This was a wonderful week for me, starting with a Sunday visit to The Augusta National Golf Club to watch the Drive Chip & Putt Finals. 88 youngsters between the ages of 7 and 15 competed for eight trophies and titles. What was so great for them was that it was held at the pinnacle of the golf world and the home of The Masters.
This was my first time ever at the golf course. It is a
walled fortress that is impenetrable from view or entry by non-members without
a high-priced and highly valued ticket that is only available by inheritance,
lottery, or, in the worst case scenario, scalping.
Tickets to the four-day main event are priced at $1000+ per
day, and four-day badges are passed from generation to generation in wills --
I'll bet those family squabbles are legend. That I was able to get on the grounds, albeit in a limited
venue of the practice tees and greens, the ninth and eighteenth greens and the
first tee, for the miraculous price of $25, was a Godsend to me.
Some of the pros were on hand for their opening practice
rounds, though for me that was not exceptional, since I've met and checked in
many of them during my active years at American Airlines. Some were new to me, including those with names
like Darren, Mark, Fuzzy, and Vijay, among others. I was close enough to shake
hands, or get an autograph -- but that was prohibited.
The stars of the day were the kids who competed for the
prizes, and their families were as excited, if not more so, than they
were. Some very diminutive boys and
girls hit some monster drives and made some picture-perfect chips and
putts. Even those who didn't win were a
treat to watch, and I'm certain they will carry the memory of Augusta for the
rest of their lives. Some are bound to
return as pros someday, as well.
Look at the picture below and just imagine what it would be
like for this 8-year-old to be teeing off on this fantastic golf course in
front of thousands of spectators. What
a thrill for him and for his dad, who was also there and right behind him. Some
of those kids hit the ball well over 200 yards and kept it inbounds, a feat
that I rarely achieved in my golfing days.
Jeff, my son-in-law, was drawn into a conversation with one
of the gallery guards, who gave him some excellent advice and pointers on how
to apply for that honor. Jeff is all fired up now and ready to do it, though it
takes several tries and up to eight years to gain acceptance. Of course, one of the benefits is that you
get to play the course after the tournament is over and before they close it
for maintenance.
So, another item has been crossed off my bucket list,
although I still want to return for the actual tournament if time and fortune
permit. The Masters this year promises
to be one of the best ever, and the weather forecast is for plenty of sun and
warm temperatures all four days. I hope
you're watching, if not for the golf, at least for the beautiful course. We
were hit with the worst ice storm in Augusta history on the 13th of February,
so the shape of the golf course is a minor miracle in itself. Wait till you see it!
