It’s almost that time of year again. Golfers from around the country, and around the world, shift their attention to Augusta Georgia. The Masters. The Masters tournament has solidified its spot on the sporting calendar among the great events of our time. The number of fans lucky enough to attend represent only a fraction of those who watch the tournament on TV or over the Internet.
The patrons fortunate enough to attend the event experience a venue that is truly amazing. Even more fortunate, are the junior patrons who enter the green gates onto the hallowed grounds. You see, junior patrons are a special category among Masters attendees. Players, caddies, even green-jacket cladded members, go out of their way to interact with the junior patrons.
In 2014, Little Rickie and I were watching Angel Cabrera, Gary Woodland, and Ian Poulter attempting to navigate the 9th green. Gary missed his birdie putt, and was visibly irked. Awkward, I thought. He made a par on one of the tougher pin locations for this hole. What happened next was something Little Ricky will never forget. Gary handed his putter to his caddy….who promptly handed it to Little Ricky.
“Putt with this for a little bit, buddy.”
Little Ricky made a few practice strokes and handed it back to the caddy.
“Thanks, buddy.”, the caddy chirped.
The marshal pulled the rope back to let the players walk through to the 10th tee. Gary gave Little Ricky a fist bump and wink. He just posted a 30 for the opening 9 at The Masters. His first putt was for a 29.
In 2015 we were fortunate enough again to be in attendance but this time for the Tuesday practice round. What a special time to be on the grounds at Augusta National. It’s a different vibe entirely as players and their caddies are not fully into their competitive mode. Caddies would regularly flip tees, ball-markers and other items to children watching the players. Everyone was respectful. Nobody asked, nobody yelled, everyone was just enjoying the majesty of the moment.
Towards the end of the day we made our way to the 18th tee to watch groups rifle tee shots through the final tee-test at Augusta National. While standing next to the tee box an older gentleman leaned over to Little Ricky and remarked: “Some people wait their whole lives to come to this beautiful place. You’re a lucky young man.” Lucky indeed.