen - the South African crew! - walking across Hogan's bridge. 

Again, showing the great beauty of the course, this is looking to the side of hole #6

Two golfers practicing chipping on #6

This is Anthony Kim on hole #15.  He is originally from South Korea, which is also were Betsy was born.  She has thought for some time that he could possibly be her brother as they have the same Korean last name!  And while we'll never know if they are related, we did discover that it is highly unlikely for them to be siblings as he was born exactly 18 days after Betsy!!  But there is some resemblance...!

One of the traditions of the tournament occurs on hole #16.  After the players hit their tee shots on the par 3, they attempt to skip the ball over the pond and onto the green.  It was so fun to watch this!!  The crowd loved seeing the successes and cheered for second attempts by those who were unsuccessful at first. Even a few of the caddies participated in the tradition by skipping a shot!

Before heading home, Betsy and I had to have our picture taken in front of the scoreboard by the club house.  We had a great day at the tournament!  And now we look forward to watching the tournament on TV with a insider's excitement!!