Spending a day at Augusta

[Chip Gaskins]

#14 and its massive false front


#5 and its St. Andrews inspiration


#18 and its super tight driving corridor

[noonan]

Awesome.

Thanks for the pics!

[Shane Wright]

#14 and its massive false front


#5 and its St. Andrews inspiration


#18 and its super tight driving corridor

Chip, thanks for posting...not quite school buses but some pin locations that would definitely test the nerves on Sunday.    I have some pre-digital ones I will try and post sometime. 

[David_Elvins]

The "carts" sign completely ruins the mystic of the place for me.  As far as I am concerned, if you are important enough to be driving a cart around Augusta, you are important enough to be able to drive it across the green.  Its not like they don't have a maintanance budget that could deal with such things. 

[Joe Hancock]

David,

"Important" in not always synonymous with "smart".

Joe

[Phil McDade]

It is wide open compared to every other major championship course with the lone exception being St. Andrews.

3.  The course is wide open; even with the rough it is still the most wide open parkland course I have ever seen; 1 or 2 tight corridors but still it is wide open compared to 99.5% of every other golf course in the US.

Kenny:

I read the thread where the pics were posted, and noticed with interest this comment from Wilson's buddy:

"Steve shot 74 (39-35) with 5 three putts and a lost ball on #13 as he hit it left off the tee and we never found it...Can't really say what I shot, as I didnt finish a few of the holes. It would have been in the 82-83 range... this is by far the tightest "driving" golf course I've ever seen. I will be going back for the leisure rounds once he's finished gathering all the yardages and info about the course."

Interesting perspective, and counter to the CW about Augusta...

[Patrick_Mucci]

David Elvins,

The cart sign on # 11 and its location are well thought out.

That particular area is very steep.
When the grass is wet it presents a problem, especially for guests.

Imagine a guest, hitting his approach into the water.
Now he drives his cart down to take his drop.
The cart is going a little fast, the slope is extremely steep and due to the grass being wet, it's very slippery.
I can guarantee you that more than a few carts have found their way into that water.

Hence, the cart sign and its location are appropriate.

Remember too, that teenagers aren't playing ANGC on a daily basis.
As you get older, your vision, perception, judgement and reflexes aren't what they used to be.
Just ask TEPaul and Ran.
With an older membership, with peers as guests, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

[jeffwarne]

"I can guarantee you that more than a few carts have found their way into that water".


Patrick,
I'll take that bet.
Can you define more than a few?    5? 7?


David didn't use an    but I'm pretty sure he meant      or

[Kyle Harris]

Cart signs aren't just for golfers.

[David_Elvins]

The cart sign on # 11 and its location are well thought out......

Thats a very well thought out reply, Patrick.  Perhaps far too well thought out for my glib comment.  An interesting insight. 

[Patrick_Mucci]

David Elvins,

ANGC is a "golfer's haven/heaven", a setting where "golf" is clearly king.

Cluttering up the golf course is not in keeping with the intended presentation.

I think you'd feel very comfortable with the intended presentation for day to day play.

I think one of the really neat things about ANGC is our intimate familiarity with the golf course.

We can relate to the holes and to particular shots we've witnessed over the years, especially historically significant shots. 

When you walk on the 12th green and look at the fronting slope and water, you find it hard to believe that Couples's ball didn't roll into the water.  You can empathize with those golfers whose ball did, not only on # 12, but, on # 13 and # 15 as well.  We know where the great shots were hit and we know where disastrous shots were hit. 

The telecast, with the camera angles, etc., etc.. tends to present a "perfect" golf course.
But, when the big show leaves town, the golf course must alter the daily presentation to accomodate those who will trod its fairways.  ENTER cart drivers.

Our yearly affair with ANGC has been going on for decades and will hopefully continue for decades.

I don't think any golf course has been so thoroughly exposed and scrutinized vis a vis TV broadcasts, as ANGC, thus, items that might seem inconsequential at other courses get our attention at ANGC. 

