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The Masters - 2015

Triburst

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 12, 2006
Messages
4,353
I went to the masters on Wednesday, and I have to tell you guys, this is definitely a "bucket list" thing.

Wednesday is the last day of the week that they allow (personal) cameras, and they have the "Par 3" contest on the beautiful Par 3 course.

The players are all very relaxed and at ease during the practice rounds. They hit multiple balls, and their caddies have little plastic hole-sized discs that they flip out on to the green at some of the typical "Championship Sunday" locations.

We were on the fairway below when Phil Mickelson hit the pine tree above us and bounced into the adjoining fairway. As he came through, and surprisingly, decided to hit his wayward ball, he saw my buddies and I and said "It's all about angles, guys!"

Mickelson.jpg


Later on, we moved over to the Par 3 course to await tee-off. We picked some shade under a big magnolia at the 5th tee box. Condeleeza Rice, the lady in the green jacket you see in this photo, was the co-marshall for this tee box. Her mom was in the front row on the far left. Dr. Rice is a member of Augusta National.

The funny thing about the par three contest is that NOBODY wants to win it. If they're leading at the end of the 9 holes, they'll deliberately flub a ball into the water. Nobody that has won the Par 3 has ever won the Masters.

Most of the pros had their wives and kids with them, and they all had matching caddie uniforms (even infants) with the name of the golfer stitched on the back. Well, except for one notable exception -- Tiger Woods had his two kids with him, but his girlfriend Lindsay Vonn (the olympic skiier) wore a green knit sundress that left very little to the imagination.

The highlight of our day was when we had left our seats and were about to head for the gift shop, but we stayed to watch the next threesome (Nicklaus, Crenshaw, and Player -- who was subbing for an injured Arnold Palmer) tee off. I didn't see the ball go in (4th green is to the right in this photo -- lots of people in the way) but I saw Nicklaus hit his hole-in-one, and the reaction from across the lake. It was great.

Here he is walking up to the 5th tee after his hole-in-one on the 4th. (Gary Player is in white, and Ben Crenshaw is in the purplish shirt.)

Nicklaus.jpg


It was a great day in Augusta.
 

dtw576

New member
Joined
Feb 23, 2003
Messages
1,934
To "play" Augusta would be the ultimate bucket list item. But I don't even know anyone (well enough) who is a member so that is one that will forever be unfulfilled. To be there on any of the Master's days is certainly a super special once in a lifetime. I'm envious for sure.:biggrin:
 

Tom Wittrock

Les Paul Forum Co-Owner
Joined
Aug 2, 2001
Messages
42,567
A great game for Spieth ... "one for the ages". :dude:

My only disappointment was his final hole bogey, and not setting a new scoring record.

I was also glad to see Tiger return to competitive form. I hope that continues.
 

dtw576

New member
Joined
Feb 23, 2003
Messages
1,934
I like these new young lions. Rory, Spieth, Bubba have the game and remind me of the older golfers of the 60's and 70's, in how they carry themselves with pride but humility. I look forward to following these three and others as their careers progress. I think this will be better for golf than all the Tiger drama, no matter what you think of him.
 

J.D.

Well-known member
Joined
May 24, 2006
Messages
10,030
Tiger early on brought a new interest and skill level to the game, but that has been outshined by his lack of class.

As far as Lindsay goes, she is IMO after the highest bidder.

Refreshing to see some new young talent who also carry themselves well.
 

shinebox

All Access/Backstage Pass
Joined
Dec 13, 2002
Messages
519
Tiger early on brought a new interest and skill level to the game, but that has been outshined by his lack of class.

As far as Lindsay goes, she is IMO after the highest bidder.

Refreshing to see some new young talent who also carry themselves well.



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