AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2008 > April > 11 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USA trip down memory lane at Augusta
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Augusta—It’s “Free-Wheeling Friday” again which means all of us are allowed to go off topic. You want to talk about politics, music, or who makes the best barbeque in the state? Go for it. You have the floor.
(Just so you’ll know, my barbeque vote goes for Holcomb’s in Greensboro, Ga. Best Brunswick stew on the planet).
Since I’m here on the hallowed grounds of Augusta National getting ready for today’s second round, I’m going ask for your indulgence. As it turns out, this is a special anniversary for me at the Masters Golf Tournament.
I grew up about an hour west of here in Union Point, population just over 1,500. In fact, Georgia Tech quarterback Josh Nesbitt played at my old high school (Greene County).
Speaking of Nesbitt, I saw him play in person at field level when I was asked to come back to serve as an honorary captain for Greene County during a state playoff game. Josh is going to be a good college quarterback, especially in Paul Johnson’s system. He would have been an All-Conference or maybe All-America safety. He’s that good.
But back to golf. I’m dating myself here, but I can remember as a little boy, exactly when Masters week would arrive. Before I-20 had been finished, a long procession of cars would come through my town traveling from Atlanta to Augusta in the morning and back in the afternoon. I can remember my mom delaying her regular Saturday trip to the grocery store until the Masters traffic had cleared out. I always wondered what all the fuss was about.
In 1968, 40 years ago tomorrow, I found out. On a Saturday morning there was an unexpected knock on the door. Dr. Leo Wade was a neighbor and had an extra badge for the day. Did I want to go with him?
I always maintain that a boy or girl never forgets the first time they walk into a major league baseball stadium. The same is true for the first trip to Augusta National. Four decades later I can still remember the sights and the sounds of that day.
I remember that pimento cheese sandwich wrapped in green wax paper. As a Southern boy, I’d had many pimento cheese sandwiches before. Somehow, this one tasted better.
I remember Bruce Devlin snaking in a long putt for an eagle on No. 13.
I remember Gary Player getting a hard-earned birdie on 18 and the incredible roar that came with it. The crowd around 18 was unlike anything I had ever seen.
And speaking of roars, you’ll never forget hearing the explosion of sounds coming from all over the course and wondering what had caused it. You would look to the leader board and soon would come the answer.
And little did I know at the time that I was attending what would become a historic Masters. The next day Roberto DeVicenzo finished tied for first but signed an incorrect scorecard. That gave the championship to Bob Goalby.
My high school principal, Mr. Ellis Foster, was an avid golfer and had a deal with all of the students who loved the game. If we could score Masters tickets he would let us skip school and go. He knew what an educational experience it would be. My buddy, Eric Ashley, came through one year and so we went down to Mr. Foster’s office. He gave us his blessing and asked if he could come along.
I promise you, going to The Masters on a school day was better than “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.”
Those are the kind of things I think about when I come back to Augusta National. Thanks for letting me share them with you.
We’ll get back to football on Monday after the latest round of spring games.
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Comments
By CornDawg
April 11, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
Neat-o-misquito. Shazam!
By rersovoirDAWG
April 11, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
Augusta is a botanical garden with a golf course running through it. I was engaged on 14 several years ago and it will always hold a special place for me. I remember 1979 when Fuzzy won. We had our picture taken with him and I too remember all of the sights and sounds. It is a remarkable place.
By Evan
April 11, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
Good article Mr. Barnhart, I remember the frist time my grandfather took me to the Masters I was about 8 at the time. Nothing will make you appreciate the beauty of nature in Georgia than the absurdly green grass and azalias blooming in the spring at Agusta National.
By son_sir
April 11, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
I’m with you on the Holcomb’s B-B-Q. I like the one out in White Plains with the sawdust “floor”. I remember those days when there was an occasional friend or relative with an extra Masters badge. I’ve seen some historic golf at Augusta National. I’d love to take my 10 y/o son for the experience, but that looks like an impossibility now. Thank you corporate America.
