Golf Club Atlas
GolfClubAtlas.com => Golf Course Architecture => Topic started by: Jim O’Kane on April 04, 2022, 03:42:43 PM
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...if so, I'll be there. My first time ever. Gifted to me for my 55th birthday.
Would be neat to meet other GCA'ers out there if anyone would like to meet up.
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Congrats! Do you have a plan for how to spend the day?
August 10th is a Wednesday. :)
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Oh Lord. If I'm out there on August 10, surely I'll be arrested.
Thanks for catching that.
My plan is to be there when the gates open and walk right to the first tee and go walk the entire course before it crowds up.
Then I'm really not sure. I hope to eat a lot of those cheap sandwiches and drink a lot of lemonade's. Then I'll go buy some presents for my wife who was instrumental in making this happen.
Any suggestions on things not to miss? I've heard there are monuments and plaques out there. I have no idea what they are or where they are, but I'd like to go hunt for those too.
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My plan is to be there when the gates open and walk right to the first tee and go walk the entire course before it crowds up.
I would recommend walking it backward. With plenty of stops to look back to see what the "shot" looks like, of course.
Then I'm really not sure. I hope to eat a lot of those cheap sandwiches and drink a lot of lemonade's. Then I'll go buy some presents for my wife who was instrumental in making this happen.
Do the bag check. They'll store it for you so you don't have to carry it around. Or just mail it all home. Very easy.
Also, the rule on saved seats is that you can sit in them, you just have to give them up when their owner returns (duh).
Any suggestions on things not to miss? I've heard there are monuments and plaques out there. I have no idea what they are or where they are, but I'd like to go hunt for those too.
As an amusing side game, try to find animals: birds, chipmunks, squirrels. Good luck! There aren't even that many insects (like bees around the flowers). Try to find the one palm tree on the grounds (if you don't already know where it is). The only hint I'll give you is that it's on the right-hand side somewhere.
Have fun!
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Also be prepared to be really, really tired at the end of the day. My one trip was a large group that flew in from Chicago on a Wednesday for practice rounds in the a.m. and then the par-3. 15 minutes after we were in the air for the return flight 90% of the people were sound asleep. You simply cannot tell how great the elevation changes are from television, even with the quality pictures and large screens of today.
One unexpected highlight for me was sitting below the 6th tee when players teed off. You hear the smashed ball, then the sizzle of it flying over your head. Not an all day place to sit, but worth a couple of groups imo
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Any suggestions on things not to miss?
Georgia Peach Ice Cream Sandwich
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Any suggestions on things not to miss?
Georgia Peach Ice Cream Sandwich
I heard there won’t be any ice cream sandwiches this year.
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Any suggestions on things not to miss?
Georgia Peach Ice Cream Sandwich
I heard there won’t be any ice cream sandwiches this year.
I heard that too -- supply chain strikes again
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My plan is to be there when the gates open and walk right to the first tee and go walk the entire course before it crowds up.
I was smart enough to walk the back nine first at the inaugural Women's Am. Nobody was around. I got as close as the spectator ropes would allow. You may see a few holes with less jostling and craning.
As for the merchandise "tent," just know there is not a ride at the end of the Disney-esque entry maze but it's well worth it. I knocked out a year's worth of gifts there.
P.S. ALWAYS have your badge/pass visible.
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Don’t wear golf shoes. The likelyhood of getting a game is low. If you are fat wear slacks. Please.
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Don’t wear golf shoes. The likelyhood of getting a game is low. If you are fat wear slacks. Please.
;D
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I agree with Erik, and I always walk backwards. I also tend to watch the front nine holes that don't get as much TV coverage. I'll be there Thursday and Friday.
Don't forget the no camera policy, and have a credit card with a hefty limit for the merchandise shop.
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Don't forget the no camera policy, and have a credit card with a hefty limit for the merchandise shop.
And leave your phone in the car. Checking that at the gate is a bit of a pain.
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https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/33609725/masters-2022-anything-green-jacket-tales-player-shopping-sprees
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I walked it backwards and later forwards and by the end of the day, I was exhausted. Be sure to walk the 5th hole and see that green, not televised much. Sit at the 6th green is they have the pin placement in the back right and watch several groups hit it close and make bogey by going long. 7 used to be a birdie hole but it is sooo long and tight,not anymore. Stand behind the 18th tee, it is so narrow you will be surprised. You will see 3 footers missed a lot by great players. go to the driving range for an hour, watch in awe.
