My Favorite Five: The Masters Tournament
Kevin Gunn’s Favorite Five: The Masters Tournament
Even if you don’t know a birdie from a bogey, chances are you’re at least familiar with the annual rite of golf rebirth known as The Masters. So revered is this ‘tradition unlike any other’ that many family gatherings are convened to watch parts of the toonamint, but especially The Second Nine on Sunday. I’ve made the pilgrimage three times (2001, 2008, 2017) and despite my lofty expectations, Augusta National managed to eclipse my hopes. Here are my Top Five Favorite things about The Masters.
The Timing. For us golf-loving Northeasterners, The Masters is the ‘all-clear’ when it comes to starting another season. The dark and cold Winter months have once again expired, and The Masters signals the time is right to get back playing.
The Beauty: Before it was a golf course (Pre 1930) Augusta National was a flower nursey named Fruitlands. When founders Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts first laid eyes on the property, Jones remarked that it looked like it was just waiting for someone to build a golf course there. To this day, each hole is named in honor of the tree or bush that grace its border. All in all, it’s the most visually pleasing venue in all of sport.
The Prices: Considering that it’s the toughest ticket, excuse me, badge, in all of sports, you’d figure lucky holders would be willing to fork over anything for everything. But no! Not only is ‘on-the-grounds’ parking ample, it’s free. Concessions are equally atypical. There’s a traditional menu with sandwiches under 3 bucks, and the beer is eye-poppingly priced as well. Badges and Pro Shop items are more mainstream, but the food on course reflects Southern hospitality at its finest.
The Golf Course: As beautifully portrayed as Augusta National is on TV, it’s something different when you’re there. First off, it’s far steeper than it appears on TV. Those hills mean business. There’s also the familiarity. Over the years, you get to know these holes, and how to play them. The Second Nine is fraught with opportunity, and many a dream was fulfilled and/or dashed on this incomparable stage. It’s simply the Stratford-upon-Avon of sporting venues.
The Tradition: It’s the same time every year. It’s the same venue every year. Players return to the scene of former trials and triumphs. Generations give way and new stars arrive. And in homes around the world, parents watch with their kids, then the kids in turn, watch with theirs. This is a very special week for this proud dad. My son Ryan applied for, and got a job working at The Masters this week in food and beverage service. But the bigger deal is that in our family, love of The Masters and the game of golf has now been passed down. And that’s what makes this tradition truly special.
Enjoy The Masters! – Kevin Gunn
The Masters Tournament, also known as The Masters or the U.S. Masters, is one of the four major professional golf championships. It is held annually at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, USA. The tournament was first played in 1934 and has been held every year since, except for a hiatus during World War II.
The tournament is usually held in the first full week of April and is one of the most prestigious events in the golfing world. It features a field of the world’s best golfers, who compete over four rounds of play for the coveted Green Jacket, which is awarded to the winner. The tournament is known for its iconic course, which is known for its challenging layout, its beautiful scenery, and its rich history.
Some of the most famous golfers in history have won The Masters, including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tiger Woods, and Phil Mickelson. The event is broadcast on television around the world and is watched by millions of fans each year.
Kevin Gunn and his son Ryan Gunn:
