The US Masters Starts Tomorrow!!





I love this week every year.The US Masters takes place in Augusta National from Thursday to Sunday. This is the major every golfer wants to win. They all want to wear the coveted green jacket.

Augusta is a tough course and they have made it longer in recent years to combat against the long hitters tearing the course apart. After Tiger ripped it apart with his long hits , the golf club sought to Tiger proof the course so they bought some more land. It is amazing that they have kept the course true to its values while making these changes.
Augusta has long traditions that must be adhered to some people not used to golf may find a bit strange.

Caddies must wear a white boiler suit and white footwear while on the course.

Galleries have to be referred to as patrons.

There shall be no mention of the prize money by commentators on penalty of being banned.

Patrons are not allowed to run in the grounds. That's why you see so many power walkers at Augusta each year.

Here is a list of prohibitive items at this years masters:
Cell Phones
Bags, Backpacks, Purses, Packages larger than 10"W x 10"H x 12"D
Beepers/Electronic Devices
Cameras (Cameras are allowed ONLY on Practice Rounds days - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday)
Weapons of any kind (regardless of permit)
Alcoholic beverages
Beverage containers/Coolers
Flags / Banners / Signs
Folding armchairs/Rigid type chairs or stools. If you bring a chair, make sure it's a collapsible one without armrests.
Ladders / Periscopes / Selfie Sticks
Radios / TVs / Tape Recorders
Strollers
Walkie-talkies

Augusta National has control of the TV Rights and it is very picky in what goes out to the public. In fact it wasn't until 2002 that us golf fans saw the first nine holes. That's correct. The first nine holes were not allowed to be aired because the club did not wanted the world to see their golf course. They send the coverage to CBS but the feed is reviewed before it goes out. The club could easily do a pay for view subscription but they chose not to. This could bring in an estimated 300 million a year such is the demand but Augusta don't care. Now not many clubs on Earth can afford to be picky about 300 million annually but they are certainly not short of money.

To get on the media list you have to be a pretty reputable company. No radio riff raff in their media tents. Ticket prices are expensive enough to ensure they have the right clientele for the 4 days. Once you are in prices are very cheap for food and drink.
Membership of course is by invite only. The membership fee is not available. I suppose if you ask then you can't afford it. Unless you are the CEO of a Forbes Top 100 company or one of the former presidents of America then membership is tough to get hold of. Warren Buffett is probably its most famous member at the moment. Condoleezza Rice is the first female member of the club.

An Irish Man is the favourite which makes it very interesting but I have my money on some others. Rory McElroy has won every other major bar this one and some experts think this is his year. But I don't think so. 2 years ago I received a free bet and threw €20 on Sergio Garcia to win the masters. He was 45/1 and I won so I will always have a flutter on the golf. I have gone for Paul Casey and Francesco Mollinari as the pair I have gone for. I backed Sergio again of course as an outsider.
I am really looking forward to this year. I reckon it will be a close one. I've the weekend so I am going to be glued to this until the end. Below is a course map of Augusta.Hole 10-13 is known as Amen Corner because it has claimed many a victim over the years. Let's hope Rory has the luck of the Irish and gets through this 4 times.