April 8, 2011
I Can Hear the Piano Tinkling.............

.............because this is the week of the Masters. If you're a golfer you will remember the piano music CBS uses annually to introduce my favorite golf tournament. I left Sunday to visit Augusta National for the first time in ten years. It's changed, and there were a lot of people there, but it is still the shrine of golf in North America.
Only the second time I've been to a practice round, and this year I brought my camera. Don't know why, most shots of Augusta are available as prints, photographs or postcards. We were there on a windy day, and there were not many golfers out; but the scenery speaks for itself.

From the fairway to the green at 13. A marshal placed a flag where Phil hit his iron from last year; I've made that shot many times. As a matter of fact I'd say most of my second shots are from the rough, woods, pine straw, or on our course at home, the road.

At 16 on practice days players are encouraged to "skip it" across the pond after their regular shot. When Marty Hansell and I were there in 2001 the crowd booed a Japanese player who did not understand, or at least that's what I think was happening. After all, it is Augusta, Georgia.

The 10th hole. It is always impressive how the elevation from tee box to green drops off

And parallel to 10 is the Holly Hole, 18. You're climbing a steep hill coming home on Holly Hole at Augusta National. No jokes yet?

And the menu at the snack bar. Tickets are affordable, it doesn't cost much to eat, I recommend you try this trip to Augusta in your future.

Lastly, the pro shop at Augusta National. This one is not for the patrons, only for the members. At Augusta spectators are referred to as "patrons" per Bobby Jones. This gentleman's' wear store is on the grounds but only available to the membership. I'll bet they have some very fine clothing in there; and with any luck you can also buy some fresh chitterlings.

And there is the joke; any guesses where this store is?

Off to DC early Monday morning for the spring AHRI meeting (AHRInet.org) and plan to be home late Thursday night. Oh and by the way, SWMBO is not pregnant, she wanted me to clarify that..................