Are You a Golfer? What's Augusta National Like? Part 2
Drive into the public parking areas of Augusta National and it's hard not to be aware of ‘green.' Everything you see is lush and green and manicured. (Most home owners would be happy with grass as beautiful as in the parking lots at Augusta National.) Most fans arrive early to walk the course and see the golfers - several times! Many of the ‘big names' make early tee times for practice rounds so when the gates to the course open at 8:00 AM, the long lines have already formed. Who would want to be late and miss a shot?
Augusta National makes its rules very clear in the pre-tournament information. Cell phones, electronics and beepers are strictly prohibited with the warning that breaking the rules means that you WILL be removed from the grounds and the person who bought your ticket (you or someone else) will have a permanent loss of credential(s). Yes, they do mean what they say. Cameras are only allowed for practice rounds. This, too, is strictly enforced! There is a quiet decorum on the golf course with thousands of fans and very little noise.
The lines move quickly through security that is stricter than at many airports. You can't miss the friendliness of the people working the tournament. There are smiles and greetings everywhere! After going through bag searches and metal detectors, your credentials are checked for authenticity and you're on your way! You walk through the entrance near the large and always crowded shopping area and out onto the terraced course where you cannot help but be inspired by the beauty.
The drive from Savannah Lakes Village in McCormick, SC to the Masters at the Augusta National has only taken an hour or so but it has been a drive loaded with excitement about the tournament, the course, and the world's best golfers! This is a destination and an event that brings visitors from around the world. You are now at what is today the most private golf course in America. How did it begin?
Augusta National was the dream of Robert Tyre Jones, an Atlanta, Georgia native who is considered one of the top golfers to ever play the game! 1930 was a big year for Jones. Playing golf as an amateur, he won the British Amateur, the British Open, the U.S. Amateur and the U. S. Open - the Grand Slam! Shortly after, at age 28, he retired from golf and settled down in Atlanta.
Jones had always wanted to build a golf course where he could golf with his friends. His old friend, Clifford Roberts, a Wall Street banker, knew of 360+ acres in Augusta, Georgia. The land was beautiful because it was owned by a horticulturalist and had a spectacular nursery on it.
Jones and Roberts quickly purchased the land and in 1931, hired Dr. Alister Mackenzie as golf course architect. Augusta National opened in 1933. The design of the course specified that the natural beauty of the land should be preserved with a minimum of artificiality. The course has undergone many changes since the first tournament was played in 1934 and is more beautiful each year than the year before.
Today's question: Do you know? Who was the first winner of the Masters Tournament - 1934? Check back tomorrow for the answer to today's question and for Part 3 on the Augusta National!
If you're a golfer or a fan, be sure to read:
Part 1 Are You a Golfer? The Masters Tournament Part 1
©Bruce & Mary Smith "Are You a Golfer? What's Augusta National Like? Part 2"
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