I grew up in a family of golfers. My dad and two brothers played, as well as some of my extended family. Chris, of course, is an avid golfer...borderline golf addict. So, golf is certainly nothing new to me. However, it isn't something I've taken a huge interest in playing. I did take a course in golf back in college and got an 'A' in it and I have been golfing several times, but that's about as far as it's gotten. I do, however, like to ride the course with Chris from time-to-time.
Well, on Tuesday, I was fortunate enough to attend the practice round of the Masters at Augusta National in Augusta, GA. Chris and I drove the 2.5 hrs. down there and met up with his mom and brother. We arrived around 8:30 AM and the weather couldn't have been more perfect. The course was absolutely flawless! Prettiest greens and fairways I've ever seen...
Chris had to have his photo taken in front of the leaderboard...
I have never seen so many folks on one course in my life...
I was lucky to get some good shots of the top golfers. Here's Rickie Fowler...
One of my favorites, Phil Mickelson...
What a thrill to see Rory McElroy...
This is the hole where golfers attempted to skip their golf balls across the lake to the other side...
Chris was definitely in his element, which made me very happy...
Here's the #1 golfer in the world, Dustin Johnson. He fell down some stairs and injured his back, so he may not be able to compete...
Fred Couples hitting out of the sand trap...
Vijay Singh...
I know the caddies make good money, but I can't get over what they're required to wear...
Bubba Watson...
I glanced over and saw this woman's glasses and they left me speechless...
A few more shots of Rory...
One more shot of the impeccable course...
We were there from 8:30 AM until 2:00 PM. We were able to enjoy their famous pimento cheese and egg salad sandwiches for lunch. I think they were only a $1 or $1.50. Food was very reasonably priced. Now, the golf shop was a whole different ballgame. They were selling golf shirts with the Masters emblem for $79 and up. You had to stand in a long line to even get inside the shop. Merchandise flew off the shelves!
I am so grateful I had the opportunity to attend the practice round with Chris and to see everything through his eyes. Getting up close and personal with some of the top golfers in the world was such an unforgettable experience and so worth it in every way!
