Masters Golf: 2009 Masters Golf: 2009 Great Tournamentï¿½s Second Practice Round in Augusta Index To Photosï¿½ /ï¿½ Page Updated April 16, 2009 ï¿½ Twenty-four photos taken by Casey Nolan and his father, Lewis Nolan, at Augusta National Golf Club during the Second Practice Round of the 2009 Masters Tournament are posted in Caseyï¿½s albums at the below link: ï¿½Sign-in may be required if you should want to purchase prints at a nominal cost. Email lewis_nolan@yahoo.com if you cannot access. Return to Nolan Travels Home Page After a long night of tossing around in reasonably comfortable beds in a room at the dumpy Masters Inn in Augusta, GA., where room temperatures ranged from cold to hot, my son Casey and I both got up at 7 a.m. The weather outside was quite cool, but the skies over the southeastern Georgia town were clearing. It looked like a promising day for us to attend the Second Practice Round at Augusta National Golf Club, site of what we and a great many others think is the Top Golf Tournament in the World.

Casey decided to snooze a bit longer while I went to a skimpy breakfast included in the jacked-up room rate of $200 a night (with 2-night minimum) during Masters Week. A small room off the motel lobby contained an assortment of tiny Danish sweet rolls plus little muffins, small cans of juice and coffee. Always a major eater of breakfast foods, I sampled the offerings and carried a few back to Casey. As is his custom, he passed on breakfast. We drove a mile or two down Washington Road to a well-marked turnoff to Augusta National Golf Club and found a free parking space for our rental Toyota SUV in a hilly lot loosely covered with gravel. I was quickly reminded of the disparity in our age and physical conditioning (I am 65 and he is 34) as I huffed and puffed up the rather steep hillsides for a mile or more to the main entrance of the golf club. It was no more than a walk in the park for Casey, who ran in a 10-mile race in downtown Washington, DC last Saturday for fun.

At the entrance, we waited in a long line to pass through a metal detector that checks for such forbidden items as cell phones, guns and pocket knives. A security guard checked my carry-on bag the size of a six-pack that contained binoculars (OK only on Practice Rounds days) and guide sheets. She found a sandwich bag containing several dozen salted, roast almonds. The nuts were confiscated and tossed into a basket containing contraband. By 9:30 a.m., we were though Security and free to go nearly anywhere we wanted on the immaculately groomed golf course. We stopped at a cavernous gift shop by the clubhouse so Casey could buy a blue, cotton sweater to wear underneath his UVA-orange windbreaker plus a blue baseball cap decorated with the Masters logo. I was wearing a black, synthetic material sweater over a short sleeve maroon shirt, with khaki trousers and a medium weight, red jacket plus a baseball cap decorated with the logo of my alma mater, Mississippi State University. We both sported running shoes for the heavy-duty walking on the course. It was a chilly morning. I wore woolen gloves and was glad I had them.

The predicted high temp for the day is only 50 degrees, but brisk winds made it feel like the low 40s. I actually felt a bit sorry for the ï¿½patronsï¿½ (as paying customers are called at the Masters) who were wearing Bermuda shorts and sandals without socks. I fondly remembered our earlier visits to the tournament in 1994 and 2002 when I wore shorts and a lot of Coppertone sunscreen. Links to the accounts of those experiences are at and Masters-2002.htm . Casey and I walked through much of the legendary course, stopping here and there to take photos of the gloriously blooming azalea bushes. We arrived at the primary seating area near Amen Cornerï¿½s 11th green and tee box for the 12th hole, with a good but somewhat distant view of the highly scenic green of No. 12 nestled between Raeï¿½s Creek and a hillside of colorful azaleas. Casey walked to a nearby concession stand and picked up a ham and cheese sandwich for me (sold for a paltry $1.50), plus some chips and drinks.

It was symbolic of the excellence of the course and the planning that the sealed sandwich wrapper was a light green plastic ï¿½ evidently selected with thought so it would fade into the grass if blown adrift. Even the potato chip peanut bags were decorated with the tournament logo and colors. The concession prices were amazingly low (soft drinks were only $1 and beer $2) and only a fraction of that charged at other golf events weï¿½ve attended including the Federal Express St. Jude tournament in Memphis. From our vantage point in the dark green bleachers just behind No. 12 tee box, Casey and I had good views of professional players Billy Mayfair, Phil Mickelson, Shingo Katayama of Japan and a number of lesser known competitors. There were 56 residents of foreign countries among the 106 invitees. (It turned out five days later that Angel Cabrera of Argentina won the tournament in a playoff, the second year in a row that a non-U.S. golfer finished first - Trevor Immelman of South Africa).

