Ten Reasons Why The Masters Is The Best Tournament In Golf, Or Is It The Best Event In Sports?
I will be attending the Masters for the second consecutive year following my inaugural trip in 2010. As I prepare for my trip back to Augusta National, I wanted to reflect on some of the memories that stick out in my mind about what makes this course and tournament the best in the world. There’s a fair argument to be had that it is the greatest single sporting event in the world.
Since 2010 I have been back to Augusta National a few times. In 2011 for some practice rounds and in 2019 for Sunday. I have the fortunate opportuntiy to attend The Masters again in 2024 and had fun making some updates to this post. While there where some moderate changes to the list, overall it stayed in tact. Some of my predicitons from 13 years ago came true, others did not.
All photos were taken at the 2010 and 2011 Practice Rounds.
1. Hole Number 18: Holly
Imagine walking up to the 18th hole of Augusta National. It is Sunday afternoon and the Green Jacket awaits you. You have a one shot lead and all you need is a par to win the tournament. Every eye of Augusta and the world is on you . Can you compose yourself through the narrow passage way of Holly and win the Masters? The passage looks so much more narrow in person than on TV.
2. Hole Number 12: Golden Bell
One of the most famous holes in golf that can play differently every day. This is the shortest par three on the course, and club selection can often be vary based off pin placement and weather conditions. Golfers be aware: stick one in Rae's creek and your Masters dreams could be put on hold for one more year.
3. Masters Practice Area
The Masters is the only major tournament on the calendar with the same venue year after year. Augusta National Golf Club is well positioned to host year after year with strategically placed grand stands and beverage stops. The practice facility is a very unique setup as it’s setup perfectly for patrons with long running bleachers bordering the area. It’s well worth a stop at and spending time on during your day at Augusta.
3. The Par 3 Tournament
Somehow the only picture I have of the par three course is me in front of the course with a cigar from thirteen years ago. Within the seven days of The Masters, the hardest ticket of any day outside Sunday may be for The Par 3 Tournament that takes place on Wednesday. It’s a special day where players bring along family members or friends to caddie and have a loose day on the short course before the tournament gets under way Thursday morning. I have never been, but it is high on my list. No Wednesday in the golf calendar gets more publicity than this.
4. The Beverage and Food Menu
Tickets to the Masters are pricey and often difficult to obtain, but once inside the grounds the prices for food and beverages are quite cheap. Grab a pimiento cheese sandwich and bottle of water for $3.00.
2024 Update: Depsite the inflation across America, The Masters food and beverage menu has held strong with little to no changes in their prices.
5. Masters Chairs
Get to the Masters early and make sure you have your Masters chair. Leave that chair wherever you may choose and walk the grounds of Augusta National. Your chair will not be removed, it will not be touched. It's The Masters.
6. Expect the Unexpected
I had the opportunity to witness a 12-year-old boy hit Fuzzy Zoeller's club. He hit one ball, and it landed within 20 yards of the pin.
7. See a Young Professional Become a Star
Rory Mcllroy would look great in a Green Jacket. He turns 22 on May 4, 2011.
April 10, 2024 update, Rory is still in search of his first green jacket. 13 years later, this truly is hard to believe. Would love to see Rory take one home in Augusta. I would say the young proffesional comment
8. Ball Skipping Hole in Ones
During practice rounds the 16th hole is famous for players skipping balls across the pond in front of the hole and onto the green.
9. Tiger Woods
I had the opportunity to witness Tiger Woods play in his first time back on the course since his chaos off the course events. The gallery cheered louder for him than they did for any other player all day. Will the 2011 Masters be Tiger's return to golf glory?
2024 Update: 2011 was not the year. Tiger did it, it just took him a few years with a chaotic and triumpant victory in 2019. I was fortunate enough to be there in 2019 via lottery tickets for the Sunday final round.
10. A Day Unlike Any Other
Wether it is your first or fifteenth time attending The Masters, a day at Augusta National Golf Club is a day like any other.