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My plan is to be there when the gates open and walk right to the first tee and go walk the entire course before it crowds up.
I would recommend walking it backward. With plenty of stops to look back to see what the "shot" looks like, of course.
Then I'm really not sure. I hope to eat a lot of those cheap sandwiches and drink a lot of lemonade's. Then I'll go buy some presents for my wife who was instrumental in making this happen.
Do the bag check. They'll store it for you so you don't have to carry it around. Or just mail it all home. Very easy.
Also, the rule on saved seats is that you can sit in them, you just have to give them up when their owner returns (duh).
Any suggestions on things not to miss? I've heard there are monuments and plaques out there. I have no idea what they are or where they are, but I'd like to go hunt for those too.
As an amusing side game, try to find animals: birds, chipmunks, squirrels. Good luck! There aren't even that many insects (like bees around the flowers). Try to find the one palm tree on the grounds (if you don't already know where it is). The only hint I'll give you is that it's on the right-hand side somewhere.
Have fun!
This is some great info. Thank you so much. I like the side game! I will certainly try and fine the lone palm. Wonder how that got to the Augusta grounds. I live in Atlanta and I'm pretty sure that tree is not native to that area. Thanks for the really good tips.
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I walked it backwards and later forwards and by the end of the day, I was exhausted. Be sure to walk the 5th hole and see that green, not televised much. Sit at the 6th green is they have the pin placement in the back right and watch several groups hit it close and make bogey by going long. 7 used to be a birdie hole but it is sooo long and tight,not anymore. Stand behind the 18th tee, it is so narrow you will be surprised. You will see 3 footers missed a lot by great players. go to the driving range for an hour, watch in awe.
Thanks for this advice. Good stuff. You all who mention the front nine holes are right. I can't really recall what many of them look like except for 2. Thanks for these spots, I will definitely check them out.
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Also be prepared to be really, really tired at the end of the day. My one trip was a large group that flew in from Chicago on a Wednesday for practice rounds in the a.m. and then the par-3. 15 minutes after we were in the air for the return flight 90% of the people were sound asleep. You simply cannot tell how great the elevation changes are from television, even with the quality pictures and large screens of today.
One unexpected highlight for me was sitting below the 6th tee when players teed off. You hear the smashed ball, then the sizzle of it flying over your head. Not an all day place to sit, but worth a couple of groups imo
That seems really cool. So, 6 is downhill, par 3?
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https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/33609725/masters-2022-anything-green-jacket-tales-player-shopping-sprees (https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/33609725/masters-2022-anything-green-jacket-tales-player-shopping-sprees)
This was a good read. Thanks for sharing it with me!
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Does anyone know the policy at the Masters regarding rain checks on days that play is rained out totally or partially?
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I prefer a passing parade of players. My favorite bleacher locations:
- Behind the first green
- Right of the 5th green
- Behind the 8th green
- Behind 12th tee (not a fav but a 1st timer must.)
- Front row left of 14th tee to watch drives and approaches into 13
- Back right of all-world 14th green
- Left of pond on 15
I’’ll start at the 1st green a while then follow a great early pairing to the 5th green, sit a while and repeat. That way I see the entire course and field.
There are two things in this world that are vastly underrated: becoming a grandparent and attending one’s first Masters.
Safe travels.
Mike
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I prefer a passing parade of players. My favorite bleacher locations:
- Behind the first green
- Right of the 5th green
- Behind the 8th green
- Behind 12th tee (not a fav but a 1st timer must.)
- Front row left of 14th tee to watch drives and approaches into 13
- Back right of all-world 14th green
- Left of pond on 15
I’’ll start at the 1st green a while then follow a great early pairing to the 5th green, sit a while and repeat. That way I see the entire course and field.
There are two things in this world that are vastly underrated: becoming a grandparent and attending one’s first Masters.
Safe travels.
Mike
Thanks Michael. I'm going to include these spots in a list of places I have going on a piece of paper. Appreciate it Sir. In fact, big thanks to all who have shared some great spots and tips. I really appreciate it and can't be anymore excited.