Only being the second day of Practice Rounds and with the temperature still quite cool, it was not surprising that there were lengthy gaps between groups of players getting the feel of the course by practicing their approach shots and putts. I had a chance to look at a courtesy map handed out to all ï¿½Patrons,ï¿½ and read with interest some cautionary advice about Conduct, Customs and Etiquette written by golfing great and club founder Bobby Jones: ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ ï¿½In golf, customs of etiquette and decorum are just as important as rules governing play. It is appropriate for ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ spectators to applaud successful strokes in proportion to difficulty, but excessive demonstrations by a ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ player or his partisans are not proper because of the possible effect upon other competitors.

ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ ï¿½Most distressing to those who love the game of golf is the applauding or cheering of misplays or ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ misfortunes of a player.

Such occurrences have been rare at the Masters but we must eliminate them ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ entirely if our patrons are to continue to merit their reputation as the most knowledgeable and considerate ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ in the world.ï¿½ The fact sheet goes on to state that a ï¿½no autograph policyï¿½ is enforced on the golf course and autographs are only permitted in the parking lot. Augusta National Golf Club is legend for having and strictly enforcing its strict rules that make it such a pleasure to attend the Masters for true lovers of Golf. The excruciatingly polite - and oh-so-respectful - atmosphere ï¿½ enforced by several hundred security guards that work for the VERITAS Security firm that took over the contract of long standing by its acquisition of Pinkerton ï¿½ sometimes results in out-of-control spectators being quietly escorted off the course and having any admittance badges banned for life.

Iï¿½m sure it wasnï¿½t a coincidence that Delta Airlinesï¿½ in-flight magazine published in its April, 2009 issue a page containing some interesting ï¿½factoidsï¿½ about the Masters: $5,000 ï¿½ Starting price for weekly rental of an ï¿½executive homeï¿½ in Augusta during Masters Week. $11.9 million ï¿½ Hotel revenues in Augusta in April, 2008, a 258 percent increase over an average month. $4,000 ï¿½ Average price of a scalped ticket for the Masters. With the waiting list long-closed for the estimated 30,000 ï¿½badges,ï¿½ black-market prices are at a premium. $350 ï¿½ Cost to join Augusta National Golf Club when it opened in January, 1933. Today the club is mum about the initial fee, but word is that it hovers around $30.000.

(Not mentioned was the example that many country clubs within a short drive of Washington, DC have an initiation fee of $100,000, a fact which suggests that TV and other revenue provide the bulk of income at Augusta.) 750 ï¿½ Yards added over time to the original 6,695-yard course. Current yardage 7,445. April 6 ï¿½ 12 ï¿½ The worldï¿½s best two golfers converge in Augusta, Georgia, for the annual Mastersï¿½ Tournament, the first of four major golf championships in menï¿½s professional golf. This year marks the return of Tiger Woods after missing much of the 2008 season due to a knee injury. I had hoped to see Tiger on the course, but never did get that chance, nor that of seeing fellow golfing icons Greg Norman and Jack Nicholas. All were on the Augusta course at various times during the week, but never near our vantage points.

After an hour or so at ï¿½Amen Corner,ï¿½ Casey and I slowly walked to the spot I consider to be the best viewing point on the course ï¿½ the bleachers behind No. 14 tee box. Those bleachers offer shade most of the day and a great look at the nearby No. 13 hole partly surrounded by infamous Raeï¿½s Creek and a hillside of brightly blooming azaleas. Just above azaleas is a cart path of the adjacent Augusta Country Club golf course and one occasionally sees its playing members driving past. We also saw Arnold Palmer driving by in a golf cart with fellow, green-jacketed members of the Augusta National Club. Arnold grinned and waved enthusiastically from the fairway to adoring fans sitting and standing by the green ropes that separate crowds from the playing areas. Casey and I spent about an hour in the bleachers along No. 14 tee box. Occasional singles and groups of two or three, lesser-known golfers came through the area. We didnï¿½t see any poorly hit shots veer into the trees on both sides of the fairways near us.

