Memories of the Masters

Simon Elliott

There are four official Grand Slam events in professional golf and for the irrepressibly devoted the Masters shines the brightest of all. Perhaps it’s due to the fact that every year golf’s finest always return to Augusta National Golf Club to chase the coveted Green Jacket, while the other majors rotate through a selection of courses. For a few fortunate souls who manage to secure a patron’s badge for the event, attending the Masters ranks high on the bucket list of life’s special occasions. In 2012 I was one such soul, and learned firsthand that nothing quite compares to hearing the legendary roars of the crowd on Sunday as another incredible battle unfolds amidst the azaleas.

Standing at the 17th tee on Sunday as the final pairings came through offered me the perfect perspective on all the action. Over the shoulder of the golfer teeing off I had a clear view of the par three 16th green while to my right loomed the towering old scoreboard. As the roars emanated from Amen Corner or the 15th a hand would appear to remove one red number and replace it with another. I was just a few feet away as Bubba Watson stepped up and sliced his drive wide, his lanky arm pointing left warning patrons of the errant tee shot. We feared the tournament was over, but how wrong we were. Indeed, an incredible Masters moment was about to unfold. This was too cool.

“Nothing compares to the legendary roars of the crowd.”

Of the many memories a trip to the Masters offers, I’ve been telling anyone who asks that the biggest impression is that it is like stepping back in time to attend the greatest country club championship ever. Traditions run deep here and patrons (not ‘fans’) are expected to comply.

There are no corporate tents or logos, no cellphones or cameras permitted. Heck, there is no running permitted! Your personal chair with your name on the back if left unoccupied will remain untouched and unmoved. A beer and a pimento sandwich can be had for under $5 once inside the grounds. A popular approach is to plant your chair in the morning in a post where you’d like to be later in the day, walk the course and then return to it for the afternoon.