Starting Things Off
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L-R: Chris Malloy and Jim Beatty-2018 Masters
On Wednesday and Thursday, I conducted several on-course interviews with various spectators. Whenever I saw a group of ‘us’ (Black folks), I wandered over and started a conversation.
I talked with Ron Albrechton and Corey Anderson from Macon, Georgia and a group of gentlemen from, Johannesburg South Africa, Oren Mayers (a 1 handicapper from Ghana), John Hayes (Cincinnati, Ohio), David Walker (Richmond, Virginia), Ty and Rod Brown (Aventura, Florida).
Also on the scene was Willie Eigner and Gary Walden (Seattle, Washington), Gwen Jones (a retired accountant from Midlothian, Texas), Chris Malloy and David Walker (Houston, TX). And to my delight, several members of the Pro Duffers Golf Club from Washington DC.
I wanted to know:
- Why they came?
- How they got their ticket?
- What impressed them about Augusta?
- Who they were pulling for?
Here is what they told me.
Why They Came:
- On The Bucket List
- Wanted to see Augusta in person
- Love Golf
- Wanted to See Amen Corner
How the Got their Ticket:
- Augusta National lottery for the practice rounds
- Friend of a Friend
- Corporate Connection
- Sheer Luck
What Impressed them about the Augusta National Golf Course:
- Beauty
- Breathtaking
- Overall experience
- Immaculate
- Hilly
- TV does not do it justice
- Free Parking
Who are they pulling for:
- Tiger Woods
- Phil Mickelson
- Henrik Stenson
- Rickie Fowler
Well, these are all reasons why anyone reading this should come to Augusta, Georgia and enjoy the MASTERS. It is a great golf experience and one that will be remembered for a lifetime.
TAKING IT ALL IN WITH SOME GREAT FOLKS
L-R: David Walker and Jim Beatty
These folks and many other African American golf fans who love and play the sport know and understand the significance and historical importance of Augusta National. These good people represent the great cross-section of the 80,000 readers of AAGD (African American Golfer’s Digest) and, are the reasons why companies want to connect with our well-informed audience.
Well, I also spent time on the course watching the players—of course—and from many vantage points. In some cases, I wanted to see their tee shot, so, I stood behind the tee box and watched carefully as their ball striking seemed so effortless and smooth.
Sometimes I stood at the landing area of their tee shot, so I could watch them discuss and diagnose the approach shots. Other times I watched them putt, which at Augusta National is like trying to putt on glass while roller-skating. There are no straight putts with the possible exception of a tap-in, which are few and far between.
RELATED ARTICLE: 50-1 Odds for Tiger Woods to Win the Masters in April 2018
Yes, I did watch Tiger Woods but you needed to secure your vantage point at least 2 holes ahead of where he is playing, as the crowds follow him in great numbers. Like many people, I have been very encouraged by his recent play and what appears to be a pain-free effort. Some have even predicted him to win. At the Thursday news interview with Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, they both thought Tiger could be in contention. Not a bad endorsement from two fellas who, combined, have won this tournament 9 times. So if you are pulling for Tiger to win, you are in for a ride of emotions this week, for the following statistical reasons: Tiger was:
- 11 of 18 in Greens in Regulation/ 61.1%
- 8 of 14 in Fairways Hit/ 57.1%
- 0 for 2 in Sand Saves/0%
- 28 Putts Overall for 1.56 average
- 9 Yards Driving Distance Average
- 1 of 18 Three putt Greens
But the most important statistic is that Tiger impressively bogeyed the Par 3 hole number 12. His tee shot hit the bank and rolled into the water so, he had to take a drop and chip up. This left him for a long putt, which he drained. Otherwise, it was a double bogey— or worse— waiting to really mess up his scorecard. In my humble opinion, his bogey save was the difference between a competitive day versus a disaster. Ask Sergio Garcia, the defending champion, who took a 13 or the Par 5, Hole 15. Golf can be so cruel. So, Mr. Woods averted a disaster and actually birdied two of the final 5 holes to end his day at a one over par 73, So after round one, Tiger is tied for 29th. 7 shots behind the leader, Jordan Speith at 6 under. Friday’s round will provide the opportunity for Tiger to improve and we all know that Spieth can go low. So Tiger and others, time to step it up.
Thanks for letting me share my last 2 days with you at Augusta National! More to come….
James Beatty, Executive Editor, African American Golfer’s Digest James R. Beatty is Founder of NCS International, an Omaha, Nebraska-based company that providers of an array of economic development services. He serves as Executive Editor at the African American Golfer’s Digest and on the Golf 20/20 Diversity Task Force.
