Driving down to Augusta from Charlotte is a very civilized drive. Two hours and twenty minutes, all interstate on a Sunday morning was a great way to get my mind right for the week ahead. I departed from my regular car routine of talk radio to 70’s and 80’s music to get into a nostalgic state. Augusta is a time capsule when you are on the property from the prices to the absence of cell phones. For me, I am constantly reminded of so many past Masters, from first recollections, to first in person experience with Mom and Dad in 1991. Like so many cities, Augusta has grown and changed a great deal in the thirty-plus years I have been coming to the Masters. Burgeoning neighborhoods and commercial development have transformed Augusta from a sleepy mill town into a modest sized city. I was ready to begin the week.
Monday observations:
- My week started the way it always does with a walk of the second nine. Everyone has said that the golf course was in particularly good shape, and it is. Its currently firm and the uniformity of the rye overseed have put the course in very fit shape.
- Seeing Tiger Woods on the 15th hole at 10 AM on a Monday with full grandstands and crowds three deep on a Monday morning is simply the latest reminder that he’s still the hundred-year flood. It’s just different.
- I made a point of pausing in the crosswalk on the 7th hole to reacquaint myself with the narrowness of the fairway from the tee and the elevation of the green in relation to the fairway and greenside bunkers.
- The new concession and merchandise buildings to the right of the 8th hole and left of the 18th hole looks like it’s been there for a decade in the best way. Great location for all your needs including a new and large bathroom.
- I love the walk up to the original members range which is the open field between 18, 8, and 9. A fantastic open field that would also be spectacular for sledding in the event of a winter storm.
- Conducted several interviews with Xander Schauffele, Brian Harmon and Akshay Bhatia. All in great spirits and Schauffele was particularly chatty about the state of mind to think you can win. Record is so good in all the majors, and he is due.
- I had a fascinating conversation with Michael Breed about life expectancy.
- Talking to Annika Sorenstam with her new members green jacket on was a reminder of how things have changed since I started coming here.
- The Masters having eclipse glasses for everyone on the property was the latest reminder that they think of everything.
- Tomorrow is the monster press conference day and I’ll sit in on all of them.