Several players ignored the common practice of restraint on courses weï¿½ve played and hit extra shots to sharpen their games. Feeding their players practice balls and retrieving them kept the white-overalls-clad caddies busy. We then walked to a nearby Par 3, Hole No. 16, and watched a few players including Rory Sabbatini hit crowd-pleasing, ï¿½skip ballsï¿½ across a pond of water onto the green. An exceptional shot would draw applause, ï¿½oohï¿½s and ahsï¿½ and a roar of approval from the hundreds of spectators. About 3 p.m. and feeling the bite of a chilling wind, Casey and I decided to make it a day. We slowly made our way back to the clubhouse area, stopping here and there to watch the golf or to admire the beautiful scenery and take pictures. We marveled at the absolutely perfect condition of even the closely trimmed ï¿½rough,ï¿½ which would give credit to the most expensive mansionï¿½s front yard. We stood in a line of perhaps several hundred others making an early exit, waiting for our turn to enter the gargantuan golf shop to make some souvenir purchases.

I bought a half-dozen golf visors to give to golf-loving friends in the characteristic Augusta green with Masters logos. Casey added to his war pile by adding to his earlier purchase of a souvenir, collapsible golf chair, sweater and cap by buying several Masters-emblazoned souvenirs for his friends. It was a lot easier getting out the main gates than it was getting in. After being on my feet for much of the day I found the long walk up and down the parking area hillsides to be quite tiring. Casey suggested that we check out of our dumpy motel early and drive back to Atlanta late that day. His wife, Caroline, made some calls and arranged a complimentary room for us at the Downtown Sheraton in Atlanta on Caseyï¿½s accumulated credit card ï¿½points.ï¿½ï¿½ We briefly packed and showered at the Masters Host motel in Augusta then checked out of the prepaid room a day early while it was still daylight. Casey drove the rental Toyota SUV back to Atlanta. I was surprised that our good conversation kept me awake.

We got into Atlanta plenty of time to enjoy a wonderful dinner with Carolineï¿½s parents, Ron and JoAnn Glass that evening before flying home the next day. The Masters: No one forgets his first time The Masters: No one forgets his first time "It's just different than anywhere else," Keegan Bradley says. Post to Facebook The Masters: No one forgets his first time "It's just different than anywhere else," Keegan Bradley says. Check out this story on USATODAY.com: CancelSend A link has been sent to your friend's email address. Posted! A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. 3 To find out more about Facebook commenting please read the Conversation Guidelines and FAQs The Masters: No one forgets his first time Steve DiMeglio, USA TODAY Sports Published 8:55 a.m. ET April 9, 2013 | Updated 9:06 a.m. ET April 9, 2013 04/04/04 -- AUGUSTA, GEORGIA -- The view from the window of the Masters Club Room looking out toward Magnolia Lane.

The Augusta National Clubhouse was initially constructed in 1854 by the owner of the then indigo plantation, Dennis Redmond and is considered the first cement house constructed in the South. (Photo by Jack Gruber, USA TODAY) (Photo: Jack Gruber XXX USAT) Story Highlights Players and spectators both say Augusta National is unforgettable place "You have to experience it to really believe it," Brandt Snedeker says "There was a dreamlike sensation to it," David Feherty says The clock struck midnight long before Tiger Woods rolled up on Magnolia Lane for his first visit to Augusta National in 1995. All of 19, the skinny lad from Stanford University had spent the day playing in a college tournament and the night traveling to the annual site of the first major championship of the season, and having his maiden voyage covered in darkness tempered his excitement. But as he made his way up to the Crow's Nest atop the clubhouse, the historic resting place for select amateurs during the Masters, there was another matter that had his utmost attention: Tiger was hungry.

