Masters to kids: Come on in!

Golf

Kids between age eight and 16 are ushered into the famous grounds of the Augusta National Golf Club to view the Masters Tournament for free in the program's inaugural year.

Katie Thome, 8, of Williamsburg, Va., looks through the gates waiting to get onto the Masters course for the first round on Thursday. Augusta National and chairman Billy Payne started a new policy for badge-holders this year. Kids aged 8-16 will be admitted to the famous course, for free, on tournament days if they are accompanied by a patron whose name appears on the entrance badge.

And when the gates open, a happy Katie Thome hangs on to her dad Mike. He said, "It's wonderful. They hear us talking about it (The Masters) and now they can experience it."

Viewing the Masters has its own strategy, too. William Parks, of Chapel Hill, N.C., (left) browses the spectator guide with William Hall, of Morehead City, N.C., and his son Ty Hall, 13, right.

Just happy to be here. Augusta National member Tim Neher, right, greets Bill Crawford and his son Eddie, 15, from Louisville, Ky., on their way in to the course. Crawford has attended a dozen Masters - this is Eddie's first.

Eight-year-old Braddock Brawner and 6-year-old Davis Brawner of Corinth, Miss. check out their surroundings with parents Braddock and Lindley Brawner. Lindley's father Bob Davis is the badge holder that allowed the kids onto the course. Now where is Tiger?

Well it's not Tiger but Fuzzy Zoeller is still a crowd favorite. The 1979 Masters winner goofs with the gallery before teeing off on hole 8.

Davis Brawner holds his 'Junior Pass' which shows the scenic par-three number 12, also known as the Golden Bell hole.

And away we go! Member Tim Neher chats with Will Minton, 11, from Raleigh, N.C. on the way in to the course, known for it's beauty and exclusivity. Will attended for the first time this year because of the new junior's program.

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Katie Thome, 8, of Williamsburg, Va., looks through the gates waiting to get onto the Masters course for the first round on Thursday. Augusta National and chairman Billy Payne started a new policy for badge-holders this year. Kids aged 8-16 will be admitted to the famous course, for free, on tournament days if they are accompanied by a patron whose name appears on the entrance badge.

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