Masters

Question
Hey Skip,

I am planning on attending a practice round at the masters come next april, and i know its a bit early to be thinking about, but i am really looking forward to it, and as it is my first pga tour event, i have a few questions.  first, i dont think that most events have tee times for practice rounds, but do the masters?  Seems to make sense to me, but ya never know.  I would like to stay at a hole for a while, see guys hit drivers, go watch some approach shots, watch around the green, just see the whole thing, and there is no certain player that i really want to see, except i really want to see Tiger make one swing, like we all do.  So, how would i be able to do these things, because i don't know how  crowded these events get, but from 8 - 6:30, i guess you have a good bit of time.  by the way, do they allow cameras?

Thanks,
Garrett

Answer
Dear Garrett, thanks for the question.  The greatest aspect of going to the Masters is the golf course and the grounds.  The event is secondary to your surroundings.  While there is so much to see, many fans make the mistake of trying to follow a particular star golfer and they spend so much time fighting the crowds that they miss the best part of being there.  Like you said, I would definitely suggest you pick a spot to sit and stay for a while...seeing the different groups and their strategies come through is really neat.  Other than that I would follow a lesser known star for several holes and really get to see the course.  Before the day is out, make sure you've seen every hole. TV doesn't tell the whole story, being there will.  This can be tough if you are fighting a crowd, so choose wisely.  The practice rounds definitely have tee-times so you will know where golfers are.  One little trick I can share with you that first timers don't usually know about the Masters is that if you have a small golf-style folding chair and you get to the gate VERY early, you can run in, put your chair in position around a green and leave it.  Then you go check out everything you want to see, and eventually make your way back to your chair.  Even though the crowd will have grown around it...your chair will be untouched.  Hard to believe but true.  You'll notice empty chairs all over the place waiting for people to come back.  Lastly, save up some extra cash because the gift shop is like no other.  Filled with everything Masters that you can think of...and things you cannot get anywhere else ever. (Go early and get shopping out of the way if you plan to shop...the stuff runs out and gets picked over...your best bet is to take stuff back to the car and go back in)  And don't forget to check out the practice range...fun to sit and watch there as well.  As for cameras, I know that ABSOLUTELY NO CAMERAS are allowed during the tournament, but not sure on the practice rounds.  I would call down there, or check extensively on the website.  Your tickets might mention it on the back as well. My guess is NO, check for sure.  Get there early and have a blast.  Good luck, thanks again for asking and remember...

Love the game,
skipper

ps...pimento and cheese sandwiches...a must!