By Mike May
My first-ever (and, hopefully, not final) trip to a competitive round at The Masters Tournament happened this year and I have several indelible memories from the experience.
I was joined for Thursday’s opening round, by my brother. Charles, my son Trevor, and my daughter-in-law Hannah. The gates officially open at 8:00 am, but I was stunned by the number of cars already in the parking lot at 7:45. The process of finding a spot was seamless, efficient and well-coordinated. The skies were overcast with a light drizzle, but that didn’t detract from our excitement.
We were too late to watch the ceremonial tee shots from Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson, but looked forward to the spectacular views, great shots and attention-grabbing roars.
Entering through the gates was an experience. With rows of body scanners, it resembled airport security, but mixed with Southern hospitality. 
Patrons are always surprised about the quality and low cost of the food on property. The service is efficient and impeccable, plus there was never a line to select, or pay for your food. Of course, I had to have the famous pimento cheese and egg salad sandwiches.
No cell phones are allowed on the golf course, I had left my phone in my car, but AT&T did provide two banks of telephones where patrons were encouraged to make complimentary long-distance phone calls to anybody in the country. I placed a call to my mother, just to say hello.
The Augusta National Golf Club has plenty of permanent restroom facilities on the golf course for both men and women. I never had to wait in line and each stall is quickly cleaned after every visit.
I have never seen so many people following a player at a golf tournament as the thousands of patrons following Tiger Woods. He didn’t disappoint his followers as he shot a one-under-par round of 71 on that first day. We also followed Brooks Koepka, Rory McIlroy, and Matthew Fitzpatrick. I was introduced to Rory’s parents and had a chance to speak with past Masters champion, Sandy Lyle, while he was standing on the 9th tee.
I asked him about the Champions Dinner meal. After he answered my question, he hammered a drive down the middle of the fairway.
Patrons never run, everyone walks. There were many Augusta National members wearing their traditional green jackets around the course. I took the opportunity to thank them for staging a wonderful event and they always replied with a nod.
It was dark at the conclusion of our day at the Masters, as we were some of the last patrons to leave. Maintenance crews and mowers with headlights beaming were prepping the golf course for day two.
We didn’t want to leave and cannot wait to return. If you are a golf fan and have never been to the Masters, it is truly a day you will remember forever.
Everyone deserves a day to bask in the beauty and tradition of the Masters.
