Once in a while an opportunity presents itself for you to do something that might be on your own "Bucket List" (ie, the movie with Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson). Well, a few weeks ago one of the items on my own personal "Bucket list" presented itself in the form of an invite to the Masters Golf tournament in Augusta, Georgia. This is something that as a photographer AND avid golfer I've dreamed about doing most of my adult life.
So enter my brother-in-law Scott . . . yes he hooked me up! Many many thanks to you and your sales guy Jeff, a southern gentleman for sure.
I decide to attend the Friday tournament round with Scott but since Augusta has very strict camera guidelines I was only able to take my camera into the course on camera day which was Wednesday the practice round which included the famous Par 3 Contest. Let's just say that getting into the practice round was not easy because I didn't have a ticket and was at the mercy of the scalpers! I can attest that the scalping industry is alive and well though. But my mind was made up that there was no way I was not getting through the gates of Augusta with my camera since I traveled the 600 + miles!! Mission accomplished.
It was a beautiful day and I only got patron privileges as far as camera access but I made the most of it.
Friday was also a great day to watch the competition. Seeing Gary Player, Ray Floyd, and Fuzzy Zoeller hit tee balls off of the 11th tee up close and personal was so awesome! If you ever get to Augusta the 11th tee is a hidden gem of spectating spots because no one seems to want to walk up that hill - of course I did :-) Many -but not all - players were very talkative and courteous to the patrons before they hit their shots.
A Few Random Thoughts about the Masters:
1) Pristine best descibes the property.
2) Very orderly - Everything and everyone has it's place
3) The Staff seemed very nice and accommodating
4) The course truly is up and down more than TV shows. No. 10 could be a small ski slope.
5) Traffic wasn't too bad
6) Food was very reasonably priced
7) I could retire on the proceeds from a few days of receipts of money spent by the patrons on Augusta merchandise.
8) I must be good luck for "El Pato" the winner Angel Cabrerra. I saw him play at Oakmont in the US Open a few years ago and he won there too.
9) I was really wanting Kenny Perry to win.
10) I'd like to go back again with a press pass someday.
To see more images click on the link below:
www.hutchgraphics.com/lr/The Masters
I hope you enjoy my photo diary of a Day at the Masters. I had a blast!
jeff