THE CHAMP: Still the same old Bubba Leaving the comfort of his cot, Woods went in search of food and got lost in a maze of thin hallways, staircases and more doors than he cares to remember. Trying to retrace his steps back to the nest, he instead walked into an exclusive enclosure — the Champions Locker Room. "Oops," Woods recalls thinking. TIGER: Why did Masters dominance fade? It was a precursor of a magical week at one of golf's most enchanted settings, a nursery Bobby Jones and Alister MacKenzie turned into an alluring magnet for all who love the game. Two years later, Woods earned a permanent place in the Champions Locker Room with the first of his four wins in the Masters. The vault in his memory bank is full of recollections of his trips to Augusta National, with his initial visit still fresh in his mind — even his first putt in competition that rolled off the green. THE GREENS: Putting a daunting task "I said that week that it was like Disney World and fantasy land, something like that, wrapped together, and it's true," Woods says. "I loved the golf course the first time I saw it. The history, the beauty, the challenge of the course ...

it's such a great place. It was my first time, and I'll never forget it." He is far from alone. No one forgets his or her first time. In the world of golf, Augusta National is a prize most sought and then cherished, an entry on every golf fan's bucket list, a land unmatched by any other that entices all the senses. GALLERY: GETTING READY FOR THE MASTERS A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Tiger Woods hits a tee shot on the 15th hole during a practice round. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Tiger Woods and Fred Couples walk across the Nelson Bridge on Wednesday. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Tiger Woods walks up to the 12th tee box on Wednesday. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Sunrise at Augusta on Wednesday, and Fred Couples is out on a practice round. Andrew Redington, Getty Images Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano of Spain heads for the range Wednesday. David Goldman, AP Bubba Watson and his pink driver on Wednesday. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Keegan Bradley, Tiger Woods and Fred Couples walk into a bar. Just kidding.

The three superstar golfers walk down the fairway of the 12th hole at Augusta on Wednesday. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Justin Rose of England draws a crowd. Mike Ehrmann, Getty Images Rory McIlroy hits from the 13th fairway. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Tiger Woods hits a shot during a practice round of the Masters. Mike Ehrmann Getty Images Rickie Fowler hanging over the edge of sand trap on the 7th green during practice rounds on Tuesday. Jack Gruber USA TODAY Sports Y.E. Yang on the 17th green. Jack Gruber USA TODAY Sports During practice rounds on Tuesday, 2012 Masters champion Bubba Watson is wearing watch by Richard Mille. Cost $525,000 and made specifically for golf and for Watson. Jack Gruber USA TODAY Bubba Watson hits a tee shot on the 8th hole during a practice Tuesday. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Three-time Masters champ Phil Mickelson walking with Matt Kuchar and Dustin Johnson up the 8th fairway during practice rounds on Tuesday. Jack Gruber USA TODAY Sports Three-time Masters champion Gary Player practices his putting on Tuesday.

Jack Gruber USA TODAY Sports John Rowan holds a fairway walk way sign at the ninth fairway during a practice round Tuesday. David Goldman AP Tiger Woods walks down the second fairway during a practice round for the Masters. Matt Slocum AP Rickie Fowler watches Dustin Johnson hit from the 7th fairway during practice rounds on Tuesday. Jack Gruber USA TODAY Sports Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa hits a drive during Tuesday's practice round. Mike Ehrmann Getty Images Jack Nicklaus speaks to the media during a press conference prior to the start of the 2013 Masters Tournament. David Cannon Getty Images Phil Mickelson talks to the media after this Tuesday practice round. David Cannon Getty Images Phil Mickelson on the 2nd green during a practice round Tuesday.

Jack Gruber-USA TODAY USA TODAY Sports Tiger Woods and Fred Couples walk along a fairway during a practice round at the 77th Masters Jim Watson, AFP/Getty Images Tiger Woods speaks to the media Tuesday David Cannon Getty Images Bo Van Pelt practices his bunker shots Jack Gruber USA TODAY Sports Former Masters winner Tom Watson hits an approach shot during a practice round Harry How Getty Images Ian Poulter of England looks at his yardage book during Tuesday's practice round Harry How Getty Images Professional golfer Cheyenne Woods at Augusta National. Woods is the niece of Tiger Woods and is working this week for Back9Network. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Rory McIlroy throws a ball during a practice round Tuesday. Jim Watson AFP/Getty Images Nicholas Casares sweeps at the entrance to the Augusta National Club House. David Goldman AP Rory McIlroy waits to play a tee shot during a practice round Tuesday. Mike Ehrmann Getty Images Rory McIlroy walking down the 13th fairway Jack Gruber USA TODAY Sports Y.E. Yang, of South Korea, watches as Kevin Na chips out of a bunker on the 10th hole during a practice round for the Masters.