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Any suggestions on things not to miss?
Georgia Peach Ice Cream Sandwich
I heard there won’t be any ice cream sandwiches this year.
I heard that too -- supply chain strikes again
2022 concession menu has the ice cream sandwiches listed. Can anyone confirm they are gone? :(
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Tim M. -
FYI:
https://www.augustachronicle.com/story/sports/pga/2022/04/05/masters-food-peach-ice-cream-sandwich-missing-favorite-2022/7268435001/ (https://www.augustachronicle.com/story/sports/pga/2022/04/05/masters-food-peach-ice-cream-sandwich-missing-favorite-2022/7268435001/)
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I prefer a passing parade of players. My favorite bleacher locations:
- Behind the first green
- Right of the 5th green
- Behind the 8th green
- Behind 12th tee (not a fav but a 1st timer must.)
- Front row left of 14th tee to watch drives and approaches into 13
- Back right of all-world 14th green
- Left of pond on 15
I’’ll start at the 1st green a while then follow a great early pairing to the 5th green, sit a while and repeat. That way I see the entire course and field.
There are two things in this world that are vastly underrated: becoming a grandparent and attending one’s first Masters.
Safe travels.
Mike
What? No bleachers on the left side of 16? For a Sunday I don’t think there’s a better spot. In the shade. You can see approaches and putting on 15, 16 tee to green, and tee shots on 17. Definitely exciting as the scoreboard shuffles while the action unfolds.
-Cal
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Don't want to thread jack, but is anyone going to be PLAYING golf on Sunday instead of watching "the toonamint" or is that heresy in these parts?
I'm teeing off at 1pm and may play 45 holes because I'm told it's wide open that afternoon because of the telecast.
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Out of my price range. I had a ticket one time for a practice round. They closed the grounds for rain just before I got inside. To this day, the only thing I’ve ever seen is the driving range net. Club pro guy says it’s not nearly as hilly as it looks on TV. 😀.
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The 25th Annual Other Senior Tour will be teeing it up Sunday morning at Southern Pines - home of Golf’s Most Beloved.
Mike
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I'll be "slumming" it at #9 throughout the afternoon. All are welcome to join me.
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I'll be "slumming" it at #9 throughout the afternoon. All are welcome to join me.
Will be a great weekend Peter. Do you bring chairs or just walk around hole 9? Takes a while for anyone to make it to 9.
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After winning the pre-pandemic Masters “lottery”, my wife and I finally got the opportunity to attend the Tuesday practice round. We were walking the course in numerical order when at 10:50 AM the siren stopped play. An announcement stated that all patrons needed to leave, as lightning and even tornados were forecasted.
We were watching play at 11 green and hole #12, so slowly meandered our way through the remaining back nine on the way to the parking lot. I have heard through a couple sources that ticket holders will be given the right to purchase the same ticket for next year’s tournament. Sadly, I assume people that purchased tickets through secondary markets will not be so fortunate.
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I'll be "slumming" it at #9 throughout the afternoon. All are welcome to join me.
I would come and try to find you and introduce myself. That would be cool. How would I go about doing so?
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Jim - I'm not certain, but since Peter S earlier asked if anyone would be playing golf on Sunday instead of watching it, and then indicated he was planning on getting in 45 holes that day, I'm guessing #9 refers not to the 9th hole at Augusta but instead to the #9 course, presumably at Pinehurst.
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Jim - I'm not certain, but since Peter S earlier asked if anyone would be playing golf on Sunday instead of watching it, and then indicated he was planning on getting in 45 holes that day, I'm guessing #9 refers not to the 9th hole at Augusta but instead to the #9 course, presumably at Pinehurst.
Ooooooh. I didn't catch that. Thanks sir. I'll just go meander out there by myself, wander around, walk the course and try and do all the suggestions mentioned here. I've got them on a piece of paper in my wallet.
Thanks everyone for all the great advice. Appreciate it immensely.
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Don’t wear golf shoes. The likelyhood of getting a game is low.
I came across many, many people who heeded this advice on Thursday, after 3 plus inches of rain the days before.
Nearly all were on the ground with mud and kitty litter on their knees, hands and/or back.
