My daughter, Neely, and I were fortunate enough to nab tickets to the first practice round of the 2012 Masters.  Following is our report:

We left Lake Oconee at 9:45 AM, and got to the Augusta National Golf Course at about 11:00 AM.  For practice rounds one can take a camera, so I was planning to capture the day in pictures.  One of the entrances to the Augusta National Golf Club is shown below. ( the flowers look good here, but on the course, the   azaleas and dogwoods were not up to the usual standards )

As soon as we sat in the stands at hole number 15, we saw Martin Kaymer hole out a ball that he skipped on the water in front of  number 16 green!  The crowd went crazy, and Kaymer threw his ball into the crowd.

We then watched other golfers please the crowd by trying to skip the balls on the water and land on the 16th green.  The practice rounds are known for the casual, relaxed air in which the pro golfers often interact with the patrons.

After a traditional lunch of egg salad sandwiches , sweet tea, and moon-pies, we journeyed on up the 18th fairway towards the clubhouse.  We admired the beautiful live oak that presides beside the 18th fairway.

The putting green was our nest stop, we were hoping to catch an up-close glimpse of a Masters golfer.  We were not disappointed.

People watching was fun, and full of fashion surprises!

At the new practice facility, we watched the under 16 crowd wait f or an autograph.

Neely’s favorite sight was the famous main scoreboard near the clubhouse.  Scores are still updated by hand!

As we made our way out,  I shot this picture to show that the spring blooms of the Masters were past their prime.

On leaving the Augusta National Golf Course, we were so thankful that we live in the Lake Oconee area, and get to enjoy the classic Masters Golf Tournament so often.  It is a treat every time.

For information about any Lake Oconee homes or land for sale, phone Suzie (706-347-1115) or Jim (706-453-6253) Hudson.

706-454-7777