Charlie Riedel AP The Masters logo is cut out of a seat on the driving range at Augusta. Matt Slocum AP Former British Open winner Paul Lawrie on the 2nd green during Tuesday practice. Jack Gruber USA TODAY Sports Y.E. Yang, of South Korea, is silhouetted agains the sunlight as he walks to the 14th tee during a practice round Tuesday. Darron Cummings AP Three time Masters champ Phil Mickelson walking the 2nd fairway during practice rounds on Tuesday. Jack Gruber USA TODAY 2012 Masters champion Bubba Watson hits to the number 2 green during practice round on Tuesday, April 9, 2013. Jack Gruber USA TODAY Sports Rory McIlroy hitting tee shot on number 8 at the Augusta National Golf Club on Monday. Jack Gruber USA TODAY Sports Tigers Woods walking with practice round partner 14-year-old Tianlang Guan. Jack Gruber USA TODAY Sports George Coetzee practices his iron shots on Monday at Augusta National. Jack Gruber USA TODAY Sports Lee Westwood walks from the tee after hitting a shoton number 8 at the Augusta National Golf Club.

Jack Gruber USA TODAY Sports Tigers Woods walks across the Byron Nelson Bridge at Augusta National with Gian Tianlang, the 14-year-old who won the fourth-annual Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship. Jack Gruber USA TODAY Sports Azaleas in bloom on the hillside near 6th tee on the backside of the Augusta National Golf Club during Masters practice round play. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Bubba Watson blasts out of the sand during a Monday practice round for this week's Masters. Watson is the defending champion. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Bernhard Langer chipping during a Monday Masters practice round play at Augusta National Golf Club. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Y.E. Yang of South Korea during Monday's practice at Augusta National. Don Emmert, AFP/Getty Images Bubba Watson and Rickie Fowler play a practice round Monday. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, chips out of a bunker during a practice round for the Masters. David Goldman AP Tiger Woods laughs on the practice tee at Augusta National. Mike Ehrmann Getty Images Tiger Woods and his swing coach, Sean Foley, stand on the range Monday of Masters week.

Mike Ehrmann, Getty Images Tiger Woods and China's Guan Tianlang talk at the driving range at Augusta National. Don Emmert AFP/Getty Images Fullscreen 14-year-old Guan Tianlang from China hits from pine straw on the 14th fairway at the Augusta National Golf Club. Guan who won the fourth-annual Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in November, makes him the youngest competitor in Masters history. He will be 14 years, 5 months and 17 days old when play begins at the Masters. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen 14-year-old Tianlang Guan from China listens along with his father Guan Han Wen, second from left, to two-time Masters champion Ben Crenshaw walking the 13th fairway at the Augusta National Golf Club. Tianlang Guan who won the fourth-annual Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in November, makes him the youngest competitor in Masters history. He will be 14 years, 5 months and 17 days old when play begins at the Masters.

Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Ben Crenshaw laughs along with Guan Han Wen, the father of 14-year-old Guan Tianlang from China, after Crenshaw sank a difficult putt he was demonstrating to the teenage golfer on the 14th green at the Augusta National Golf Club. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Spain's Jose Maria Olazabal hits from the number two fairway during Masters practice round play at the Augusta National Golf Club. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Spectators watch as Tiger Woods, center, tees off to the 12th hole during a Monday practice round. Charlie Riedel AP A patrons wears a Masters shirt during a practice round on Monday. Andrew Redington Getty Images Justin Rose, of England, hits off the fourth fairway during a practice round for the Masters golf tournament. Charlie Riedel AP Hunter Mahan on the 15th green during practice round play at the Augusta National Golf Club. Jack Gruber USA TODAY Sports Martin Kaymer of Germany looks at a shot with his caddie during a practice round prior to the start of the 2013 Masters Tournament. Andrew Redington Getty Images Spectators watch practice rounds for the Masters golf tournament Monday.