But their footwear was really cool.( I mean who would be caught dead in shoes that look and feel like jogging shoes but with traction, when they could actually be wearing jogging shoes ;))
They appreciated the help standing back up.
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Don’t wear golf shoes. The likelyhood of getting a game is low.
I came across many, many people who heeded this advice on Thursday, after 3 plus inches of rain the days before.
Nearly all were on the ground with mud and kitty litter on their knees, hands and/or back.
But their footwear was really cool.
They appreciated the help standing back up.
Ouch sounds like Whistling Staits when they first hosted the PGA and numerous people injured themselves walking "the grounds".
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Prepare yourself to tell your grandchildren about the time you were there when Tiger made the cut.
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On July 3rd of this year I will have been married 40 years. I will always remember 2022 as the year I chose my wife over Masters Sunday. As the leaders approached the 15th tee she asked if she could see what’s on TLC. I settled in to episode 8 season 17 of 90 day 1000lb fiancé as I kissed a lifetime of me time Sundays goodbye.
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On July 3rd of this year I will have been married 40 years. I will always remember 2022 as the year I chose my wife over Masters Sunday. As the leaders approached the 15th tee she asked if she could see what’s on TLC. I settled in to episode 8 season 17 of 90 day 1000lb fiancé as I kissed a lifetime of me time Sundays goodbye.
NO Way...
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"90 day 1000 lb fiance" ;)
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Jim,
Please outline your day for those of us who didn’t go. The smallest details are often the best.
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I don't blame Barney.
Between Scottie running out to a huge lead and showing zero emotion on the course, wasn't exactly must see TV. Rory ended up doing his thing which was fun, but too little too late. I'd put the Sunday telecast middle of the pack for entertainment value compared to other years.
P.S. 11 was interesting, the stats say it was the most hit fairway all week, but still played the toughest compared to par.
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Jim,
Please outline your day for those of us who didn’t go. The smallest details are often the best.
Hi John...happy to. Although, I apologize for the delay. I had to rest up hard yesterday. I found out that ANGC is a grueling place.
First, that place is WAY hillier than shown on TV. You just can't imagine. In the midwest, you could probably open a small ski hill there on ANGC property. I joked with a member who was kind enough to talk to me that you have to be a Billy Goat to play this place. He laughed and agreed.
When I first arrived early, I walked the course forwards. I was exhausted just after doing that. Then I decided to get merch and souvenirs for friends and family. I was surprised by how long the lines were even at 9:30/10 am or so. Seems like everyone had the same idea. Shop early and then get back out there for the action.
What amazed me about the shopping experience was that lines were as long as a crowded TSA line at the Atlanta airport. However, my feet always kept moving and the line never really stood still. I was probably inside the shop within 10 minutes of entering the line that had backed up to the outside. Then inside, getting to a counter to get a shirt or a hat, you simply tell the associate working there the number and size (if applicable) of your desired item. Again, lines were deep but they retrieved things fast. I was amazed at the volume of patrons shopping and the staff that kept things moving ridiculously fast.
Then at checkout, I continued to be amazed. I work in credit card security/payments, so to me, this is interesting, to others, probably not. In any event, I had about 20 items, they were scanned by the associate in about 30 seconds, and my payment was processed in under a minute. At most it took 90 seconds to check out and I was on my way.
I simply marveled at that experience and how fast it went given the massive crowds.
Now it was time to get a snack and head back out to the course. Right as I came out toward the first hole and ninth, Tiger was coming down nine. I had never seen him. Watched him hit his approach to nine and walk up the hill to the green. He looked tired and injured. Then watched him hit his tee shot on 10. He pulled a 3 wood left. Again, his swing looked a little tired. Then I went to the 18th green and proceeded to walk the course backwards this time. Saw a lot of players. Followed Min Woo Lee for a few as he was making birdies en route to a record tying 30 on the front nine. He is a very small guy who hits it a long way. That was a treat to see in person. Then continued to walk backwards and just marvel at the course.
When I was finished I was tired again. Got a couple of sandwiches and a couple of lemonades. Tried to get my picture taken at the Founder's circle but the line was long. I'll try later I thought. It never happened. I regret that. After not getting in that line I decided to head back out to the course. I walked down 10 and 11, saw a few groups go through 12 and then decided I head over to watch some guys go for it in 2 at the 13th.
