time again for the masters

This March it seems that the cold and snow has hung around a lot longer than normal basically because - it has. We golfers have been biding our time and waiting for the warmer weather to finally settle in and stick around.  No matter how long it takes to get to golf weather, the Masters Tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia always takes place the first full week in April and 2011 is no exception.

Starting April 4th, the tournament will be broadcast on CBS. Of course, already available are all the latest apps and ways to watch in whatever way works best with your schedule.

Truly a wonderful sports time of year, college basketball's March Madness is wrapping up now and the Masters is set to begin next week.  I've been watching the NCAA moving to a surprising Final Four and would love to hear from you if any of your picks are still in the running.  My choices, like those of many others, are gone. I loved the Morris twins and team from Kansas but have to admit that in a Hoosieresque kind of way I'll be rooting for VCU. I hestitate to call them underdogs when they clearly deserve to be in the tournament and in the Final Four. I'll be watching to see who takes the win. Will you? Let me know!

And now, back to golf. This time of year I always remember 2005. It was a great sports year for me. I had the great fortune of being invited to the Masters Tournament practice rounds. Those of you who golf realize how remarkable and rare this invitation would be.  Working in the advertising business for some tend to take for granted invitations to dinner, shows, concerts and sporting events and there are certainly many events that I will probably never experience again.  This was one such event. Not only did I get to enjoy seeing many golf greats up close and personal, but the Final Four just so happened to be at the same time so after watching great golf all day we watched the final game that night and cheered our hearts out. It was truly a sports fan nirvana.

Green Jacket

All the greats have taken to the course in hopes of wearing the famous "green jacket" at the end of it all. Club co-founder Clifford Roberts originally brought in the jackets for members which were said to help identify members during the tournament. However, the real reason was to eliminate competition among the members and the "flashy" jackets he did not want at the club.

Arriving at Augusta is simply not like arriving at any other golf course in the world. Augusta is a storied golf legend. It has its share of controversary, shocking upsets and glorious wins. All the usual rules apply but they are taken super seriously so don't try to sneak something in - you will be ejected. No cell phones, no cameras (except on practice days), no electronic devices of any kind.  No food, no beverages, no coolers. Only chairs that collaspe and have no armrests are allowed. They do rent chairs at the club if you don't want to schlep your own.

Lots of things to keep in mind if you're lucky enough to go. Dress in layers, the weather can change quickly so be prepared. Wear comfortable shoes - lots of folks wear their golf shoes. I'd only suggest this if your golf shoes are super, super comfortable. Don't forget your sun screen, hat or visor. It's no longer fashionable to have a red face. In fact, it's a skin cancer risk so watch out. Take your binoculars so you can really see all the action. Crowds are dense at all of the popular holes and often you will find yourself standing. However, if you get there early you might want to stake out a place in one of the many stands and stay there all day.  But I'd highly recommend walking the coure at least once - it's way more beautiful in person, and you already know how magnificent it looks on TV so don't miss a thing. If you want to check at the course virtually Golf Digest has a great resource you won't want to miss that "flys" over each hole and gives a great description of what the golfers can expect.

Food at the Masters

The "snacks" at the Masters are legendary as well. This is one place where time stands still. The no-frills sandwiches in green wax paper are simple but delicious. Again, you're at the Masters so everything seems just a little surreal. There are only a few menu items but they are classics. Egg salad, chicken sandwich and the famous pimento cheese sandwich are must haves and from only $1.50 to $2.50 each, go ahead and try them all. Soda and water are only $1.50, domestic beer $2.75 and imports $3.50. The cups emblazened with the Masters logo make great souvenirs.

Speaking of souvenirs - there's a large merchandise building near the main concessions. There are plenty of options, but be warned - they are expensive. Even so, who's going to go home without at least a few things from Augusta? Plan and budget accordingly.

I confess that I bought a Masters Golf towel and some balls. I still proudly keep that towel on my bag just waiting for someone to ask if I've been to the Masters. The balls I keep and use on my indoor putting green, that way they will never end up in the water.  I also grabbed a pine cone, which I keep in a special place that always reminds me of how lucky I was to get to visit one of golf's sacred places.

Thanks for letting me regale you with my Masters story. I'll be sharing more about the story in my blog next week so be sure to come back and read more.  I hope you enjoy the tournament.

-Sue Reddel, Chief Ambassador