Live From Augusta National

Well, not really live because that would get my badge revoked, it is a day later and I have had time to reflect on my experience at Augusta National...

In previous year's, patrons could enter the grounds from a main gate (gate 3) on Washington Rd., this year, that gate has been closed to assist with traffic flow, now you must enter off to the side. Eventually you end up in the same area, near the first tee, eighteenth green and the LARGE souvenir shop.

I arrived in the middle of the afternoon and patrons were already scattered all over the grounds. To embrace my Canadian roots, I decided to find Mike Weir. He was at the 4th, but I wasn't able to catch him until the 7th. I planted myself behind the 7th green and waited for him to arrive. It was a great view as players hit their second shot at the green. The 7th is protected by bunkers in front and behind and to see players hit shots short, long or within feet of the pin was outstanding.

After Weir arrived at the 7th green and I saw him two putt, I walked over to 8 to see him tee off. A perfect shot right down the middle of the fairway. As I walked down the fairway in stride with Weir, I passed numerous other Canucks who were doing the same excursion. Whether it was a Winnipeg Blue Bombers hat, a Team Canada baseball jersey from the recent World Baseball Classic or eight fans all wearing Canada hats and bright red t-shirts, you knew who was from North of the border. As Weir approached the 8th green his shot went to the left, and I was able to watch him chip on perfectly. Instead of watching him putt out, I got in position to see him tee off on the 9th hole.

Since Weir didn't have as big of a gallery as Mickelson or Woods, I was able to get in position right on the rope, directly behind the tee box. It was pretty cool to watch as these professionals went through their routine, set up and then let it rip down the middle of the fairway.

First to tee up in this group was Imaya, he hit his to the right, probably about 260 yards. Then Weir teed it up and hit a low line drive down the middle of the fairway. Following him was Padraig Harrington. The big Irishman hit a towering drive down the middle which looked to out hit both Imaya and Weir by about 30 yards. As we walked down the fairway with Weir, he munched on a sandwich and we realized he was only about 5 yards behind Harrington. Very different shots, almost exactly the same result. Before the second shot from the fairway, Imaya was taking his sweet time lining up his shot, after they had all hit, Harrington took his divot and threw it at Imaya in jest, but letting him know that he needs to pick up the pace.

After seeing all three golfers hit on to the green, I moved to the concession stands to get some liquid refreshment. Seeing everyone walk around with the souvenir cups, I decided to get one for myself. $1.50 later I had my cup full of lemonade. With beverage in hand, I went to 18th green to watch the players finish their round. Saw the finishing shots of Ian Woosnam, Paul Casey and Ross Fisher among others. A nice tradition among the players as they were finishing was they would give their ball to the kids along the ropes, and Woosnam's caddie even gave out several golf gloves, towels - I think he was just tired of carrying around the 40lbs bag.

Augusta National is a beautiful course. The colours are vibrant, the grass is lush and the grounds are immaculate. Once you step foot in the gates you can understand why it is so revered.