That's where I realized again, that there are some things you just can't believe when you're there and see it in person. I just couldn't understand why until I got out to the apex of the 13th fairway. And I looked back toward the tee which you really couldn't see. Then I look toward the green. On TV this hole looks like a dogleg left. In reality, I dare to disagree somewhat. It's really more of a horshoe. One continuous turn to the left, with humpbacks in the right side of the fairway that create sort of speed slots (I saw that on 10 also) that if you hit it in the right place the ball would careen forward to a much more advantageous position. But still, I could not get over the severity of the dogleg. On TV it looks much straighter. I was perplexed by this.
No matter, I took a seat at the east end of the bleachers of the 14th tee where I could see guys on 13 go for it and guys tee off on 14 and hear the whizz of the ball as it flys by. That sound never gets old.
Then I kept looking at the leader board because I though there would be a dogfight with Scheff and Smith after Cam birdied the first two holes. Then he started to waver. Then I saw them post the numbers for the 3rd hole and a 1 shot lead turned to 3. Then 4. I decided to go watch some shots on the par 3 16th. I enjoyed that. It was particularly interesting to see from behind the tee, where some guys were aiming. Some aiming right to catch the green slope, and other guys going right at it. I wondered what I might do if given one chance.
Then I saw Scheff's lead was down to 3 and they were on the back nine. I decide to go find them. However, before I could get to them, the lead was now 6 after they played the 12th.
Also, while heading there, I noticed everyone else was too. It was getting crowded and thick.
I stopped and reconsidered my plan.
I decided not to go watch them or anyone on the back nine, even though "The Masters doesn't start until the back 9 on Sunday" -- I decided to go find all the holes they had already played, which would be empty, and I could stand in the fairway cross walks and look toward the green and back to the tee so I get a feel of sight lines and what players see.
So that's what I did for the last two hours. That was the best part of the day for me. Things started to make sense to me. I could tell where you needed to hit it off the tee, in just the right spot of the fairway, lest you catch a mound and be pushed to a disadvantageous spot off to the side of the fairway or rough, and now the hole just became exponentially more difficult. Now I understood standing behind the 10th tee, why guys might not hit driver. Or standing in the 2nd fairway and looking back up the hill, understanding the downhill slope from right to left that would careen a drive into the 360 range and an ideal line to the green for an eagle. Which was just as fascinating as looking back at the 13th fairway which seemed like a horseshoe to me, or in the middle of the 8th fairway that seemed like a mountain to climb up, with two elephants seemingly buried in the middle of the fairway some 370 off the tee, and absolutely not possible to see the green at all. It was mesmerizing to get looks at all of this from the fairways, behind the tees and the greens.
I'm so glad I did this. No one else was really around. Everyone was going the other way I was. I could spend as much time as I wanted just gazing and looking at sight lines and contours.
Toward the end when I was making my way back up the hill toward 9 and 1, I realized a couple of things.
TV is 2 dimensional. Life is 3. That's why you can't see these severities on TV -- they get flattened out. The topography is somewhat missing.
Then, I played golf at the University of Michigan which is an Alister McKenzie course. I never figured that course out until long after I graduated. And still, I wouldn't call it "figuring it out" -- I just understand it better. I shake my head when I think back on collegiate rounds there how I recklessly slashed my way around that place without giving placement, strategy, positioning, etc., even a bit of thought. It made me think, no wonder first timers at ANGC have so much trouble with the place. You probably need 20 or so rounds, just to start to begin a journey of comprehension of that golf course to understand it better, which, you never will; you'll only get closer, never full, complete understanding. I saw many similarities of the U of M course and ANGC. I loved it.
I remarked to that same ANGC member when if found myself next to him near a garbage can -- I said that I've watched this tourney since I was a kid with my later father on black and white TV, when you had to get up to change the channel, back in the 70's and this is my first time here. I then said, having visited here and seen this property, now I understand why the USGA does what it does with US Opens...lengthens rough, dries out and feverishly rolls greens...they have to. You folks don't. He smiled. That was a nice chat.
I know there are probably USGA employees on or people with strong ties to the USGA, maybe even ANGC too, and I'm sure members of US Open host courses. I mean NO disrespect to those courses or the USGA. I hold them all with the same reverence. I just saw things a little differently than I have in the past having now set foot on the ANGC grounds and seeing that property in person for myself.