By rwfatl
April 11, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
I went to high school in Augusta, so I was lucky enough to go to the Masters many times over the years. My dad always told me to never go to another golf tournament because I was blessed to go to the Masters and would be disappointed if I went to another. I went to the Bell South in Atlanta several years ago when it was at the Atlanta Country Club and Dad was right! Augusta National is the prettiest place in the world and the tournament is run like no other. I just wish my dad had not passed away before they changed the rule on passing the tickets on to kids. Oh, well. At least I was lucky enough to go!
By RAMBLE ON!
April 11, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
Let’s not forget Tony, the master’s was design by the typical prototype GT man.
There’s some Bobby Jones in all of us GT Men.
By quaildawg
April 11, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
71’ practice round with my Grandfather was my first visit. I’ll bet there wasn’t 5K people there that day. My how things have changed. Agree with the pimento sandwich. If I can’t be there I always request one delivered by a friend who is. Egg salad is not bad either.
By MikeD
April 11, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
Good article, my first Masters was 1980 I was 13, did not really appreciate it at the time but a few years later I saw Jack win and Larry Mize win. I have been back a few more times after that for some practice rounds. That is such a cool place that never seems to change - it is timeless and beutiful - I hope it never changes and I am lucky enough to take my son there one day soon.
By Roswell Ed
April 11, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
The most fun I’ve ever had at Augusta is at the practice round.
The players are approachable and you see a side of them that you never see during an event.
Holes 1-9 ho hum
Holes 10-18 as pretty as any where on earth
By shane #1
April 11, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
The Masters is the Grand Old Man of golf. It never seems to change. I have seen many stars come and go, Arnie, Tom, Jack, Gary, the Shark, and I could go on and on, back to the days of “Slammin’ Sammy” and MISTER Hogan. Stars come and go, one day Tiger and “Lefty” will be gone, but the Old Man will still be Grand. The real star of the Masters is Augusta National. Just mention Ray’s Creek, or the Amen Corner, and even the most casual sports fan knows that You are talking about Augusta.
By bill
April 11, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
I was there in ‘93.An unforgettable experince.I can still picture the course.
Langer won the tournament easily.Dan Forsman made a run at him on the front side.I watched Forsman dump 2 in the water in front of number 12.That was the end of his run.
Tony as far as Brunswick stew is concerned,I’ll see your Holcomb’s and raise you an Old Timey Bar-B-Q on Hwy 17 in Savannah.Best stew ever.
By Bamafan
April 11, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this
My father and brother have been to the Masters several times. The Masters is the only golf tournment that I will watch on tv. Back to my favorite sport football, wonder how many bama fans will show up for A-day game saturday. I will be lazy and watch the game on tv. Tony thanks for the blog on the Masters and keep up the good work. ROLL TIDE AND GO MICHEAL THOMPSON WHO IS PLAYING IN THE MASTERS!!
By Miles
April 11, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
Holcomb’s in Greensboro, GA? I’ve a new place to try! Mr. Barnhart, your memories are awesome. Although I’d agree that “a boy or girl never forgets the first time they walk into a major league baseball stadium,” unfortuantely, it’s precisely those that don’t remember that never fully appreciate the history, passion, and glory of sports. It’s too bad Jim Murray wasn’t alive to read your article today. He’d have loved it!
By stuart
April 11, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
i was pulled out of middle school in nashville, tn in 1992 by my dad who arrived unannounced at my classroom door with two badges
we stayed at the knights inn that year and 1993 when we went back without badges and my dad wheeled and dealed us into three days on the course
he passed our lone badge on friday of that year out the chain link fence to me along number 5 and he walked the course with no badge that day
my greatest sports experience ever with my dad
By Realmc
April 11, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
Tony, I remember my first (and only) time there. I walked the entire course as in a technical survey (GT,BCE,’68). DL III was in contention until Olazabal ran in a 25’ snake for eagle on #13 and finally won it. Many fond memories, like cold beer in the green cup along with the pimento cheese sandwich. Having been there makes it so much more fun to watch on TV. I’d rather watch the Masters than a Super Bowl, and I love football (starter on Coach Dodd’s last three teams). Buddy McCoy
By Toothpick
April 11, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
Great article Tony. To me, the Masters along with College Football defines the South. The charm, poetry, passion and beauty of both can be seen in no other part of the country. Whether your strolling around Amen Corner or Between the Hedges - you know you’re in God’s Country!
