Another Spring, Another Masters!
 

Here we go again, guys and gals. Time to buckle up for that annual drive down Magnolia Lane and a taste of down-home southern hospitality in the world of Big Time Golf. Click on www.masters.org and catch the fever that will be raging April 3-9. That would be Yellow Fever because the pollen will be falling from those majestic southern pines before you know it!

First guess
 

Let me be the first one to make a guess - Ernie Els.

I think the most important aspect of Augusta is putting. Ernie loves to play and plays a lot of tournaments every year. Last year he couldn't play because his knee wouldn't take full swings, so I'm guessing he had a lot of time to practice putting.

Remember you heard it here first (unless he does poorly, then just forget I said anything)

That right knee anchor is, indeed, tough on the knees.

Ernie played in last year's Masters and US Open. The injury only occurred later on in the summer.
But I agree he has to be one of the main guys that will contend in this years Masters.
Alex

Green Jacket Envy
 

The Augusta National Tournament Committee only changed six hole this year? Must be getting close to Tiger-proof. Still the best tournament there is!

Was there for the Monday practice round in 1996 and 2004. What an amazing experience---both times. Wish I had used a digital camera last time so I could share some of my photos. Took 6 rolls both visits. One suggestion for those of you fortunate to go this year----don't tell too many people you are going because they ALL want a shirt, or hat,etc. for a souvenir. One guy with me ran up a $1400 bill at the pro shop getting all the stuff for his pals. His last words, " Next time I'm not telling $^%#@!$$#@$ anybody!"

Through The Pines And Down Memory Lane
 

My first entry into The Masters came in 1964 at age 17. And while it wasn't down Magnolia Lane, it definitely was down Memory Lane...

You could buy tickets by mail in those days -- if you got your letter in early enough -- but I hadn't done that, and they had since sold out. So, bright and early on opening Thursday, I parked my little Bahama Blue Volkswagon off the side of the road near the back of the course and followed the seven-foot chain-link fence until I was out of public view. Feeling safe, I found a good spot and climbed over.

:)

Had to wait my turn, though: Two older guys (in their late 20s) had beat me to the punch and were already boosting their wives -- one a definite prospect for Jenny Craig -- over the top.

Once over, we all high-tailed it through the woods like one big happy family -- they were carrying picnic baskets! -- until...like Dorothy into The Land of Oz...we found ourselves at the end of Amen Corner, that sacred ground near the 13th green and 16th tee box. Which, of course, at that time I knew absolutely nothing about.

Whoa!

As we emerged from the tall pines, there before us bursting with color lay the bright green panorama that is the Augusta National Golf Club! Having absolutely no idea where I was -- that would change! -- I began the long walk uphill that would take me to the Clubhouse.



There are defining moments in life, those you will always remember where you were and under what circumstances you got the news. Your first visit to Augusta in April is one of those moments.

If you get the chance, go.

You'll never forget it.

[quote=Yoda] Two older guys (in their late 20s) had beat me to the punch and were already boosting their wives -- one a definite prospect for Jenny Craig -- over the top. [quote]

She musta heard about the chicken samich!!! . . . and the ham . . . and the club . . . and the cheeze . . . and the Que

Fat people LOVE the Masters!

Bucket LOVES the Masters!

Who's going this year? We should try to meet . . .

Anybody who can explain "there is no angle of approach to an angle of approach procedure" correctly . . . Per-mint-er Cheeze on Bucket!

I'll be there one of the days . . . not sure which.

TGIF -- An Affair To Remember
 

I'll be there Friday (with Bambam in tow!). :)

Colonel -- and any other interested Patrons and LBG Members -- let's meet at noon behind the Clubhouse near the big magnolia. PM me if you can make it. The 'mento cheeses will be on me!

P.S. The Big Magnolia ain't exactly the Empire State Building in the movie An Affair to Remember (or Sleepless in Seatle)...

It's better!

For 'minter cheeze samiches (note plural) I'll push HARD for Friday tickets.

