Discussion»Statements»Rosie's Corner» Any golf fans out there? Are ya watching THE MASTERS at Augusta? Green Jacket? Bobby Jones? Didja see the movie about Bobby?
Any golf fans out there? Are ya watching THE MASTERS at Augusta? Green Jacket? Bobby Jones? Didja see the movie about Bobby?
After he retired (always played as an AMATEUR. Never turned professional) he designed Augusta as an homage to St. Andrews. If you understand that then you are indeed a golf fan. Whom do you want to win? Why?
I'm not a golf fan. The game usually has my attention on Sunday of tournament week when it all comes to a head. I was born in Augusta and spent most of my life there. I was never at the National as a patron, I worked security there for about ten years and it was an adventure. In seven days, you meet the world. Patrons and media from the Asian nations are among the most serious of golf fans and followers. Among the friendliest among the international visitors are the Aussies who are wide open and gregarious, meeting no strangers. I have stories and memories of Palmer, Nicklaus and Player, as well as many of the champions of the 1950's and 1960's. I have a trophy case of souvenirs and I've never even played the game. The practice rounds have many locals in attendance and the tournament is where you have the international crowd. I never met Bobby Jones, but by reputation I know that he was a living trademark and roving ambassador for the game and for the National, which he pioneered. Sadly, Mr. Jones was physically disabled and it may have contributed to his death at fairly early age. I was on hand when Woods played his final year as an amateur and of course for his first year as a professional. I was there for Greg Norman's famous meltdown after leading the tournament. I watched as Gene Sarazen opened the tournament each year with a ceremonial shot at the first tee. My favorite as far as conversation goes, was Byron Nelson. As far as pranks and mischief, Fuzzy Zoeller was always fun to have around. One of my favorite Augusta National stories involved President Eisenhower, who spent many vacations on the course. This of course was before my time. There was a tree that the president consistently hit with his shot. In frustration, Ike declared that he was President of the US and that tree had to go. Clifford Roberts, the chairman of the National at that time, said that all of that aside, he was the Chairman and the tree would stay. Roberts won the argument. During one of the final years that I worked the Masters, a predawn thunderstorm hit the course causing some damage, even uprooting a magnolia tree on Magnolia Lane. By the time the sun rose, there was no indication that anything had been out of order. Even the magnolia was replaced and sodded. There wasn't a shred of evidence that anything was amiss. That's how it operates.
YOU ARE SO LUCKY! Years ago we saw some "short subject" films featuring Bobby trying to teach celebrities how to play golf. It lasted about 20 minutes and it was a different celebrity every time. Both Jim and I have a HUGE crush on Bobby for his character and how he chose to "spend" his talent. We've seen the film about his life several times. Didn't know he was temperamental early on but he learned he'd better shape up and he did. One tournament he lost by one stroke after he told the judges he caused the ball to move. It was reviewed by all who witnessed it and they said no one saw the ball move. Bobby INSISTED it had. That kind of honorable action may be "normal" among golfers but it surely is abnormal among ordinary human beings who lie, cheat and steal to "win". Bobby wasn't ordinary. Every time The MASTERS rolls around and we see Augusta we get goosebumps. Bobby is there in every nook and cranny having designed it. He was heroic we think and a wonderful example of what a "good" human being is/should be. It was some neurological disease that manifested itself early on but he ignored it. I think he died at the age of 69 and what a legacy he left behind. I wonder how many folks know anything about Bobby Jones? Ever hear of Pete Maravich? He was called "Pistol Pete". A great basketball player. I liked him a lot too. Thank you for sharing all of that wonderful history. I told Jim of all the famous sports venues in the world including Wimbledon (we adore Roger Federer) the first place I'd ever want to visit would be Augusta. I really do appreciate your spending so much time sharing your experiences there ub. It means a lot to me and I shall not forget it. A great kindness. You don't forget those things. At least I don't! :)
This post was edited by RosieG at April 8, 2018 4:10 AM MDT
Benedict Arnold 