By Rub-one Off
April 11, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
If Jesus Christ and his 12 disciples were alive today I’m sure they would
play offense for Tech
with JC @ qb and 2 left over
for kicking duties.
By Spike
April 11, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
Ramble On.. All the qualities of Bobby Jones? How about his modesty? Moron.
By yellowblood
April 11, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
UGAY is a POS college. I don’t believe the rumor that Josh was a life long UGAY fan who only went to Tech because he wanted to play QB and couldn’t at UGAY. To hell with those rednecks!!!
By treyinathens
April 11, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
RUb-one….
Didn’t know the disciples were big fumblers.
By Rub-one Off
April 11, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
Judas blames the fumbling on JC.
I myself blame it
on our ridiculous academic standards.
You know we’re smarter than the rest of you SEC idiots!
By Redblood
April 11, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
GayTech is a POS college. Why would anyone want to attend GayTech. To hell with those nerds!
By mcdawg
April 11, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
hey blood brothers-take it to another blog
By shane #1
April 11, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
mcdawg, Give it up, My Man! There will be a post from Gene on here soon blaming this weekend’s upcoming rain at Augusta on Mark Richt’s lack of moral standards.
By War Eagle
April 11, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
bamafan, I saw Michael Thompson name on the list Mon. good for him, The leader now is Snedeker, Vandy, Bateman LSU has dropped down. UGA probably has a couple, Florida DeMarco. anyway great tournament. Bama will have 92,000 stand room only, Auburn had 44000. I had a hit on internet, Julio Jones will not graduate? rumor by one of those bad Tenn fellows.???..
By Zeb McKluskey
April 11, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
See Shane, can’t even have a decent conversation about a sport as calming as golf without a few idiots opening their cake holes.
By Belvedere
April 11, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
I grew up across the river in North Augusta. Every year, our spring break was always Masters Week. We always left and headed off to visit family in Arkansas or some other far off place. To me, Masters Week was just an inconvenience, a time when all these strangers from the world over would come and clog our town.
Then one year a friend and co-worker of my grandmother’s at MCG offered her two badges for the Tuesday practice round. When my grandmother invited me, I reluctantly said yes, just to see what all this fuss was about. After all, as a 9-year-old kid there were more important things on Washington Road, such as ice cream and the playground at McDonalds.
We parked at Mrs. Opal’s house across Washington Road off Eisenhower Drive early that morning. I remember her excitedly telling me stories of Masters past, and, though I didn’t exactly grasp them, I began to understand the importance. We had a nice breakfast that morning, then walked the two blocks to the gate.
The number of people there astounded me. I vividly remember the array of the colors - the pinks and whites of the azaleas and dogwoods, the emerald green of the grass, the sky so blue it look as though you could dive into it for a swim. Like TB said, the pimiento cheese seemed to taste better, the Coca-Cola a bit sweeter and more refreshing.
That day, I walked and watched and watched some more. I soaked it in like a sponge. I even got to high-five Greg Norman and Payne Stewart as they passed. That was the day that I truly got it, when I understood what the Masters really was. It was such a great and unforgettable experience. I feel blessed to have had it.
By GW
April 11, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this
I live near Augusta. The Masters gives Augusta one week per year to be a great city. Otherwise the politicians have ruined what used to be a great city. Thankfully they can’t touch that.
By Zeb McKluskey
April 11, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
To all Tech fans, I was very sorry to hear about the loss of one of your own. My heart goes out to Michael’s family and friends. It’s very difficult to understand why these things happen. Sometimes God’s plan is definitely different than our’s. Take solice that Michael is in a much better place now.
