It's Sunday at The Masters!

Over the past several days I've been very fortunate to get to attend my fourth Masters tournament in Augusta. This year has been a little different though, with the new entrance being set up, breakfast being served on the course, and different golfers. However, the biggest difference that has happened this year is who I came down with. This year I came down with several of my friends from school, instead of how it has been in past years (going with family). It has been a lot of fun being the one "in the know" this year and sharing the traditions of Augusta National with our guests.

Overall this has been a really fun year. We left at 8 AM on Thursday from Ada and drove to Middletown where we switched cars and headed out towards South Carolina. We stopped in Spartanburg for the night, getting back on the road towards Augusta around 9 the next day. On Friday, we met Aunt Vickie and Uncle Mark at the church we always meet at a little after noon and Baird and I headed onto the course. We walked the front 9, watching the golfers as we went. It was neat that we got to see Gary Player, the black knight, play part of his last round at Augusta. On Saturday, Baird and I had the morning shift while Frazer and Rob took the afternoon... we woke up at 5:30 AM to get to the course in time to place chairs at the number 12 tee, right in Amen Corner. We then walked the back 9, getting to see the entire course, and sat in the hole 4 grandstands until it was time to switch the badges.

Today, we got up early again in order to get our chairs set up, this time on the number 7 green, a beautiful spot that allows you to watch the players come up 7, and putt there, as well as watch them tee off on number 3, come in on number 2, and watch their second shot on number 8, a lot of action for not having to move at all. We are switching the badges in about an hour, and will be sitting in that spot all day, I'm pretty excited as it is a place that I haven't really gotten to enjoy much of in the past years. There are also some awesome pairings that will be coming through, including Tiger and Phil, two of my favorite golfers.

All in all, this has been a great year at Augusta National for me. We have gotten three days of gorgeous weather, gotten to see some great golf, and gotten to spend time with some good friends. I'm so thankful that my grandparents have given me the opportunity to attend the Masters, and hope I have the opportunity again in the future. I also am really thankful for my Uncle Mark who last year taught me a lot about the course the two days we were here.