We happen to live just over the Savannah River from Augusta, where the tourney is played. (The official name of the club is the Augusta National Golf Club.). My husband has been going for years to the tournament, which is held Thursday through Sunday. The practice rounds are Monday and Tuesday, with Wednesday's Par 3 following. Interestingly enough, he has never been to those - only the tourney. Sniff, sniff. Poor baby!
The entrance to the club. On any given day in Augusta, you can see people standing by the sign getting their picture taken. The fact that the entrance to the "enclave" is on one of the busiest roads, full of chain restaurants and shopping strips, is rather ironic.
Before we were married, almost four years ago, I had never been. I don't come from a golfing family. My father is a big hunter and fisherman and never got the thrill of hitting a little white ball for three to four hours.
I did, however, have the chance when I was in my twenties. This guy who I went out with ONCE and never got the hint I was NOT interested in him AT ALL called to invite me "to the most beautiful place on Earth". (I'm not joking. Those were his words.). I was so turned off that I made up an excuse that I had a meeting at church (Again, not joking. That was my excuse.) and couldn't make it. Looking back, I have to agree with all my guy friends who were appalled that I didn't go. "There were thousands of other people you could have hung out with! You could have dumped him there!" Stupid me.... that would have made a much better story.
The first time I went, Mike and I had only been dating only a few weeks. It's was a rainy Saturday. Of course I was dressed for my date: cute Lilly skirt, white polo style shirt, Jack Rogers. You get the idea. Did I mention it was RAINING? Mike drove me to his shop and told me to run in for these precious rainboots. Was I in love? Cute boy, day at the Masters, and cute rain boots! Of course!
These boots were such a hit, in fact, that when we stepped on the course, one of the CBS correspondents who was covering the "life style" segments of the Masters approached me to discuss my outfit. She LOVED the boots! And I was on national TV!
A couple of years later, the couple who we go with was approached by some golf magazine to cover what she wore! I promise neither one of our outfits were that amazing in our opinions. It's just how we do it.
But now I live a hop, skip and a jump away. I've been a few times. It really is stunning. The azaleas... The hundred year old oaks... The pimento cheese and egg salad sandwiches.
That and a coke will only run you $2.50.
The food is a steal...
Because the merchandise isn't! Just some of the loot from over the years (not including cups, chairs, umbrellas, etc). Bet you can't guess which three items are mine! (Hint: they are all the same color!)
Hope this gave you a peek at my Masters experiences. Too bad I won't be there tomorrow. You know my husband will. Lucky duck...
