Augusta or BUST!

Mark and I were lucky enough to secure two tickets to the practice round at The Masters. We packed up the car and headed to lovely Augusta (ok, not so lovely - but that is alright)! Mark woke up on Wednesday morning to no alarm at 5:00 am - out of control! I rolled over and begged for a couple more minutes of shut eye while he hopped (literally) in the shower. We set out for the course before 6:00. I contemplated asking if we could stop for breakfast, but quickly realized that was an "unreasonable" request. We inhaled our greasy breakfast sandwiches and found a parking spot close to the entrance (only $20 for a spot - these people must make a killing every year). The pomp and circumstance that surrounded entering the course was crazy. You, in some ways, get lost in a sea of green jackets. There are human arrows everywhere..."this way sir"..."please finish your coffee before you enter the gates"..."no knives, or sharp objects allowed" - it rivals airport security! When we finally were permitted in the official gate there were several security officials yelling, "No running!" - the crazy thing...there were grown men sprinting toward the lush, rolling greens. I have to admit...it is beautiful! The bright greens and pinks are contrasted by swarms of golf lovers looking to find a perfect spot to catch all the days action. Mark, as expected, had our day already planned. #1 - hit the gift shop #2 - survey the entire course #3 - eat a pimento cheese sandwich #4 - seek out high profile players #5- find a seat for the par 3...and that is pretty much how we spent our day! I'm not much of a golfer, or a golf fan for that matter; but I did find myself commenting on long drives and what seemed to be impossible puts. It had happened...I was actually appreciating and enjoying the game! When we arrived home on thursday Mark was anxious to tune into the actual tournament. We watched all weekend - I really wanted to see who would win. I think because we had been there just days before I was invested! We patiently watched as the winner accepted his green jacket, and we both smiled as the credits rolled. It was a neat trip Mark and I both will not soon forget. However, I am "over" golf now and prefer watching anything but a golf tournament on TV - how boring!!