I never understood the hype around Augusta National growing up. Sure, my dad watched The Masters and eventually my college teammates convinced me to tune into the final round with them on Sundays – because even our coaches would give “us” the day off to go watch.
It was difficult not to root for people as I watched, but I probably wouldn’t have turned on the television myself if it weren’t for my dad or my teammates.
I don’t know why I couldn’t get into the hype. I love golf – playing it, sharing it, growing it. It’s been my entire life since I first started playing at nine years old. I’ve played the game at every level – junior, college, professional – and continue to work in it now with my own media company, Fairway to Green. So I knew golf itself wasn’t the problem.
My golf marketing career began at Nicklaus Companies in 2011 when I was still in high school. Mr. Nicklaus was constantly signing the famous photo of him holding up his putter after winning the 1986 Masters at 46 years old. It’s a legendary moment in golf history that is clearly significant to more than Mr. Nicklaus himself.
But why? What about Augusta National and The Masters is so special that the course is at the top of everyone’s bucket list and the tournament is a once-in-a-lifetime experience?
Yes, I’ve heard it’s a tradition unlike any other. I’ve heard every blade of grass is perfect. I’ve seen the incredible shots and stories that have come out of The Masters every year.
It wasn’t until I stepped foot on Augusta National that I found my answer. Two thoughts immediately came to mind: I understand the hype and I know why I didn’t get it before.
First, the environment. When you step onto the grounds, you’re immediately greeted by the friendliest people you will ever meet. Despite being such a large, prestigious property, you get a homey feel just from the staff. You can’t help but smile with each interaction – their joy is contagious and you can tell they genuinely love working here and sharing Augusta National with everyone.
Then, there’s the landscaping. Azaleas in full bloom everywhere you look. Grass the perfect shade of green. Stone buildings with white pillars. It’s a beautiful property, no question about it. The first thing I did after I set my bag down in the media center, known as The Arena, and headed outside was touch the grass. I don’t know what compelled me to do it, but just how I would envision an alien coming to Earth for the first time, I bent down and just admired the manicured landscaping. It really is as perfect as everyone says.
I don’t normally get lost on golf courses, but I was overwhelmed by the onslaught of moments captured here, like Mr. Nicklaus’ winning putt on 18. Turns out, I did retain some Masters moments from watching with my dad and teammates. I took several wrong turns between the driving range and first tee, probably ending up in areas I wasn’t supposed to be, but I felt like I was in a haze.
And all of this emotion before I even walked the golf course.
As I made my way back to The Arena, I surprised myself with how much being here changed my perspective. But it also made me reflect on why it shifted. As beautiful as the grass is and as welcoming as the people are, those weren’t the turning points for me either.
It dawned on me that what changed was the Augusta National Women’s Amateur. Starting in 2019, women could compete at Augusta National. That’s all it took. Girls and women now had an opportunity to be part of Augusta National’s history and a pathway to get there for the very first time.
As a girl growing up, I never saw myself at Augusta National because there was no way for me to get there. I could cheer for the men playing The Masters just like I would root for my favorite NFL team, but it wasn’t as inspiring for me personally as watching Annika Sorenstam play and break down barriers. I could (attempt to) follow in Annika’s footsteps, but not Jack Nicklaus’.
As a Type A, goal-oriented person, if I wasn’t allowed somewhere and there was nothing I could do to push the boundaries, it wasn’t worth my energy. I must have subconsciously channeled that into my view of Augusta National and The Masters.
But now, everything’s different because the access has changed. Girls can dream of playing at Augusta National. With more women becoming members there, women have a chance to play it. That’s all I needed – a sliver of hope to participate in this special place. Just like how a young boy dreaming of wearing a green jacket when he’s older is possible but not probable, girls have the same opportunity now, too.
When I walked the course the next day and saw the best amateurs in the world conquering Augusta National, I couldn’t help but feel pride in their drive to get here and hope that many more will. The Augusta National Women’s Amateur was just what I – and hopefully other girls around the world – needed to move off the sidelines and become part of the tradition unlike any other.