David Goldman AP Spectators wait for player autographs near the driving range during a practice round for the Masters golf tournament on Monday. Darron Cummings AP 2009 Masters champion Angel Cabrera laughs on the 2nd green with practice round partner Jose Maria Olazabal during Masters practice round play at the Augusta National Golf Club. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Russell Henley, right, talking with two-time Masters champ Tom Watson on the 2nd green during Masters practice round play at the Augusta National Golf Club. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Amateur Nathan Smith, who won the 2012 US Mid-Amateur Championship for players age 25 and older for the fourth time and a fourth trip the The Masters, looks ahead to the 2nd green during Masters practice round play at the Augusta National Golf Club. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Spain's Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano putting on the 2nd green during Masters practice round. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports In front of the clubhouse early Monday morning.

Charlie Riedel, AP 1998 Masters champion Mark O'Meara hitting from the 17th fairway at the Augusta National Golf Club on Monday, April 8, 2013. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports The sun rises on Masters week. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Jose Maria Olazabal, of Spain, putts on the practice green during a practice round for the Masters golf tournament. Charlie Riedel AP Defending champion Bubba Watson and Rickie Fowler stroll down the fairway during a Monday practice round for the 2013 Masters. Darron Cummings AP Huntler Mahan lines up a putt during a Monday practice round for the Masters. Harry How Getty Images The azaleas are blooming at Augusta National. Darron Cummings AP Defending champion Bubba Watson waits to hit a shot during a practice round prior to the start of the 2013 Masters Tournament. Harry How Getty Images The USA's Michael Thompson hits a tee shot during a practice round prior to the start of the 2013 Masters Tournament.

Harry How Getty Images Mark O'Meara, the 1998 Masters winner, practices on Monday prior to the 2013 tournament. Harry How Getty Images Defending champ Bubba Watson at the practice tee on Monday. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Ryo Ishikawa, of Japan, looks to the second green before hitting during a practice round for the Masters golf tournament. Charlie Riedel AP The tenth green is seen during a practice round prior to the start of the 2013 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Harry How Getty Images The crowds begin gathering early Monday around the No. 2 green as Bubba Watson and Rickie Fowler play a practice round. Andrew Redington, Getty Images A Masters flag and Rickie Fowler's bag. Andrew Redington Getty Images Amanda and Frank Meador of Martinez, Ga., pause to have photos made in front of the 2013 Masters board on Monday. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Guan Tianland of China gestures during a practice round for the 2013 Masters. The 14-year-old is the youngest ever in the Masters. He won the Asia Pacific Championship. Harry How Getty Images Like this topic?

You may also like these photo galleries: Replay Phil Mickelson, under the watchful eyes of the gallery, out of a greenside bunker at No. 9. Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports Azaleas in bloom in 2011. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Tiger Woods, pristine white sand in a fairway bunker on No. 8 in 2012. Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports The Ben Hogan Bridge over Rae's Creek at the 12th hole Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports Ryuji Imada walks over the Hogan Bridge in 2009. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Louis Oosthuizen strides across the Sarazen Bridge at the 15th hole in 2012. Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports Grounds crews water down the bunkers on the first fairway. From 2011. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports A tradition unlike any other, according to CBS. Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports The azaleas at No. 6. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports There are over 30 varieties of azaleas, several strains of dogwood and dozens of varieties of ornamental shrubs on the grounds of Augusta National Golf Club.

Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen The Masters Club Room locker of Jack Nicklaus with his Masters green jacket. The Augusta National Clubhouse was initially constructed in 1854 by the owner of the then indigo plantation, Dennis Redmond, and is considered the first cement house constructed in the South. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Bird's eye view of the No 9 green. That's Angel Cabrera, Rory McIlroy and Bubba Watson in 2012. Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports A steep and narrow stairway leads to the Crow's Nest atop the Clubhouse. The stairway is in a small hallway between the Champions Locker Room and the Dining Room and many young golfers have become lost trying to find it. Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports The Crow's Nest provides accommodations for up to five amateur players at Augusta National Golf Course while playing in The Masters golf tournament. There are many old photographs on the walls from previous Masters Tournaments. Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports A photograph showing seven Masters champions on the wall in the Crow's Nest. They are from left, H. Smith, Byron Nelson, H. Picard, R Guldahl, C. Wood, Gene Sarazen, and H.