[David_Elvins]

I think one of the really neat things about ANGC is our intimate familiarity with the golf course.

We can relate to the holes and to particular shots we've witnessed over the years, especially historically significant shots. 

When you walk on the 12th green and look at the fronting slope and water, you find it hard to believe that Couples's ball didn't roll into the water.  You can empathize with those golfers whose ball did, not only on # 12, but, on # 13 and # 15 as well.  We know where the great shots were hit and we know where disastrous shots were hit.  

Another really good insight Patrick, IMO.

The is a common thought on this discussion board that with the way technology is heading that there should be one type of course for pros and one type of course for the rest of us.  THis is something I completely disagree with.  The interaction between the pros and course is so important to so many great golf courses (St Andrews, Royal Melbourne, Augusta, Pebble Beach, etc) .  And being able to compare your play with the pros and empathise with their situation is one of the coolest things about playing courses that have held big tournaments. 

I have no doubt that this is one of the factors that has always, and hopefully will always, make Augusta such a (reportedly) special place to play. 

[Dale_McCallon]

I'm disapointed that the picture of the invite didn't include a number to RSVP Mr. Payne.

I love the photos.  You can tell the guys were like going into Willy Wonkas workshop and just filled with awe.  Just like everyone on this site would be; even those who each April love to tell us how bad ANGC is.

[Ulrich Mayring]

For someone who has never been there these pictures do tell a little bit about why ANGC is such a great golf course. It's not just the tradition, the course itself seems to be one of a kind.

Ulrich

[Steve Wilson]

I can't hope to make it clear how hurt and disappointed I am that three days have passed since this thread was initiated and not one person has enquired to determine if the Steve Wilson who posts here is the same Steve Wilson who won the Mid Am. 

Those of you who have played either in a group with me or a group on a hole to the left or right of my intended line of play are forgiven for not asking a question with such a self evident answer, but as for the rest of you-- I would have thought the possiblity adding  a celebrity of sorts to your group of acquaintances would have brought at least a few messages to my inbox if not the forum at large. 

Just in case any doubt remains, let it be known that I'll be sulking here in West Virginian until the snow melts.


 

[G Jones]

I think everyone is being a little over sensitive about the pictures; we should be thrilled that we were able to get an inside look into one of the most historical clubs in golf. 

On top of that, if anyone bothered to read the entire thread on GolfWRX, the guy even came back and said that Augusta officials saw his camera and had no problem with him taking pictures as long as he promised not to take pics of the "Member on Site" board. 

This sounds familiar... I was told cameras and video cameras were fine. As long as you don't go selling them to a magazine or something I'm sure you're fine. If you look on the internet for a while there are actually loads of people who have played there and put a set of 50+ photos of the course and clubhouse online.

Unfortunately I can't get my photo of watching Jerry Springer (or similar) in the Crow's Nest to work. Sad.

[Nick Cauley]

I have to say the photo essay was awesome. Being in the industry I was always wondering how they overseed the creek banks at ANGC, in the pictures it looks like they lower the water level to establish the seed and to flymow it.  I would have to guess a couple of weeks before the tournament they raise the water level.  If anyone knows any different or has any other thoughts please explain. 

[jeffwarne]

Actually Billy Payne walks across the creek/ponds, parts the creek/ponds, and an underling fly -mows them during breaks in the lightning.

[Scott Warren]

I don't suppose anyone saved the pics before the thread got nuked?

If so, I don't suppose you'd mind emailing them to me?

[Patrick_Mucci]

I think one of the really neat things about ANGC is our intimate familiarity with the golf course.

We can relate to the holes and to particular shots we've witnessed over the years, especially historically significant shots. 

When you walk on the 12th green and look at the fronting slope and water, you find it hard to believe that Couples's ball didn't roll into the water.  You can empathize with those golfers whose ball did, not only on # 12, but, on # 13 and # 15 as well.  We know where the great shots were hit and we know where disastrous shots were hit.  