You're not jumpin' the fence this year right? You may be better off with a yellow jumpsuit and a trash stabber . . .:rolleyes:

Uncle Sam Needed Me
 

Did that on my Wedding Day...but that's another story. :D

OK guys, need some help here... I actually had to lookup pimento cheese sandwich to figure out what it is was! :o I guess I've heard of it, but have definately never seen or eaten one. Sounds tasty, is this a southern thing?

http://www.augusta.com/masters/revie...oint1998.shtml

What I Meant To Say...
 

You know...I just re-read that post and now can see where others may have gotten totally the wrong idea. Not so!

On my Wedding Day, I was literally stabbing trash (in uniform at age 20, 5 a.m., June 7, 1967, on Mountain Home Air Force Base in Mountain Home, Idaho). I was wearing a hooded parka (not a yellow jumpsuit), but I was definitely stabbing trash. I shouldn't have been there -- Alan Sopinski had the duty but got sick...ah, to heck with it, it's a neat story, but not here. The good news is that, 39 years later, these two 'kids' -- three children and four grandchildren later -- are still together.

I was dealt a great hand.

Trash stabber and all.

:)

Me And The Masters And 'Mento Cheese Samiches
 

I've said it before...

The only way I will watch The Masters on TV is with my green paper-wrapped 'mento cheese samiches close by. It just wouldn't be The Masters without'em!

I make The Pilgrimage only every few years or so, and when I do, I always load up on the green wrappers. I mean, you just can't find'em for sale down at the local Kroger or Piggly Wiggly!

Now, 'mento cheese is 'mento cheese. But those green wrappers...

Augusta in April may be the only place and time in the world they exist! They paint everything green down there!

My motto?

Get'em where you can, when you can!

Too Nice for Such an Interpretation
 

Lynn,

There is no way that anyone should ever think otherwise. You are far too nice a man for folks to consider that you would make such an ingracious implication.

Dude . . . You have been hoodwinked by your Mommy or somebody. You ain't never had no minter' cheeze samich? The horror . . .

I can imagine you've never had livermush and mayonaise slapped on white bread? Have you ever poured a pack of peanuts in a Grap Sodee? Ever had a fried twinkie? Potted Meat and crackers? Pickled Eggs? PB and nanner samich? Pinrose and saltines?

You gotta broaden them culinary horizons. Your heart won't love you but man your tastebuds . . . LIVE.

In The Hall...Somewhere!
 

Livermush and mayo? Pul-ease! =;

Potted meat and crackers? :-k

Pinrose and saltines? :-s

Hall-of-Fame post, Colonel 12 Piece.

Maybe in another wing (no pun intended)...

But Hall of Fame nonetheless!

Uh, Dude, you forgot Vianny Sausages and cheese on Ritz Crackers with just a hint of worm goo (off your fingers) from the bait bucket, eaten in an aluminum fishin' boat in the middle of the lake.

nope, never had minter' cheeze :( If it's as good as you guys say, I'll bring some to my mom and ask her why she did me so wrong :cool:

Cracker + topping of choice + wowrm goo in an aluminum fishin' boat....check, as often as possible.

fried twinkie...check, but hadn't heard of them until I moved way south to the hoosier state :) We fry anything here in the hoosier state (twinkies, snickers, small animals...).

PB and nanner samich...thought about it once.

no pickeled eggs, but pickled baloney on cheddar is a college football season staple.

You lost me on the rest...I guess I'm a sheltered yank who grew up on cony dogs, donuts, pizza, and chinese food :)

My baloney has a first name . . .
 

Pickled baloney? Man that's a new one to me! Sounds great! Where can one secure pickled baloney? You gotta try the PB and 'nanner (some add mayo). Classic. It will change your life!

The Masters
 

I may be one of the only guys in history that has the ability to go each and every day to The Masters, but has never been. I can show my PGA membership card and get in the gate, but I won't go.

There's something about being invited to the best buffet in the world (The Masters) and not being allowed to eat (take a divot). Once I play Augusta National, I'll go watch.

There's another benefit to not attending. Sunday afternoon, there's nobody on any of the golf courses. You can play as much as you'd like. You can record The Masters and watch it when it's dark, as long as you can keep everyone at the course from telling you who won. :)

Meijers grocery store has it around here (they're a good Michigan based chain), or most good butcher shops....it's got a bite, so you may want to buffer the first taste w/ a cracker. Although by the sounds of "livermush" I'm sure you'll be fine.