I hope I haven't offended anyone with my thoughts or views...it's just stuff that came into my little peabrain when I was out there.
It was a dream come true to go see those holes in person. I will carry those pictures in my head forever.
I hope this wasn't too weird or off-putting to anyone.
Oh...one last thing...the free phones there. I had heard about those. I wrote down the numbers of my in laws and called them to thank them. Then called my wife to tell her I loved her and missed her.
I told them both I snuck my phone in and we needed to keep it down, but I just wanted to give a quick call. My father-in-law, then began to whisper. That was funny and we all had a good laugh. So, that's pretty cool to be able to give someone a call from inside the grounds, and it's right next to the gift shop and before the big old time scoreboard, where the scores are written in markers on tourney sheets, just like all the amateur tourneys I've played in my day. That was cool to see them still doing that where you could see hole by holes scores.
I guess that's about it for now.
Thank you all for your advice to help me with my first visit -- it was greatly appreciated and it helped make it less confusing for me. That place is truly overwhelming and the grounds just massive. You have no idea unless you've been.
I've slept an avg of 12 hours the last two nights. I finally feel normal.
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Jim -
Thanks for your report. Sounds like a GREAT day.
DT
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Jim -
Thanks for your report. Sounds like a GREAT day.
DT
Thanks David. It sure was incredible. But it's kinda funny...if someone were to ask me if I saw the Masters, I'd have to say, "No, but I went."
I'm really glad I went to go explore the course instead of watching the last few groups on the back nine. I had to catch up on those highlights on TV.
I hope my strange report was fun to read.
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JOK-Great reporting!!!! I’m glad you had such a terrific day.
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JOK-Great reporting!!!! I’m glad you had such a terrific day.
Hey...that's what all my friends have called me for years, JOK. Love that you picked that up. Thanks for reading.
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I attended the Masters 8 times, anywhere from 1 day to the full 4 days, one thing I can tell you...Sunday is NOT the day to attend because they set the course up for scoring and unlike this year, there is so much action all over the back nine, you can only catch it on tv
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Jim, I hope your day was even better than you reported. It's a special place. Thank you so much for sharing your experience.
P.S. Mr. Pallotta was correct. I played PCC #9 Sunday (only 27) and still captured over an hour of the tournament's finish.
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Great stuff, Jim.
Thanks for sharing.
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Jim, I hope your day was even better than you reported. It's a special place. Thank you so much for sharing your experience.
P.S. Mr. Pallotta was correct. I played PCC #9 Sunday (only 27) and still captured over an hour of the tournament's finish.
What does that last part mean? Who is Mr. Palotta? ...and PCC? Peachtree Country Club down here in Atlanta where I live? That place is another special place I'll likely not see unless I start playing better and they have a GSGA even there. Did I miss something? I can be daft at times. My wife had to tell me 3 times she wanted to hang out with me after I approached her first.
Gracious, life, interactions, and words are funny to me.
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Oh....playing at Pinehurst at Sunday...I get it.
Sheesh. I'm getting old. But the hunger is still there.
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Wonderful reporting, Jim. A enjoyable read indeed, thanks.
And as I was reading it, I thought to myself that Augusta-the Masters was lucky to have you there -- your deep appreciation and capacity for enjoyment made you the perfect fan. I bet that member remembers your chat as much as you do.
I'm very happy you got the chance.
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Thanks
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Wonderful reporting, Jim. A enjoyable read indeed, thanks.
And as I was reading it, I thought to myself that Augusta-the Masters was lucky to have you there -- your deep appreciation and capacity for enjoyment made you the perfect fan. I bet that member remembers your chat as much as you do.
I'm very happy you got the chance.
Wow. Thank you sir. I really appreciate that. I have had to explain to a few friends why I didn't see the action on the back nine on Sunday. When I tell them the "exploring" I did, and why, then they "kind of" understand.
I appreciate you taking the time to pen the above kind words. Thanks a million. It made my day.
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I love it that you explored the holes rather than fight the crowds over the last nine of the tournament.
The best strategy I have used at an event (not the Masters) is to stay a half hole away but I think your idea sounds better.
Thank you for sharing.
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Thank you for sharing, Jim.