Another really good insight Patrick, IMO.

The is a common thought on this discussion board that with the way technology is heading that there should be one type of course for pros and one type of course for the rest of us.  THis is something I completely disagree with.  The interaction between the pros and course is so important to so many great golf courses (St Andrews, Royal Melbourne, Augusta, Pebble Beach, etc) .  And being able to compare your play with the pros and empathise with their situation is one of the coolest things about playing courses that have held big tournaments. 

I have no doubt that this is one of the factors that has always, and hopefully will always, make Augusta such a (reportedly) special place to play. 

David,

I think that's one of the reasons that play increases on a course that's recently been annointed with a championship.

Golfers know that the event will be televised, so they'd like to play it, and then, they like to relate their playing experiences to those they see on TV.

A perfect example would be holes 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 at ANGC.
Two par 3's two par 5's and a par 4.
When first time golfers step onto # 12 tee, they've seen that view a hundred times, but now they appreciate the golfer's dilema as the wind wafts and swirls around them.  They now experience the uncertainty that's missing in the comfort of one's den.  When they watch the event on TV, relating club selection offers them a small measure of comparison.

On # 13 and # 15 they can see how difficult the third shot is when the golfer has layed up on his second.
While the game they watch on TV is exponentially superior to theirs, there is a connection.
They also begin to appreciate how different the terrain is in person.
How the fairways and greens slope dramatically, so now they understand how a shot or putt which seemed relatively easy on TV is a lot more difficult in person.

Equally as important are the recovery shots from bunkers.

But, the really neat thing is that a golfer can execute a very good to spectacular shot and/or putt and ask, "I wonder how much _____ would have paid for that shot in the ___ Masters ?".

That's the great thing about golf, we can inject or transport ourselves to another time on the golf course when OUR shot might have saved the day for a PGA Tour golfer.

The golfer who sinks a three footer on # 18 green at TOC can ask, I wonder what Doug Sanders would have paid me for that putt ?

The golfer who rips one down the middle on # 18 at Winged Foot West can ask, I wonder how much Phil Mickelson would have paid me for that drive ?

I think that's one of the lures that draws golfers to play the venues televised by the PGA and USGA.

Many of us have fantasized on the practice range about hitting a shot to win the (Open, Masters, PGA, etc, etc..), but, now finding ourselves actually on the course, that fantasy takes on a more realistic quality.

And, NO course does this better than ANGC because of our intimate familiarity with the golf course.

It's a GREAT golf course no matter what the annual naysayers might indicate.

[Tom Huckaby]

All exceedingly well said, Patrick.  Augusta remains great, for all these reasons... which are so important regarding the joy of playing famous courses.

However... you say....

The golfer who rips one down the middle on # 18 at Winged Foot West can ask, I wonder how much Phil Mickelson would have paid me for that drive ?

Is one really entitled to ask that question if one plays from tees far up from where Phil played?

That's the gist of my side of our old argument re Augusta.  If I play there, I do want to play the tips ONCE, so I can honestly ask that question.  And I get your side too - it's so hard from back there, I likely never will have a chance to have a successful shot allowing me to ask the question.... but if I play up, change that "likely" to "definitely."

That's why I'd want to play the tips, once.  Subsequent rounds, members tees would suit me just fine.  But just ONCE... I gotta try.

TH

[Scott Warren]

The golfer who rips one down the middle on # 18 at Winged Foot West can ask, I wonder how much Phil Mickelson would have paid me for that drive ?

I'd be more inclined to hit a three iron in the fairway and send him a photo with the note: "Dear Phil, just an idea for next time..."

[Patrick_Mucci]

All exceedingly well said, Patrick.  Augusta remains great, for all these reasons... which are so important regarding the joy of playing famous courses.

However... you say....

The golfer who rips one down the middle on # 18 at Winged Foot West can ask, I wonder how much Phil Mickelson would have paid me for that drive ?

