This is a sad "tale of woe."

Like most golfers, I've always aspired to visit Augusta National and see the Masters in person. I finally got the opportunity in 1998, when I was presented with a couple tickets from a friend. Oh happy day! I was so happy and couldn't wait.

About a 3 weeks prior to the event, I was called to a significant work meeting in Osaka, Japan. I tried to explain why I couldn't go, but was essentially told I must be in Japan.

So I had to return the 2 tickets to my friend and could not travel to the Masters. What made it even worse was this. I was in Osaka while the Masters was played, and could not get American TV back then. So I had to watch the Japanese feed, which did allow me to see the telecast, but not listen to the announcers, since they were speaking Japanese. Oh it was painful.

And to this day I have not yet been in a position to see the Masters in person. It IS on my "bucket list."

so unbeliveable we were there on Wed. had a sandwich and walk ever where they would allow us to go. And hope to go back some day. Now that they have change it.

I HAVE BEEN LUCKY ENOUGH TO GO TO THE MASTERS 6 TIMES, TWICE WITH MY WIFE.

I WILL TRY TO KEEP THIS SHORT AS EACH OF THE VISITS WAS MEMORABLE.

THE FIRST TIME YOU WALK THRU THE GATES AND DOWN TOWARD THE CLUBHOUSE YOU GET A FUNNY FEELING LIKE YOUR WALKING INTO A VERY SPECIAL PLACE.

IT IS LIKE WALKING INTO A PAINTING IT IS SO BEAUTIFUL AND PERFECTLY MANICURED.

PK,QUICKLY--EVERY HOLE IS SOMETHING SPECIAL BUT 10 THROUGH 16 ARE MAGNIFICENT. NOT JUST THE BEAUTY BUT THE GOLFING PROWESS TO BE ABLE TO PLAY THESE HOLES IS LIKE NOWHERE ELSE.

OUR FAVORITE PLACE IS THE TREES AT THE CORNER OF 13 FAIRWAY FROM WHERE YOU CAN SEE 12 GREEN, 13 COMPLETELY. AT ONE TIME YOU COULD ALSO SEE 12 BUT THERE ARE STANDS THERE NOW. NUMBER 13 IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HOLE IN THE WORLD THAT IS NOT ON WATER.

YOU CAN SPEND MUCH $$$$$$ AT THE SOUVENIR STANDS.

EAT THE WORLD FAMOUS PIMENTO CHEESE SANDWICHES

AND PEOPLE WATCH LIKE NOWHERE ELSE.

OUR FAVORITE WAS FUZZY ZOELLER'S WIN. I COULD GO ON AND ON...THE 9 HOLE COURSE IS LIKE BEING IN A CHURCH WITH THE TREES BEING LIKE THE WALLS.

SORRY, WAY TOO MUCH AND I HAVE NOT TOUCHED THE SURFACE,

OH, ONE OTHER MEMORABLE HAPPENING-JOSE MARIA OLAZABAL DURING A PRACTICE ROUND WAS NEXT TO THE GREEN TALKING WITH SOME FANS WHEN HE TOOK A CLUB AND FACING THE CROWD, AWAY FROM THE GREEN, PROCEEDED TO HIT THE BALL BACKWARDS OVER HIS HEAD AND ONTO THE GREEN--YEP-BACKWARDS.

GOT TO GO!!

LIKE NOTHING ELSE IN GOLF.

I have not been so the thing I'd most like to see is the leaders come around Amen Corner on Sunday

Watching the Par 3 contest would be fun too.

I was fortunate to attend the Masters in 1987 as I was employed in Atlanta, GA. My employer had Master passes and I was fortunate to have access to one of those passes. In addition, our company was founded in Augusta and later moved its' headquarters to Atlanta.

The most vivid memory centers on the colors and the topography of Augusta National. The color green is like no other. The whiteness of the dogwoods appear to be from heaven. Magnolia Lane cannot be duplicated as it is one of a kind. The pageantry second to none.

The "Patrons" (not fans) understand the game and beauty of golf. The professionalism and courtesy afforded to all participants by the Patrons relate to great shot making and ability to survive Amen Corner rather then as a distraction or personal vendettas.

If I could play one course it would be Augusta. And when I die, if only my ashes could be sprinkled throughout Augusta that my friends would bring a much appreciated closure to my lifetime!  

