ReMaster

Jenill, a friend on Penny’s since grade school in Michigan, arrived at the house early and settled in with Reya’s care.  The two hour drive to Augusta was dominated by low gray clouds, sometimes a drop or two hitting the windshield.  Ben declared on the way, “It’s a Tacoma type of morning.”  On arrival at Augusta National, I strapped on my ankle brace and grabbed my cane, ready to roll.  Today, Tuesday, is a practice round, and although there are strict rules forbidding cell phones, they allow cameras today.  The security resembles a TSA approach, including metal detectors.  We stopped by the store and made our purchases.  Shirts, caps, glass, art, and a plethora of Masters’ memorabilia are quite abundant and not cheap.  The food, however, is very reasonable, a sandwich and an iced tea costing $3 total.    We set our chairs this time on the slope beside and near the 16^th green then began our walk. 

16

 

We walked backwards 16, 15, 14, etc. to meet the oncoming groups.  We paused midway on 13^th, the famous dogleg left, a par 5 of 510 yards with 1,600 azaleas in full bloom lining the hole. 

The approach to 13

along 13

 

We then made our way to the formidable 12^th, at 155 yards, perhaps the most famous hole in golf.  There was a huge crowd as Jim Furyk, Ryan Palmer, Jimmy Walker, Tom Kite, and Ben Crenshaw were ready to tee off.  This was indeed a fortunate happenstance as Ben Crenshaw had recently announced that this would be his last Masters.  The younger pros teed of first and all landed on the green.  Ben Crenshaw then hit, finding the green as well.  Standing in the midst of the gallery, after the respectful cheering had stopped, I remarked to my Ben standing next to me, “This must be an easy hole.”   Several heads turned my way, looking in disbelief to find the one who would dare make such an ignorant comment.  Tommy Kite took three tee shots, two into the water and the third, still short, into the trap.  The caddies picked up the bags and the 5 some, party of 10, made their way over the Ben Hogan bridge to the green.

Crenshaw teeing off at his last practice round at Augusta.

Over the Hogan Bridge

 

The walk continued up 11 to 10 where we found the site of one of the most famous and remarkable shots in golf. 

Up 10 from the green

 

 Bubba Watson, in his 2012 win, hooked a shot deep out of the woods to roll onto the green, clinching a par in the second hole of the playoff, and a Masters win.

Bubba's lie.  Hole is hidden 155 yards away far to the right.

 

We then proceeded to the clubhouse area, walked up between 1 and 9, came back between 2 and 8, crossed over to 3 and 7.  We had lunch at the concession stand by the 7^th tee. 

Planning the walk from 18

Lunch near 7

  After lunch we crossed to 16.  My ankles were beginning to rebel more loudly and for the rest of the day we sat in the sun, watching a unique spectacle.

Number 16 is a par 3, 170 yards.  It is the hole in which Tiger in 2005, laying left of the green, lofted a chip high on the back of the green, then we all watched the ball roll toward the hole, stop at the rim for a Nike logo promo, then drop in the cup for a birdie.  That shot allowed him to tie the 18 and win in a green jacket in a playoff.  It one of the most beautiful holes, water extending from tee to green, with turtles sunning themselves at water’s edge.   The unique spectacle that occurs during the practice rounds at this hole is, after the pros have hit their shot toward the green, the crowd (which is large as huge grandstands give view of 16 and 15) eggs on the pros to drop balls on the downslope to the water.  Then each, bouncing their balls across the water, vies to see who can come closer to the hole.  Bubba Watson had the most unique shot.  He bounced it off the water, skipping into the bank where it bounced off a turtle, high into the air to land in the back of the green.   I feel that, other than sitting in the grandstand on 18 on Sunday, that 16 has one of the best views on the course.  The gentle hills on both sides of the hole allow for unobstructed views with close proximity.

Seated at 16

Skipping ball.  Splash at center, ball is far left.

We sat in the warm sunshine but were aware that some rain cells were due around 5.  Alas, unexpectedly, a deluge hit us early before we could get to the car to retrieve our umbrellas.  Heavy drops came for around 20 minutes and thoroughly soaked us.  The only cover from the storm that we had, and we used them the best we could, was our chairs.  The deluge passed and the sun came out.  Within the hour, in the 80 degrees, we were pretty dry.  The shower did halt play and several groups either quit or skipped holes.  I only caught a glimpse of Ryan Moore as he played alone up nearby 7 but my ankles did not permit me to catch up with him.  Tiger played only 9 so he did not come through 16.

Rain shelter.

Rory

Bubba

 

Barb made several trips to the concession stands for $1.50 sandwiches and tea or soda at the same price.  Beer this year had gone up to $4 but I have yet to have a beer at Augusta as it doesn’t mix well with the Tylenol which I take to manage the pain.  We left Augusta National around 5 and drove home in heaving traffic.

My overriding impressions of the Masters still remain from the blog entry last year.  This is an event of deep respect.  There are no advertisements and no luxury seating. There is cheap food and thorough organization.  The emphasis is not drink, or cell phone, or golf equipment, or parties.  I saw only a few selfies.  I saw lots of golf, and I saw today, the best players in world, playing to the fans to show their appreciation to those of us who love the game so much.