‘To visit Augusta National, with all its shades of green, is one of life’s great experiences. Bucket-list item ticked!’ | Graham Cornes

The golf world may be fractured, but to witness the Augusta National is one of ‘life’s great experiences’ writes Graham Cornes.

Golfers know. There are certain “bucket list” items - iconic courses that they yearn to visit. St Andrews, the home of golf is one. Pebble Beach, which skirts the coastline of the Monterey Peninsula, the number one rated course in the USA is another. But most would agree Augusta National in Georgia, which hosts the Masters tournament, is the one they would most like to visit. They will not be disappointed.

Scottie Scheffler of the United States plays his shot from the 17th tee during the second round of the 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Photo by Andrew Redington.

The first thing that strikes you when you walk through the gates of the Augusta National Golf Course is its beauty. The trees, so many them, pruned and shaped to a horticulturalist’s perfection. The gum tree with its unkempt appeal is branded into our Australia psyche but these are different. It’s hard to understand that there can be that many shades of green. It’s bewildering. The second thing you notice is the contour of the course. It is extremely hilly. It’s not obvious on the television coverage but some of the fairways are steep, really steep. The first tee is atop a valley around which this most stunning golf course was designed. It brings a perspective of understanding to the difficulties that Tiger Woods, a five-time winner, has had to endure since he returned from leg and ankle injuries. It’s hard enough to walk up some of these hills when fully fit, let alone trying to do it with a steel rod in your leg and a fused ankle. Yet he is back again trying to equal the record of Jack Nicklaus who has won 6 Masters tournaments. Pre-tournament Woods, still the crowd favourite, spoke of the fitness regimen and physiotherapy treatment that has brought him back to Augusta for the 26th time. “I hurt every day [but] I have an amazing medical staff that has really helped me get through this”, he said before. “Some days I just feel really good, and others not so much”, he said before the tournaments start. He went on to joke about his son Charlie now being able to outdrive him. It will be interesting to observe how young Charlie Woods will handle the media scrutiny and expectations that will surely pursue him. Without doubt though Tiger Woods was the most popular player on the Augusta National course.

As an aside to all the star power that is present here in Augusta, one can’t help but feel for the caddies that have to lug those oversized bags up and down the fairways that are individually named after a variety of tree. You might be here to watch the golf but you can’t help but be distracted by the trees. Names like Pink Dogwood and Flowering Crab Apple both intrigue and confuse. Then there is the Magnolia for which the course is most famous. If there such a thing as the “rough” on this course it is hard to see it. The fairways look shaven and the second cut could be a well-tended lawn. Off the fairway and under the trees however, are the carefully laid pine needles and bark chips. One wonders how these professionals can get into any trouble.

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays his shot from the 12th tee during the second round of the 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Photo by Maddie Meyer.

After a delayed start on the first day, play commenced with Honorary Starters, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Gary Player hitting ceremonial tee shots. No country honours its sporting legends better that the USA does. Even Gary Player, a South African, is treated with the reverence that accompanies a Masters champion. There is a nostalgic sentiment that accompanies their presence. The swing isn’t as flexible, the power isn’t as obvious and the distance not as long, but they are still held in awe. It saddened me watching the accolades being showered that we Australians don’t honour our champions in the same way. Could we not have the same or similar rituals? Gary Player is 88 now, Jack Nicklaus 84 and Tom Watson still young at 74 bathed in the adulation. Asked about the secrets to their longevity, each had a different answer. “I have an ice bath every morning, weight training in the gym regularly. I under-eat and laugh a lot”, said Player. “Surround yourself with people you love. Laugh”, said Watson. Nicklaus was less cerebral. “I have five kids, 24 grandchildren and seven great-grandkids. They keep you young”, said Nicklaus. The memories of these champions are astounding, recalling shots and moments from decades ago. For example, Nicklaus recalled a moment in the 1977 Masters: “1977 here, Tom birdied 17 and I had a shot, 6-iron into 18. I had 163 yards to where the pin was and I had a 6-iron in my hand….” Forty-six years ago and he can remember with that detail! He went on the tell how he then chose the wrong club and put the shot into the bunker. Like cricketers, golfers have great memory and great stories.

The current predicament of the professional game was not beyond them. “We all know the game is fractured with the LIV Tour and the PGA Tour doing the things they are doing”, said Watson solemnly. “We want the best players playing against each other…and right now we don’t have that.”

The architect of the LIV revolution, Greg Norman, resplendent in his white Akubra hat, showed up unannounced on Wednesday. Because he’s been persona non grata since the LIV revolution it’s fair to say he created a distraction from the more casual proceedings of a Masters Wednesday. He wasn’t formally invited but he defied officialdom by buying his own ticket and mingling with the crowd with no corporate luxuries. We’ve seen the LIV revolution fist hand here in Adelaide: seen the excitement and goodwill it has generated, so we overlook the ructions it has caused in the golfing world. There is no doubt golf will be better when it is united. “We need the best players in the world playing against each other all the time”, reiterated Nicklaus.

Golf is a fascinating, addictive game but there is no doubt it divides people. Some say it’s an exclusive game played on land that could be put to better use. That may be true with these exclusive, private clubs, but it is accessible to those who choose to play. Tom Watson has no doubts: “It’s the greatest game of all…it teaches you a lot of life’s skills, the etiquette of the game, treating people with respect’, he said. He’s true but he forgot to add it can be the most frustrating game in the world.

There are many things that impact you here in Augusta at the Masters. Firstly, people are so polite and so courteous. Secondly, they have a certain style - well dressed in a golfing environment. The club itself, having suffered from the allegations of exclusivity over the decades has shaped the social construct of the city in a positive sense. It’s hard to comprehend the size and social impact of the club and it continues to expand into the surrounding neighbourhoods.

To visit Augusta is one of life’s great experiences. Bucket-list item ticked! But I can’t wait to get back to Glenelg.