The Masters’ Spectator Guide

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I know, a Masters’ post might be a little early, but the dogwoods and azaleas are already blooming in Atlanta and the weather has me thinking of the Masters Tournament daily. After doing a little digging, I came across some inspiration for us all. With the help of The Masters Tournament Spectator Guide, we’re able to experience what we can for now.

I chose the 1981 guide because it was the closest one I had to the original. This guide is more than just a hole-by-hole recap of what to expect. It takes you in the mind of Jones, the purpose behind the design, memorable stories, and strategy for different playing scenarios. After reading the guide, it’s clear he knew what to expect for years to come regarding patron traffic and premiere golf viewing experience.

The following includes pictures and excerpts of the Spectator Guide written by Robert T. Jones, Jr.:

“It has been the aim of the Augusta National Golf Club from the inception of the Masters Tournament to provide as many facilities and conveniences for the spectator as possible.”

BACK OF NO. 2 AND NO. 7 GREENS

“This happens to be one of the most attractive gallery centers I’ve seen on any course. Within a radius of 100 yards, one may observe fives scenes of action.”

“The final spot to visit in this location (again without moving) is the border of No. 17 fairway…if the flag is placed on the left-hand side, a pitch shot with a lot of stop on it is required as the left half of the green slopes away. Some players elect to employ a run-up shot and the area immediately in front of the green is kept in especially good condition in order to accomodate that type of shot. When the flag is placed on the right there is no option because of the bunker in the face of the green. This shot may require anything from a No. 3 to a No. 8, depending on the wind.”

LEFT OF NO. 15 GREEN

“This is Gene Sarazen’s double Eagle hole where in the last round of the 1935 Tournament he scored a 2 on this par 5 hole, tied Craig Wood and then won the play-off. Others have hold out long approaches but never when it meant so much. This is the golf shot that was heard around the world. The cheer that went up might well have been.”

“Under ordinary conditions, this hole may be reached in 2 shots by the majority of these Masters golfers, yet the risk of a half-hit effort fetching up in the pond will keep any competitor on edge as an anticipated Birdie can turn into a disastrous 6.”

GENERAL COMMENT

“I believe our Tournament patrons in Augusta are the most golf-wise in the world and for this reason I think a few closing comments are in order concerning the conceptions guiding the design and conditioning of this course. The Augusta National has much more fairway and green area than the average course. There is little punishing rough and very few bunkers. In designing the course, our objective was to provide something pleasurable for the average golfer but also testing for the expert. No attempt was made to build copies of famous hold on other courses. Rather, it was our purpose to utilize natural advantage and to produce golfing features of an original character insofar as opportunities were afforded…

…The course is not intended so much to punish severely the wayward shot as to reward adequately the stroke played with skill – and judgment.

During the Masters Tournament, with the cooperation of the weather man, we try to keep our greens surfaces firm and the putting speed quite fast. We conceive that the ideal here is that our greens should hold a shot well-struck with back spin but should not hold an improperly played ball…

…Contestants playing in their first Masters Tournament are sometimes discouraged by the finesse required around the greens and the extra putts experienced. They do not realize that they may have played some indifferent approach shots that would have missed small greens entirely.

My principal purpose in putting these Tournament thoughts on paper for our spectator friends is to help them see the play, as nearly as possible, from the Player’s angle. It is my hope that all may enjoy the Tournament a little more by reason of being better acquainted with the golfing problem. The Masters is more faithfully patronized than any other Tournament held in this country and we, of the Club, are eager to do all we can to add to its popularity.”

Wow, I wish every course designer took the time to inform their players or patrons so intimately about the course.

I can’t wait for April, can you?