"No more Airplanes Tour 1974"

It’s springtime in Augusta, Georgia which means the Masters Tournament is this Easter weekend. It’s that four day walk through the beauty and rolling hills that is the Augusta National Golf Club. For many it is hallowed grounds where past memories of golf’s finest tournament is played with a gallery full of people.


In the South where I grew up it was a rite of passage each spring much like our beloved Iditarod here in Alaska. There are the familiar names such as Rae’s Creek and Amen Corner with each of the three holes that make the turn each year usually making or breaking Master’s Dreams on Sunday afternoon.


The unique beauty that makes up that portion of the course inspires to bring out the best in the competitors. The flowers as a backdrop and the wonderful television shots of the Ben Hogan Bridge or the reflections of the Byron Nelson Bridge gives one a proper perspective of the gentleness of Bobby Jones the founder of this spectacular golf course.


I’ve had the pleasure to play several rounds over the years when I lived in Atlanta and for several years following the ‘Golden Bear’ Jack Nicklaus around the course or watching the many fans of Arnie’s Army move from hole to hole. My favorite hole is # 16 called Rosebud, a 170 yard par three. It plays long and is totally over water with three large sand bunkers surrounding the green. My first time playing this hole at Augusta I had an almost perfect shot stopping only 8 inches from the cup. It was exciting and I can still recall the smell from the flowers surrounding the hole.


Many familiar names have faded now with another new crop of golfers living the dream of playing on Sunday afternoon . . . finding themselves ‘Almost Famous’ leaving the 18th hole. Only one will become Champion and wear the Green Jacket and the legacy that goes with it.


Good luck to everyone and thanks for keeping this wonderful history and tradition alive when so many things are changing around us.


Ice

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