1 week Ago
AUGUSTA — Masters Week is almost over. Like a kid at Christmas, the anticipation and buildup to golf’s first major is almost unbearable. But then it goes by so fast that, if you blink, you might miss it.
It’s always special, though, and I don’t take for granted the opportunity to cover the Masters. This year marks my 38th time as a working journalist at the tournament. To me, the Masters is almost like an extended reunion.
There are so many people that I see for one week out of the year. The week got off to a great start last weekend as I was finally able to meet in person Rick and Jackie, two nice folks from Ohio. I had been a guest on their radio show for years, and they finally made it back down to take in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
They were both amazed at how much the grounds at Augusta National had changed in the past 10-15 years, and marveled at the organization and planning that went into that work. The opening weekend was a blur with the women’s amateur and the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals going by way too fast. I had family out both days and was able to spend some time with them.
Monday was a washout with the rain that delayed the course opening and then cut the first practice round short, but the weather was great for the majority of the week. One of the great things about the Masters is how it honors history, including the media. My friend John Patrick, a fixture in Augusta radio for four decades, was honored with the Masters Major Achievement Award for covering 40 Masters.
After hanging out with family and friends a little on Tuesday and Wednesday, Thursday was the big day. The 89th Masters Tournament officially got underway with Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson hitting ceremonial tee shots. It’s no secret that Nicklaus is my favorite golfer, but the Golden Bear is slowing down at age 85.
Still, he managed to tee up the ball on his own and hit his drive down the fairway. The real highlight, though, came when our 6-month-old godson Boone made his first visit to the Masters. I met him in front of the main leaderboard and was able to get some photos with him and his family on a sunny day.
The smile on his little face said it all. Then another highlight was meeting with my longtime friend Glenn. We hadn’t seen each other in six years, and it was good to catch up with him and his wife up near the clubhouse.
The amount of people that I see on the course that I know is almost mind boggling. I ran into a few more Thursday as I made my rounds. During the week I saw readers who I interact with through the Aiken Standard, fellow Kiwanis Club members and, of course, golfers I know from Palmetto Golf Club.
The best week of the year is almost finished. But I’m not sorry it’s over; I’m glad it happened. Thanks for reading.
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