By Titus
April 11, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
Good Bar-b-que…best Brunswick stew on the planet??? That place and all others in GA are slop compared to what’s served in the great states of NC and Texas. Now that’s bar-b-que!
By War Eagle
April 11, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
bamafan, Bama`s Michael Thompson shows a class of all Masters time when he called a penalty on himself which probably caused him the cut. , He goes in the mix of character with Tom Watson as a true gentlemen. I never felt bad about an Bama player in any sport, but this was act of CLASS, I really felt for the kid.Best of luck in his career.
By Bubba Collins
April 11, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
The best bar-b-que and stew, and sauce is in Vienna, Ga. Old black man named J.B. Bryant. Cooks on Thursday nights, and sells out usually on Saturday afternoon. Oak wood. Been doing it for 50 years, and his pa in law before him. Don’t stop unless you got appetite, because it is good. Take out place. The Masters and Arnie says it all. When I was a boy couldn’t wait to get kome from school to see what Arnie did on the news.Live out from Vidalia now, and cherish the times I’m invited to attend the Masters. How I wish I had my own tickets.
By Bamafan
April 11, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this
war Eagle, A bunch of Alabama former players had a golf tournment for Siran Stacy in Birmingham a couple weeks ago and raised a bunch of money for him and his daughter. He had a Auburn friend play in the golf tournment and had a great time with the bama guys. The player from Auburn wrote about it on a Auburn blog and bamamag.com and it was great to read. Wish us fans from bama and Auburn could get along as well. Michael Thompson is a class act!! ROLL TIDE AND GO TIGERS FOR ONE TIME!!
By Festus
April 11, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
I were neever much on that thare paisture pool. A bunch of grown men with them thare stiks a chasin a bunch of them thare bawls. Id raither bee a chasin Miss Kittee.
By The Big Bug
April 11, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this
Bubba got it right about Bryant’s in Vienna. It’s not far from the interstate but about the size of a postage stamp. Thurs, Fri, Sat. I’ve been to just about every one in GA over the last 40 years or so. there is also Smokey’s in Cordele which removes almost all the fat and is excellent.
By srschirm
April 12, 2008 3:24 AM | Link to this
I always make it a point to stop in Holcomb’s off Exit 130 whenever I’m passing through. It’s amazing. They even added a GT flag to go with the UGA decor. Go Tech!
By Cuz
April 12, 2008 3:42 AM | Link to this
shane, it is Rae’s creek. My first Master’s was 1963. My father was the AP photographer and I got to go in the clubhouse and meet Sam Snead. He was very kind to a four year old kid. My father was known up there as having covered Eisenhower for the AP so many times. I was treated like a four year old prince by everyone, golfers, staff and members alike. I retain this memory so well because my parents got divorced the following year. Something like that will help you retain early memories. Ten years later I spoke with Mr. Snead about our first encounter and he signed a golf ball for me. Still got the ball although the flair he used wore off, too bad they did not have sharpies back then.
I have more Master’s memories than you have column space. What a little place of heaven here on earth.
By Tville Dawg
April 12, 2008 7:43 AM | Link to this
Cuz-
Everybody’s got their memories if they went. My most vivid memory was several years back, it was first day when all the past champions play their ceremonial rounds and depart. I watched Doug Ford dribble his tee shot up under the Eisenhower tree on 17. Never having played the course, one has difficulty judging distance and what constitues a good shot. Later in the day, I watched Jumbo Ozaki tee off at the same hole. When his ball reached the tree it was still climbing. WOW!
Being a lifetime duffer who couldn’t score in the 80s if he had to, I am in awe of how well these guys can hit the ball.
Augusta is a very special place.
By BuckheadBill
April 12, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
You need to change your name if you’re going to waste space writing about golf.
By chuck allison
April 12, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
Started out as a good article about Josh Nesbitt, then you kind of drifted off about some golf tournament or something. I would enjoy your articles more if you stayed on the subject. Are you having a shorter attention span lately?