Keiser. Michael Madrid USAT An antique fire extinguisher on the wall in the Crow's Nest. Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports The coopola atop the Crow's Nest central area is a feature of the building from the outside as well. Over time, the ladder leading up there was removed. Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports A photograph of golfer Lloyd Mangrum signing autographs for wounded World War II veterans in 1948 is one of many old photographs on the walls of the Crow's Nest. Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen The largest bedroom in the Crow's Nest has two twin beds. Despite having to share the room, whomever gets the bed on the right is the only one who has a direct line of sight to the television in the main area. Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports A monogramed glass in a bedroom of the Crows Nest is a nice detail indication level of attention given the space and the golfers that stay here. Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports A photograph showing Byron Nelson and his wife Peggy walking toward the Nelson Bridge. Nelson inscribed the image with, " To Augusta National, Thanks for the many great memories.

Byron Nelson April 1993." Michael Madrid , USA TODAY Sports Like this topic? You may also like these photo galleries: Replay Hire a Private Jet to The Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, GA. Charter a Private Jet to Masters The Masters Apr 04, 2016 - Apr 10, 2016 In 1934, when Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig were making history on the baseball field and the Great Depression was forcing many golf courses to close, the first Masters Tournament was held on the grounds of Augusta National Golf Club. More than 100 years later, The Masters remains one of the top tournaments in golf. Invited participants play 72 holes over four days, each trying to capture a place in history and the coveted Green Jacket. We Can Get You There If you’d like to be in the crowd to watch the top names in golf compete in the year’s first major championship, Paramount Business Jets can arrange a charter flight for you into any airport near Augusta, Ga., including: Masters Q&As Is it always played at Augusta National?

Yes, ever since it started in 1934 by amateur golfer and Grand Slam winner Bobby Jones, it has been held at the club he founded four years earlier with investment banker partner Clifford Roberts. It sits on 365 acres that had once been a plant nursery. Jones and Robert bought it for $70,000. When is it held? The first full week in April. Why is Augusta National considered snooty? It’s one of the most exclusive golf courses in the world. There are only 300 members and none of them are women. Blacks were admitted in 1990. You have to be nominated by a current member to become one yourself. Doesn’t matter who you are. Even the likes of Bill Gates get shut out. And, there has to be an opening. In other words, another member must quit (never happens) or die. Greens at the Augusta National Golf Club How much does the winner get? The first winner, Horton Smith, in 1934, got $1,500 of the $5,000 total prize money.

In 2015, winner Jordan Spieth got $1.8 million out of the prize money totaling almost $10 million. What’s with the Green Jacket? Since 1949, the winner of the Masters has been presented with a green jacket, making him an honorary member of Augusta National where all members wear green sport coats. They get to keep the jacket for a year but then must return it to the club where it is there for them to wear when they visit. How many golfers are invited to the Masters? It starts with a relatively small field of 90-100 players – the top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking are automatically invited; the rest meet qualifying criteria. Who has the most wins? Jack Nicklaus won six times; Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer have won four times; Sam Snead, Gary Player, Phil Mickelson, Nick Faldo and Jimmy Demaret have three wins. Why do caddies wear white overalls? Although golfers have been allowed to bring their own caddies since 1983, they still must wear the traditional garb of the club’s own caddies – white overalls.

Like many traditions at Augusta, there is a racist bent to this one started by Augusta National co-founder Cliff Roberts. The first caddies at Augusta were local poor black men. The overalls, laundered by and left at the club, were to cover their shabby clothes. Things To Do in Augusta Augusta , which was founded in 1736 as a trading post during the British colonial period, epitomizes the South with its antebellum mansions and historic confederate sites. There is much to see and do there. You can: Visit the last vestige of the Confederacy, the 168-foot Powerworks Chimney. It was built to produce gunpowder. Pay tribute to fallen Confederate troops like General Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson at the Confederate Monument. Life-size statues surround the monument. Check out the arsenal captured by Confederate troops on display at Augusta State University. Get down with James Brown. You can have your picture taken with his statue on Broad Street or learn about the Godfather of Soul honing his music while shining shoes on city streets at the Augusta Museum of History. Celebrate African-American history at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History.

