Masters Week
We have all heard about April Showers bringing the May flowers, but the reality for those that love golf is that April brings The Masters. And to us in the golf industry this is the unofficial opening of the golf season.
For us here in Cedar Falls, Iowa and most of the upper mid-west, April also brings the opening of golf courses and tee times! Though we can still get some snow here and there, and frost delays are a real thing, April allows us to dust off the clubs from a long winter’s nap and get back into the “swing” of things.
With longer sunlight hours, and greening grass by the day, it is great to welcome our game back from hibernation. This of course also means a busy time of year at Standard Golf.
The busy selling season for us here at Standard really kicks up after we’re back from the GIS (Golf Industry Show) and doesn’t slow down until we hit the summer. If there is one piece of advice I can give – get those flag orders in early! Depending on the type of customized flag you’re looking for, lead time can be as long as 5 weeks.
Lind Hunemuller, National Sales Manager.
The Masters, and the opening of golf season are two things we at Standard Golf look forward to each year. Some of our colleagues have even been lucky to get down to Augusta.
“It is really amazing having the opportunity to walk the golf course at Augusta National,” says Matt Pauli, Director of Marketing at Standard Golf. “The grass is perfect, the pine straw lays out in the same direction, and of course the bloom of the azaleas is just magical. But what stands out to me the most, is that there is no flat place to stand anywhere. The angulations on the greens and fairways are real. TV doesn’t do that part of the course justice.”
Brad Owen, head Golf Course Superintendent at Augusta National, has a real treat to show up to this course each day. But keeping a course in this shape all year is a daunting task. Lucky for Brad he has a big staff and many awesome team members to help keep the course in top shape.
About Augusta National
The course architect was Dr. Alister MacKenzie and he finished the course in 1933. Though there have been several enhancements through the years.
The Fairways are all Ryegrass, as is the 2nd cut (there is no “rough” at Augusta). You’ll find Bentgrass on the greens.
Though it sure seems like more when you walk and watch The Masters on TV – there are “only” 41 sand traps and 6 water hazards on course.
Pro-tip on attending The Masters
If you are lucky enough to score tickets during the annual raffle or decided to up the ante for 2nd hand tickets, there are a few things to note.
During the whole week, Monday – Sunday, no cell phones allowed at all. So leave that in your car. You are only allowed to bring in cameras during the practice rounds: Monday – Wednesday. If you have a collapsible chair (no arms allowed) you can set it up, and then walk around the course.
With no video screens around the course, and no cell phones allowed, it’s best to go during a practice round. Walk the course, get your photos, and then head to Hooters on Washington Blvd (you’ll see John Dally here selling memorabilia outside his RV) or back home to catch the event on TV.
The souvenir shop is HUGE! You can get The Masters logo on anything: dog collars, shirts, hats, baby onesie, you name it. Though the best souvenir is without a doubt the cups you get with a beverage. Beer, water, soda, all come with a great plastic cup for only $4 – $5.
Who will win The 2019 Masters?
Will Patrick Reed become the first back to back winner since Tiger Woods in 2001 – 2002? Will a new player emerge to wear the Green Jacket on Sunday? How about a first time Major winner, as has been the case the last 4-years? Maybe Rory McIlroy can clinch a career grand slam?
What we do know is it will be an exciting weekend at Augusta National.
What we also know is that golf season will officially be in full-bloom like the azaleas in Augusta.