Welcome to GOLF.com’s “Seen & Heard” video series, in which we give you an inside look at golf’s biggest events through the eyes and ears of our onsite crew. On deck this week: the 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. Let’s go!
ICYMI: Arrivals and a Masters Monday unlike any other | Seen & Heard at Augusta Day 1
In the lead-up to the first round of the Masters, the sense of anticipation in the air is palpable. There are annual traditions to uphold for both players and fans: the Masters Champions Dinner, the Par 3 Contest, and visiting TBonz for a steak.
One of those traditions involves Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley, and his annual state-of-the-union-style address to the media. One of the many updates Ridley delivered on Wednesday included the club’s plans to spruce up “The Patch,” also known as Augusta Municipal, a track beloved by locals for its accessibility and affordability.
GOLF senior writer Michael Bamberger visited the Patch to sit down with former Augusta National caddie Robert “Cigarette” Jones, where he got a lesson on the origin of the phrase “Amen Corner.”
Meanwhile, GOLF executive editor Alan Bastable visited another local institution: the Waffle House. Joining Bastable was Masters amateur Neal Shipley, who earned an invitation as the runner-up at last year’s U.S. Amateur championship.
Masters Par-3 Contest: Who stole the show in golf’s cutest event | Rogers Report
Shipley says he’s looking forward to taking in the full Masters experience.
“My big goal for the week is just to commit to every golf shot,” Shipley says. “I think if I can do that, the scores will come with it.”
Wednesday’s activities closed with the Par 3 Contest — a favorite of GOLF senior social media manager Claire Rogers.
“It was really wholesome to see these guys, their softer side, before the biggest competition of the year,” Rogers says. “I almost start to get a little sad on Wednesday night because my favorite part of the week is over, and now it’s like, the second act of Masters week is about to begin.”
Indeed it is. Competition began on Thursday with a weather delay. To catch up on the GOLF team’s activities in Augusta, check out the full video above — and stay tuned for more Seen & Heard throughout the week.