Is one really entitled to ask that question if one plays from tees far up from where Phil played?

That's the gist of my side of our old argument re Augusta.  If I play there, I do want to play the tips ONCE, so I can honestly ask that question.  And I get your side too - it's so hard from back there, I likely never will have a chance to have a successful shot allowing me to ask the question.... but if I play up, change that "likely" to "definitely."

That's why I'd want to play the tips, once.  Subsequent rounds, members tees would suit me just fine.  But just ONCE... I gotta try.

Tom, I understand that desire, but, my experience tells me that you might not enjoy your round as much as you'd imagine.  At 7,400 yards the par 4's have become grueling to those who don't hit it 280-300+

Ask yourself, would you rather have a reasonable approach into # 18, one you've seen on TV over the last 30 years, or, would you prefer to NOT reach the fairway and certainly not reach the corner leaving you without a view or a shot to the green ?

While this might be heresy to those at ANGC, if I were in charge, I'd create a set of intermediate tees somewhere between the Masters tees at 7,445 and the Members tees of 6,365, probably in the 6,900 range.  That would then create interesting challenges for the broad spectrum of golfers, whereas, the current arrangement might only cater to the extreme ends of the spectrum.

[Patrick_Mucci]

The golfer who rips one down the middle on # 18 at Winged Foot West can ask, I wonder how much Phil Mickelson would have paid me for that drive ?

I'd be more inclined to hit a three iron in the fairway and send him a photo with the note: "Dear Phil, just an idea for next time..."

Scott,

Your suggestion to Phil would seem to indicate that you've never played # 18 at WFW from the back tee.

I don't recall ever seeing or hearing of a golfer taking a 3-iron off that tee, especially one who needs to par the hole.

I suspect that Phil might write back to you, inquiring of your golfing credentials and your epxerience in playing WFW from the tips under tournament conditions.

[Tom Huckaby]

All exceedingly well said, Patrick.  Augusta remains great, for all these reasons... which are so important regarding the joy of playing famous courses.

However... you say....

The golfer who rips one down the middle on # 18 at Winged Foot West can ask, I wonder how much Phil Mickelson would have paid me for that drive ?

Is one really entitled to ask that question if one plays from tees far up from where Phil played?

That's the gist of my side of our old argument re Augusta.  If I play there, I do want to play the tips ONCE, so I can honestly ask that question.  And I get your side too - it's so hard from back there, I likely never will have a chance to have a successful shot allowing me to ask the question.... but if I play up, change that "likely" to "definitely."

That's why I'd want to play the tips, once.  Subsequent rounds, members tees would suit me just fine.  But just ONCE... I gotta try.

Tom, I understand that desire, but, my experience tells me that you might not enjoy your round as much as you'd imagine.  At 7,400 yards the par 4's have become grueling to those who don't hit it 280-300+

Ask yourself, would you rather have a reasonable approach into # 18, one you've seen on TV over the last 30 years, or, would you prefer to NOT reach the fairway and certainly not reach the corner leaving you without a view or a shot to the green ?

While this might be heresy to those at ANGC, if I were in charge, I'd create a set of intermediate tees somewhere between the Masters tees at 7,445 and the Members tees of 6,365, probably in the 6,900 range.  That would then create interesting challenges for the broad spectrum of golfers, whereas, the current arrangement might only cater to the extreme ends of the spectrum.

Patrick:

What I would enjoy about playing the tips is honestly and truly trying to match the tee shots of the pros.  I never said I had any expectations of success.  However, I would want to try, once.  You have to understand it given your quote about Mickelson....

Regarding approach shots, oh yes those would be fun also.  And yes actually hitting from the same distances the pros have will only occur if I play up.  I get you re 18, and expect that would happen on other holes as well.

I'd just want to try the tee shots, that's all. 

BTW it also seems odd to me they don't have that set of intermediate tees you suggest.

TH