AT THE MASTERS

That's right. That's where we've been. Not for the tournament. But for Wednesday's practice round. And while we may not have seen the winner or Tiger or Phil, we were there for a course. And it didn't disappoint.

Good friends of ours, the DeBoers, won a ticket lottery for the practice round and were kind enough to invite us to join them. Not only that, but they picked us up at the airport in Atlanta and drove us to South Carolina for the night before we drove an hour or so to Augusta for the practice round.

So what were our impressions? Wow! is what I caught myself saying a few times.

We walked the long and hilly course watching mostly Justin Leonard as he practiced. An Asian golfer whose name escapes me hit one perfect three wood that flew nearly 300 yards with just a bit of draw. He hit his drive on Number 13 right by where we were walking so we stopped to watch. The sound of club hitting ball was enhanced by the trees. It was simply sweet to the ear.

Amen Corner, aptly named, was our favorite. We sat in the bleachers there and watched several at one of the most beautiful places on earth. Even without the golf, I think I could sit there for about an hour a day and just watch God's creation and the detail to perfection that those at Augusta have paid to the scene. It's one of those experiences that words can't convey.

The food was great with throwback prices. For $1.50, you could enjoy a turkey or barbecue, egg salad or pimento cheese sandwich. For $1.00 a lemonade with souvenir cup. For 50 cents a lemonade in a regular cardboard cup complete with Masters logo. They may have made up for the low prices in their merchandise, but for the most part they weren't over-priced.

To experience The Masters, you just have to go. The attention to detail, tradition, well it's just golf's greatest showcase. Now, if I could just get tickets to one day at the tournament.