The Masters 2019
In 2019 I was lucky enough to tick off a ‘bucket list’ experience.
We had 3 days at the immaculate Augusta National Golf Club, Tuesday practice, Friday & Sunday. The 2019 Masters was memorable in many ways; Tigers majestic 15th Major, a two tee start on the Sunday and the threat of storms, all of which added to the drama.
The Tuesday practice day was hampered by a storm break and we weren’t able to enter the grounds until about 2pm, but what an afternoon! The only day you can take a camera in to Augusta National and boy is it worth it!
We were blessed with glorious weather and close up action. We walked the course and saw just how impossible some of the greens are. The most striking thing about the golf course is just how hilly it is, the 8th needs a mountaineering certificate and the 10th is a good red run!
The shop is something else and some serious damage was done to the credit cards! Ah well, YOLO.
Friday was a stunner, bright blue skies and warm sun. We plonked ourselves on the practice ground watching all the top players go through their pre-round routines. DJ hit about 20 balls with every club and Bubba hit about 20 balls in total, not one straight, every shot is shaped and immensely impressive.
Even managed to get a hat signed by past champion, Danny Willet and first timer Eddie Pepperell.
Sunday was the real deal! The skies were grey but the course was full. I found a great seat at the back of the 15th Green which overlooked the the par 3th 16th. As it was a two tee start I saw a lot of action, balls in the water at 15 and Bryon DeChambeau’s hole in one on 16; what a memorable experience. I found myself following Tiger Woods for a few holes, even managing to get myself on TV when he was teeing off the 8th. How he managed to make two putts from the back of the 9th is beyond my comprehension.
I made my way to the 18th, grabbing one of the many patron seats to watch the back of the field play the final hole. Watching the giant scoreboard between the 18th and 10th holes you could see the demise of Molinari and the rise of Tiger. The cheers would echo around the amphitheater that is Augusta National and the scoreboard would change to reflect the roars.
Congratulations to Tiger Woods on his emotional major number 15. Will he defend his title in 2020, only time will tell.