Lucy Craft Laney founded the first school for black students in 1883. Visit the oldest African-American Church, Springfield Baptist, which was founded in 1787. Caroline Wozniacki cheers on Rory Mcllroy at Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament | Daily Mail Online comments He’s competing in one of the world’s biggest golf competitions. And Rory McIlroy’s fiancé, tennis player Caroline Wozniacki, was in Dubai to lend her support as he competed in the Desert Classic golf tournament on Saturday. The couple have been engaged less than a month and after spending most of this month in Australia pursuing tennis success, it was Ms Wozniaki's turn to watch her fiancé compete. Supportive: Danish tennis player Caroline Wozniacki, girlfriend of Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland, walks during the third round of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic 2014 Golf tournament at Emirates Golf Club in Dubai, United Arab Emirates The 23-year-old Danish tennis star and former world number one showed off her athletic figure in black shorts and a classic striped hooded Adidas top.

She added some colour to her look with hot pink trainers, while she kept cool in the heat with a white baseball cap. RELATED ARTICLES Share this article Share Her blonde hair was worn tied back in a simple plait, while she covered her eyes beneath over-sized sunglasses. A day earlier, she had sported a casual orange polo T-shirt as she wandered around the state-of-the-art golf course with a friend. Stylish and sporty: Tennis star Caroline Wozniacki wore a black Adidas outfit as she watched fiancé Rory McIlroy play Competing: Rory McIlroy of Northen Ireland plays a bunker shot on the 10th hole during the third round of the 2014 Omega Dubai Desert Classic Athletic: Caroline Wozniacki applauds as she watches the action with a friend Keeping cool: The tennis ace sported a white baseball cap to protect herself from the Dubai heat Miss Wozniaki, who was there to support her fiance as he competed in the second round of the 2014 Omega Dubai Desert Classic, also showed off a pair of enviably tanned legs as she sauntered around the course. And she seems to be enjoying Dubai life away from the Emirates Golf Course too.

She tweeted of her excitement at meeting former Manchester United and Denmark goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel. Sun-kissed: Caroline showed off her tan in a monochrome outfit Stroll in the sun: The tennis star seemed relaxed as she enjoyed a walk with a friend The Gulf city is the latest stop on the pair's glamorous sporting world tour, with both required to spend much of the year abroad. The pair began their year in Sydney, where the twosome became engaged after 24-year-old Rory proposed as they celebrated New Year's Eve. Caroline confirmed the news of the proposal on her Twitter account. 'Happy new year everyone! Rory and I started 2014 with a bang! ...I said YES!!!!' she posted.

Bronzed: The tanned tennis professional was joined by an equally bronzed friend as she watched the golf One to watch: Miss Wozniaki and her friend watch as play continues at the Emirates Golf Course Happy news: The pair confirmed they were engaged on New Year's Day by posting a series of pictures on Twitter featuring the diamond sparkler Lovestruck: Caroline looked happy as she trained in Australia with her fiancee watching Happy news: Rory and Caroline make a perfect couple Rory then shared the same picture and added: 'Happy New Year everyone! I have a feeling it's going to be a great year!! My first victory of 2014 #shesaidyes!!' The news will surprise sports fans after witnessing the pair's on-again/off-again relationship play out in public. Loved up: The pair have never been shy about showing their affection for one another Sources close to the pair claimed the Irish golfer, 24, broke it off with the Danish tennis pro in April - days after she posted a mean picture of Twitter showing him asleep and open-mouthed with his glasses on.

Friends at the time said there was no way back and Wozniacki, 23, was described as being 'absolutely devastated'. But Wozniacki was among the gallery watching McIlroy at the Dubai World Championships in November. It was the first time the Danish tennis star had been seen at a golf event since she donned a caddies’ overalls for the par three tournament at the Masters back in April. Earlier this year, McIlroy was warned by Britain's greatest-ever golfer Nick Faldo to 'concentrate on golf' after a dramatic slump in form. Last December, the pair were forced to deny rumours they were engaged after Wozniacki was spotted wearing a huge diamond ring on her wedding ring finger. Speculation first began when the tennis star was seen flashing the diamond and sapphire jewel as she arrived at Brisbane International Airport. However, it's also tradition for Danish women to wear their engagement and wedding rings on the right hands.

Question: What colour overalls are worn by caddies during the US Masters golf tournament?
Answer: White