I have been to The Masters twice, 2008 and 2009. The thing that stood out the most to me was the amount of elevation changes. I never really noticed it watching the telecasts in the past.

The shot that stuck out the most to me was Phil chipping in for birdie from over the green on the first hole.

I hope to get back there in the near future.

DON'T MEAN TO HOG THE BLOG BUT I JUST RECALLED A COUPLE OF OTHER THINGS THAT MIGHT BE OF INTEREST TO ANYONE PLANNING ON GOING.

I-THIS IS APRIL IN GEORGIA SO,,,I HAVE BEEN THERE WHEN IT WAS VERY HOT AND STEAMY AND I HAVE BEEN THERE WHEN I HAD A JACKET ON ALL DAY.

2-I HAVE BEEN THERE WHEN IT STORMED SO BAD THAT IT WAS PITCH BLACK ON THE COURSE AND PLAY WAS CALLED FOR THE DAY. THE TEMPERATURE MUST HAVE DROPPED30 DEGREES IN A FEW MINUTES.

SO,,,,BE PREPARED WITH YOUR RAIN GEAR.

ENJOY ONE OF THE FEW REAL TREASURES OF GOLF.

At the 9th hole during the par 3 tournament in 07, I asked Padraig if he wouldn't mind signing my hat.  He obliged and when he gave it back to me I said, "thanks very much".  He replied back," no no, thank YOU very much".  I was speechless but quickly realized he was thanking us, the fans for wanting to be there to watch them play a game!  I understand that there are alot of pro's out there who think the same way, but Padraig was the first who actually let me know how thankful he was for us.  Obviously I root for him every chance I get because he has things in the proper perspective.

 I was at August National in 2005 - the year Tiger's Nike golf ball hung on the lip and the "swoosh" tumbled into the hole! But I enjoyed the Wednesday practice round equally as much. I took more than 300 photos that day and have my office adorned with Tiger, Phil, the beautiful topography. We arrived before dawn, watched the grounds crew whisk away the dew and fresh grass clippings and strolled the entire course. I recall being very glad I wore my Footjoy golf shoes on the course . . . I just felt more connected to hallowed track. The Par 3 Contest capped the eventful day . . . along with a pimento cheese sandwich!

This will be my first Masters and I'll only be able to watch it on tv (sad face).

Hopefully in the next decade or so I'll be able to visit America and enjoy the Masters at the same time.

I can say that from watching the Golf Channel movies, it's a tournament unlike any other, and the course is just beautiful!

My experience is only in my dreams right now :-)

I am 33 in 11 days and I need to go by the time I am 34! Hopefully my wife isn't checking my web usage...  

Can anybody share stories on how they were able to purchase tickets recently?  

I have never been, but have been submitting practice round ticket applications for years now.  The Masters is special to me because it is the first golf I had ever watched.  I sat with my Dad in 1986, a 7 year old watching Jack drain putts and seizing a Green Jacket.  I started golfing later that day and been addicted ever since.  My Dad and I still get together and watch the Masters together.  Someday he and I will go to Augusta, together.  I love Masters week.  When they go on the air and I hear the music and see the beauty, I get chills.

I've know been to Augusta 4 times including 2010!!  Its the most beautiful place I've ever been!  Everytime I walk thru the gates I feel like I'm dreaming..I can't believe I'm actually there!!  I love golf but, Augusta will make anyone appreciate it because of the beauty, history and how you are treated by everyone associated with the grounds.

One of the best things they have done is allow the children/juniors have more access.  My two daughters (12 & 8) in '09 were allowed to sit inside the ropes at the practice green along with several other children.  My 12 yr. old (who plays golf) was completely blown away to be that close to the players.  Our 8 yr. old thought it was so cool to talk with some of the players while the worked on their putting.  The Junior Pass Program is awesome for the competitive rounds and they have areas roped off exclusively for children to be able to obtain autographs.  No other tournament does it the way the Masters does!

You will also be amazed at how difficult the greens look in person and how much the course changes in elevation.  Television cannot show how much it changes from hole to hole..even though they do a great job with some of the angles.  You will be very tired after you walk all 18.  It's an experience that never gets old!!  Don't ever pass up the opportunity to go...you will not be disappointed!!