Experiencing Augusta: Perspective From an Outsider
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For most, an experience to the Masters Tournament is a distant dream. For others, it’s just another day on the calendar, as we go through the motions and overlook an event where countless cultures are brought together under one singular venue.
Growing up, I was never sincerely fond of golf. Compared to certain relatives in my childhood, this would come as a shock to many. While I had basic knowledge of the sport, I was never considered a “true fan” through my lifetime.
Due to a lottery opportunity, my family and I were granted access to viewing the practice round held in Augusta, Georgia on Monday, April 8th. I was intrigued by the chance to spectate iconic figures such as Tiger Woods, Dustin Johnson, and Rory Mcllroy, but wasn’t quite sure what I was getting myself into.
While the gates opened at 8am (EST) for guests, our group arrived at the venue around 8:20am that morning. Needless to say, words couldn’t describe the flood of individuals pouring into Augusta National Golf Club at the first available moment. The first comparision to thought would be comparing children at Disney World for the first time to adults at this specific tournament.
Even at a practice round, this contained attributes beyond description. Whether it was a focus on who was pairing with who, or what was being offered at the mechandise store, everyone contained a varied schedule.
With Tiger Woods going through his practice round early in the morning, it was a given that our group needed to catch a glimpse. Finding a singular individual on such a massive course may sound difficult, but listening to the erruption of fans cheering for Woods made him relatively easy to spot from a few holes away.
Despite the day being shut down around 3pm due to weather, everyone involved made the most of their day. Some players practiced skipping balls across the water, while others spent countless time reading select greens. In essence, the practice round at Augusta is the perfect opportunity for fans to receive an in-depth look at what players focus on at each hole.
Throughout the day, the atmosphere was breathtaking. Concession prices were more than reasonable, strangers were communicating over the passion of one sport, and the players were interactive for the most part with the fans.
Regardless of whether you are interested in the game of golf or not does not matter, as this is truly one of the best destinations to find yourself in across all sports.
Featured Image: Andrew Redington, Getty Images