By War Eagle
April 12, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
cuz, very impressive, I met Sam Snead through a friend at a Arnie-Sam exhibition round in Acworth years ago. Cuz you most have miles of memories on the “most beautiful place on earth”. Do you remember Cary Middlecoff? I was on sixteen green, his tee shot hit about 3 ft above the pin, back spin bought back into the lake. I never will forget that moment because I never had ever seen many balls back-up, but this distance was unreal.
By War Eagle
April 12, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
bamafan, . I read about Siran Stacy golf benefit, very nice. Its not in the books for me to even think or realize what happen to him. Losing four kids and a wife in one car accident is horrible. The reason Bama-Auburn fans have hard commuunication is their are very few Bama fans as nice and polite as you. I will try to restraint myself this year because I have like all Bama coaches in the past, but I know some tricks Saban perform before Bama and I really dislike him???Waiting for Masters..
By cb
April 12, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this
A good article. Since you are from Green County I’m sure you knew my uncle L.L. Wyatt, who was sheriff for many years.
By Festus
April 12, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this
Maisters? I’s thawghts thait wers outlawed in 1865 durrin thait thare War of Northeern Agrission. I aint much on thait thare paisture pool. A bunchs of groan men a chaisin a bunchs of them thare bawls weeth stiks. I’d raither be a chaisin Miss Kittee!
By OldDawg55
April 12, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this
Tony, that article was great..put you up there with Furman Bisher! Aside from the great descriptive phrases on Augusta National I enjoyed your notes on barbeque..and the responses from some of your bloggers. I consider myself a BBQ connieseur (sp) and have traveled the South..it would be useless to go outside the South..in my hunt for great BBQ. There is nothing like GA, NC, SC barbeque..can’t wait to try Holcolmbs’..now the spot in Vienna/Cordele…can’t agree with your comment on Brunswick stew…my wife makes the best since my Ma passed on and my buddy David Smith from Tennille,GA…Pat’s Place in Balwin County used to be great..long gone now…and a black gentleman named Hooks up the highway from Pat’s made great BBQ..also was a little trailer parked in downtown Forsyth that had great BBQ. I live in Alabama and they don’t really know what BBQ is..dry meat and sweet sauce, ugh! As far as Texas, mentioned by one of your bloggers, they can do beef but no where close on pork. Can’t wait to get back to Georgia and continue my quest for world’s greatest. Thanks again for the Augusta memories!!
By Bobby T
April 13, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this
Texas guys, stick to your beef brisket and us Georgia guys will stick to pork and Brunswick stew. North Carolina guys, you just need to give up. It’s slop.
Great article. The Masters is the only sporting event that has not succumbed to greed.
Nesbitt seems to be a good athlete and will be a pain in the side for us at UGA. But I wish him the best.
By UNCHeel
April 13, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
Ramble ON: If you were a fraction as smart as you think you are, you would realize Alistair McKenzie designed Augusta National, not Bobby Jones. Jones was instrumental in organizing the golf club, but had little to zero influence on the course design. Buffoon.
By virginia dog
April 14, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this
a few points: 1) holcombe’s does all it’s actual cooking in White Plains. 2) the BBQ & Stew are great 3) the typical tech man is now an exchange student from asia or the middle east. 4)if born today bobby jones would be a bulldog. sorry the truth is sometimes painful. 5)speaking of Payne, did you see the chairman of augusta national. that’s right, he is a bulldog. 6)Georgia is a bulldog world, you are just living in it.
By Jim
April 14, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
My father was a dedicated golfer (it never rains at the golf course) and loved the Masters. I think that the only earthly thing that he loved more was his family. Unfortunately he had a seious heart problem, didn’t like to travel and never made much money. However, for several years he would travel to Augusta for at least the first two rounds. He was there when an amateur (Billy Joe Patton?) was in the hunt until the end. He talked about that for weeks. Great story, it brought back memories of my dad who has been gone for nearly 50 years.