There are visitors, then there are Patrons.
There are tickets, and then there are Badges.
There is a back nine, then there is The Second Nine.
An event so singular and so unique, that we change the vernacular for only 1 week a year. Because that’s how Bobby Jones and Cliff Roberts wanted it. And if Augusta National wants to change something, they do it of their own volition, and famously not at the point of a bayonet.
Welcome to Masters Week. We here at Dawg Sports always love a country club sport, and this week might be the country clubbiest of them all. We will be back with some more Masters coverage including former Georgia Bulldogs in the field. But for now, let’s discuss all things Augusta in April.
As stated above, this week in unique. Yes, it is a golf tournament and there are golf tournaments almost every week. Yes, it is a major golf tournament, and there are 3 others, all older than the Masters. Yes, it is a golf course but those are all over and this isn’t even the best private course in the country, much less the best course. But this is the Masters, and I bet it is the favorite tournament of the vast majority of the golfing public and the public at large.
The holes you know so well. There’s the opening tee shot on 1, the downhill 2nd shot on 2, the dangerous but drivable #3, the huge tiers on 6 green, the speed slot on 10, the short but famous 12th, and the risk/reward on 13 and 15. Of course the pond on #16, and then finally the narrow chute off 18 tee and the big uphill 2nd shot to the green. Everyone has their favorite – I’m personally partial to the long par 3 fourth hole.
The concessions. Some items have been on the menu for 50 years, while others are new. That includes a “Savory Tomato Pie” introduced for 2025 – similar to an empanada. The Peach Ice Cream Sandwich is only about 10-12 years old, and fills the gap of something cool and creamy. For me, you can’t beat the Ham & Cheese on Rye. Though I’ll never turn down pimento cheese or egg salad.
The grounds. Azaleas, dogwoods, pine trees, magnolia trees, and heck, just the grass. Magnolia Lane. The practice facility. The putting green by #10 tee. The Par 3 Course, glimpsed through the magnolia trees. The crosswalks that are, at least through Wednesday or so, grass you would eat your grits off of.
The traditions. Par 3 tournament. The Champions Dinner and the separate Champions Locker Room. Ceremonial tee shots by Honorary Starters. Skipping balls across the pond at 16. The Sunday pin placements. Butler Cabin. The Green Jacket. The first full week of April. The prominence of amateurs, including lodging in the Crow’s Nest. Crystal goblets for each eagle. The white jumpsuits worn by caddies.
The free parking. Probably 5,000 free parking spots, and possibly more. Who else buys up a neighborhood, levels it, maintains it constantly into an aesthetically pleasing space, uses it one week a year, and doesn’t charge for it?
The Merch. You can pretty much fill your closet with the branded apparel available for men, women, children, and babies. You can easily complete your place settings with china, crystal, flatware and every imaginable drinking glass or serving dish. You can probably finish out decorating your home with Masters furnishings if you so choose.
The theme music. Is there another sporting event that has it’s own soundtrack? Not a league, but a single tournament. Sure, CBS had the SEC intro music, but that was every week for any game. ABC’s Wide World of Sports is recognizable, but that was also weekly. NFL, NBA, same story. The Olympic theme gets played for 2-3 weeks every 2 years. The Masters is just different – one song, for one event, one week a year.
The Patron experience. I’ve been to a decent number of golf tournaments, and several other majors. But quite simply, the Masters has the best experience for any visitor. They literally welcome you. They provide every convenience. They have Will Call for you to drop your phone, keys, and sundry – just pick it up when you leave. Course maps and tee sheets are available all over. Leaderboards abound. Viewing is outstanding – don’t blame the Masters if you can’t see your favorite player, blame your fellow man (and 2,000 others) for doing the same thing at the same time. The food is plentiful, delicious, and downright cheap. They have an army of people moving around subtly and behind the scenes to keep the grounds clean, the amenities available, and keeping the focus on the patron.
There’s really too many things to remember and list. Which is the reason a trip to the Masters is probably top 5 on any bucket list and also has a disconcerting amount of ashes discretely dispensed at Amen Corner. We’re fortunate to have it so close to Athens. And many Dawg Sports readers are lucky enough to have attended, so I encourage those to share why it is so special. Even if you just watch it on TV, tell us why you love the Masters in the comments.
And as always…
GO ‘DAWGS!!!