Maginnes: Augusta National is as awesome as they say

John Maginnes strolled the gorgeous grounds of Augusta National for the first time on Wednesday. He was blown away by the course's beauty, of course, but also by the atmosphere enjoyed by both fans and players on the final day of practice.

By John Maginnes, PGATOUR.com Contributor

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- A family was having a picnic in the grass behind the seventh green.  On No. 12, a father explained to a son that Amen Corner is where the tournament is won or lost.  Two guys on the 15th hole argued Gene Sarazen's albatross in 1935 (although they said '38).  One swore that it was on No. 13 while the other politely and rightly disagreed.

My first walk through this magnificent piece of real estate lived up to -- and surpassed -- all expectations.  I was awestruck by the myriad shades of green interrupted by the glories of spring.

Everyone has their own take on Augusta National.  So many conversations begin with "what you don't know from watching ?" What television can't depict is the flow and grace of the golf course.  It is far more intimate than I imagined.  The course folds over itself, switching back and forth through the valley below the pristine clubhouse that stands sentry over the famous grounds.
 
The atmosphere that is created by the natural ebb and flow of Augusta National is unlike any that I have experienced.  The personality of the club is simple and sublime. Usually elegance comes with pretense but it shouldn't, and it doesn't, here.
 
The Wednesday before a major is usually a relaxed day for the players.  There is the excitement of what is to come without the pressure that inevitably looms.  The players often play to the crowd on such days. 

At no place is that more evident than on the famed 16th hole -- the 170-yard par 3 that has been the scene of numerous acts of golf heroism over the years.  The most recent was the chip by Tiger two years ago where the ball hung on the lip only to disappear a moment later urged in by the will of the patrons.

The roars on Wednesday were of a different sort at No. 16.  After the players hit a practice shot or two from the tee they moved up some 30 yards to the edge of the lake.  Often urged on by the patrons in the stands to the left of the tee chanting, "skip, skip?"  The drop a ball short of the water on the down slope and try to skip a ball across the water and on to the green.  Most of the efforts would make Andy Griffith proud.  A shot that skips across and finds the green is generously applauded.

When the outrageous Irishman, Darren Clarke came through he made a couple of attempts and then waved one lucky patron under the ropes.  The gentleman took Darren's club and made a valiant effort.  After the first ball skipped across the lake a couple of times and came up short Darren afforded the gentleman another chance.  Although the second effort fell short as well this lucky gentleman was all smiles as he made his way back to the bleachers.

Later Vijay Singh delighted the patrons with a couple of well executed efforts.  Then to the surprise of the fans and Chad Reynolds his caddy Vijay did something unusual.  He handed the club to his caddy and told him to hit a shot.  Young Chad made a couple of efforts that had potential but did not end up on the putting surface.

On Thursday morning the 2007 Masters gets underway for the tournament proper.  However for many of the fans who trod the hills of Augusta they have seen the course in person for the first and last time.  They make the pilgrimage here just to say they have been.  They have to see it for themselves.  Once you have seen it becomes part of you and you become part of a fortunate community.  Perhaps that is why everywhere you look on a perfect Wednesday at Augusta everyone is smiling. 

When the outrageous Irishman, Darren Clarke came through, he made a couple of attempts and then waved one lucky patron under the ropes. The gentleman took Darren's club and made a valiant effort. After the first ball skipped across the lake a couple of times and came up short, Darren afforded the gentleman another chance. Although the second effort fell short as well, this lucky gentleman was all smiles as he made his way back to the bleachers.

Later, Vijay Singh delighted the patrons with a couple of well-executed efforts. Then to the surprise of the fans and caddie Chad Reynolds, Vijay did something unusual. He handed the club to his caddie and told him to hit a shot. Young Chad made a couple of efforts that had potential but did not end up on the putting surface.

On Thursday morning, the 2007 Masters gets underway. However, for many of the fans who trod the hills of Augusta, they have seen the course in person for the first and last time. They make the pilgrimage here just to say they have been. They have to see it for themselves. Once you have seen it, it becomes part of you and you become part of a fortunate community. Perhaps that is why everywhere you look on a perfect Wednesday at Augusta, everyone is smiling.