Thursday, April 10, 2014

The #Masters: A Tradition Unlike Any Other




The time has come my friends, it is the coveted week of men and women across the South… it’s Masters Week. For me, this is a week I highlight and circle all over my Lilly Pulitzer planner. I get goose bumps when I see the commercials on CBS. I cry every time I see old footage of past winners. It’s not just a golf tournament to me, it’s a lifestyle. I have had the privilege of attending the Masters for the past 10 years (it would be my whole life but ya know... that whole ban on women thing…) while my family has been going for over 25 years. My dad works for a golf company and introduced me to a world that I revolve my entire spring around (and I have no shame in that statement what-so-ever). 
In the past 10 years, I have encountered many DOs and way too many DON’Ts from spending my time on the clubhouse grounds people watching. For those of you attending at some point this week (or maybe in your dreams…who knows), I am writing this list not just to give you advice, but to take you from being a rookie on the course to…. Well, a Master J. From style advice to the incredible food you can consume, I’ll break down the best and worst I’ve seen at Augusta National. (I might even include some cute Southern golfers to keep an eye out for!)
  • #1. DO—find a way to attend a Practice Round. Practice Rounds are the best way to score an autograph, and even pictures (they have a less strict ban on electronic devices. Cameras are permitted these days but I do believe the cell phone ban is still in effect.) Players are much more relaxed and this is the best environment to be around them in.
  • #1. DON’T—hound a player. Just because it’s the Practice Round doesn’t mean you can become Sally Stalker. Security is still in effect, and they are not afraid to use it. Trust me, I’ve seen people thrown out because they just wouldn’t leave Phil and Tiger alone. Chill out y’all… eBay is full of autographs.
  • #2. DO—Find a way to snag an Azalea. And NO I do NOT mean the flower (see below). The Azalea is the signature drink of the Masters. The only snag to this DO is that you have to convince a clubhouse member to get you one, because hard liquor is not served on the grounds. (If you’re there Sunday, let me know. I’ll try and get you the hook up.)
  • #2. DON’T—DO NOT and I repeat DO NOT pick the flowers or any of the greenery on the property. I mean it. The security guys that will kick you out for being a stalker will also find great delight kicking you out for picking the grass or a flower (if they catch you).
  • #3. DO—eat a Pimento Cheese sandwich. It will change your life. I mean it. Plus food at Augusta National is super cheap. You can snag a 12 oz beer and a Pimento Cheese sandwich for $8. EIGHT. That is not a typo.
  • #3. DON’T—be sassy to the staff at Augusta National. They are the most amazing people on the planet. They come from across the world (no joke) to work at Augusta National and for some of them it’s their biggest job for the year. I’ve seen one too many “Southern Gentlemen” treat the workers at Augusta National like the help. Hey dude—they’re being paid to be there AND they get to meet players AND they get to be there the entire week. So I think they win.
  • #4. DO—snag as much Masters apparel as possible, but go towards the end of the day. They begin to re-stock inventory each night before the gates close, and the lines tend to be shorter.
  • #5. DON’T—snag the apparel at the beginning of the day and be THAT person who walks around with THOSE bags all. freaking. day. I dislike people like you because your bags make noise and take up good standing room. Also… don’t look frumpy. You’re at the MASTERS for crying out loud. Bust out the good clothes, and act like you’ve got some class. We all know your mama and daddy would prefer if you did.
  • #6. DO—enjoy every second on those sacred grounds. This might be the only time in your life to be there. Soak in the cheers and jeers, cheer for a player you don’t even know, and if you’re there Sunday stay for the Green Jacket ceremony. It will be something you’ll never forget.

Now for the good stuff… the eye candy J (this list is SOLELY based on my personal opinion. I’ve probably left some out sorry I’m not sorry.)
Southern Players to Watch:

  1. Harris English: thank God we aren’t related because this guy is a total babe. Between his good looks and the fact he’s a UGA grad make him a great catch but apparently he’s a pretty good golfer too. I’m down with all of those things. Harris, if you’re single and you’re reading this.. call me. I wouldn’t even have to change my last name.
  2. Dustin Johnson: sadly DJ is now engaged to Paulina Gretzky (yes daughter of THE Wayne Gretzky) but he is a true Carolina boy. Raised in Columbia, and a graduate of Coastal Carolina University, we know he must be one heck of a party boy. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him on the leaderboard at some point… his time is coming.
  3. Bill Haas: another Carolina boy, but Bill holds a special place in my heart as he is a Greenville, SC native and still calls Greenville home today. Growing up with his sister, I would love nothing more than to see Bill walk away with a Green Jacket come Sunday evening. Plus he’s a Wake Forest grad so you know what that means ladies… he’s smart too.
  4. Webb Simpson: another great product from the Carolinas, but this guy calls North Carolina home. Also an alumnus of Wake Forest, Webb has looks and brains too! He is sponsored by Polo Ralph Lauren, so look out for classic outfits making their appearance at August National.
  5. Jordan Spieth: A native of Dallas TX and a former University of Texas golfer, I’m a big fan of Jordan for more reasons than one. Minus the fact that he isn’t quite 21 yet (he’s only 20.. its totally fine.), he’s a good looking guy with a GREAT chance of winning. I’m pulling for him but don’t tell my dad.
  6. Last but certainly not least… Bubba Watson. He might not be “eye candy” to some, but seriously, how can you not love that guy?? From his new Bojangles commercial, to the footage of him crying his eyes out after winning in 2012, Bubba is my kinda guy. Plus he has the replica of the General Lee and honestly that makes him the coolest of all the PGA Golfers. I dare you to disagree.

So there you have it kids! Whether you’re trekking the greens of Augusta National this week, or watching from the comfort of your own home, you’ve now been given some insight on just how things roll at the Masters. If you’re there, come find me. I’ll be the one having a hell of a time. 

 Find me on twitter and let me know what you think and if you have any do's/don'ts to add to my list!

 Anna Catherine
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