I'll do the PB and 'nanner thing for breakfast sometime this week :)

Yes we have no 'nanners.
 

Cool! I'll check it out! Fat people love reconstuted meat products particularly if preserved in some chemical embalming type solution. I'm all over it!

FYI we're friends here so you can eat your 'nanner samich for breakfast, but this is typically a lunch item or afternoon snack type thing. Best if toated in a paper sack or Spiderman lunch box.

I'll report back on the pickled baloney (assuming I can find it here in NC). Let me know about your "first time" with the 'nanner samich.

Spiderman lunch box...not sure I still got that one, but I may be able to find one of my others maybe GI Joe or the Duke boys;)

I'll let you know about the PB&N. Just to be clear...do I just mash it all up together, or is there a technique?

No no no. Just bread loaded with PB then 'nanner slices. . . mayo optional. Sounds nasty with mayo but it's gooooood.

I beg to differ, sir. Mash the nanners up in the pb until you have a proper goo. Spread on buttered toast (Texas Toast is best) for proper sammich and insert in face. Thankyewverymuch!

Martha Stewart's Masters Cookbook -- Not!
 

All I can say is that it is a good thing none of you guys will ever win The Masters.

'Cuz...

The Champion's Dinner -- or breakfast or lunch or whatever -- is just not ready for this!

not just for lunch anymore...
 

Dude, you gotta try it for breakfast w/ a cup of joe. I mean it would be great at lunch, too, but this is a perfect post-run, on the way to work breakfast :-D

Nice work! Welcome the dirty dirty as in South! This is a proud day! I'm gettin' weepy! To take it to the next level add mayo and wash'er down with Grap Sodee (Grape Soda) instead of that Java stuff.

I couple of comments . . . is that a Social Security Card in the background? You ain't in a sleeper cell are you? And you look like you have bionic thumb! Are you the 6 Million Dollar man Steve Austin???

Congrats on your "first time!" So proud . . .

you freaked me out! Our baby's new SS card was sitting on the counter just out of the photo...I thought I accidentally posted his SSN on the web for all to see and borrow. Identity theft at 1.5 months :eek:

We don't have soda here, but I'll see if I can find some grape pop ;-)


A man barely alive . . . Gentlemen, we can rebuild him . . . we have the technology. We have the capability to make the world's first bionic man. ??bambam?? will be that man. Better than he was before, Stronger, Faster, a Flat Left Wrist...

Say, Doc, Could I Ask A Favor....?
 

Ben,

When they 'rebuild,' would ya ask'em to put a bit more Bend in that Right Wrist? :cool:

There, I feel better now! :D

Make sure you stay on the right side of the ropes!
 

Me and Bagger were there on Friday last year. We asked directions to the 10th tee and an older man working the parking lot pointed us down a dirt path. We walked and noticed no one else was walking that way. Then VJ came by in a cart and gave us a look. We emerged from the trees on the WRONG side of the ropes next to the 10th tee box. Sergio gave us a look, thinking we must be somebody!

After they teed off, a nice gentleman with a walkie talkie asked us to please move to the other side of the ropes and wanted to know how we got there! We pleaded ignorance and compled immediately. :D

Bye Bye Badges!
 

'Ten-four' on the comply thing, good buddy. Especially when you're wearing my badges. =;

If the Men in Green take'em from you, I'll never see'em again! :(

Seeing Green
 

I beg to differ.

I see you behind the ropes coaching the next Masters Champion within the next few years.

Your money leaders will be wanting some of your time as well.

Badges, we don't need no stinking badges! :D

Bagger

Green Acres Is the Place To Be
 

Player Instructor credentials issued by the Masters Committee. Now wouldn't that be something!

And, hey, it could happen...

After all, green is my favorite color! :D

I'm a Masters "virgin"...How do you recommend I go about getting tickets to a practice round?...(I'm aware of the mailing list now...but too late for 2006)...What price range do I need to look for?...Thanks in advance...

(bump)
 

(Bump)....Any ideas?

ebay
 

There were some on eBay going for about $350.00 each. Ouch!